Prayer makes a difference especially when that prayer aligns with God’s purposes. New ongoing Bible study groups help our church reach new people, mostly people who are far from God. One thing we can do in our current group is to pray for new groups. Over the next few weeks, we will look at how to use the Explore the Bible Adult Daily Discipleship Guide and Adult Group Box to start a new group. Before we get to that, we need to think about the role prayer plays in the creation of a new group.
When we think about praying for new groups, there are at least three ways we can pray.
1. For a new group just starting. Our church may have a new group that is in the early stages of starting. We can lead our group to pray for that new group. They will face challenges and frustrations as they get started, and we can encourage the teacher and leaders through prayer. In some cases, all a person wants to know is that someone is praying for them, and we can be that person or group.
2. For a group starting a new group. New groups are born from an existing group. A teacher may be called upon to leave their current group or some people involved in a group may feel the need to help get a new group off the ground by joining that new group. The group that gave birth to the new group needs our prayer as well. The vacuum left by those who move to the new group will open the door for new opportunities and for new growth. The old group needs our prayer support too!
3. For us to start a new group. We can ask God to help us determine if we need to help start a new group. God may tell us to support other groups who are starting new groups, or He may reveal to us that we need to start a new Bible study group. The point is asking God and not deciding for Him. We can ask God to give us eyes to see the need and the courage to help address the need. Our responsibility is to seek God’s direction and act based on His answer.