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Summary

In this sermon, the pastor explores Mark 11:23, where Jesus says that if someone tells a mountain to throw itself into the sea without doubting, it will happen. The pastor challenges the congregation to take this promise seriously rather than explaining it away. He emphasizes that while we've never seen literal mountains move, this passage invites us to pray with bold faith, speaking our requests out loud, and believing that God can do the impossible.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the power of faith and prayer, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to Your truth. Help us to set aside our doubts and limitations so we can embrace the mountain-moving faith You desire for us. Guide our conversation today and show each person here exactly what You want them to learn about praying with bold confidence. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the biggest or most ambitious thing you've ever prayed for, and what happened?

Key Verses

  • Mark 11:23
  • Mark 11:24
  • Psalm 81:10
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Romans 8:30

Questions

  • The pastor mentioned that our first inclination is often to explain away Jesus' words about moving mountains. Why do you think we struggle to take Jesus literally on this promise?
  • What 'mountains' in your life right now seem impossible to move? Have you been praying about them with the kind of faith Jesus describes?
  • The sermon emphasized speaking our prayers out loud. How might saying our prayers aloud change how we pray and what we pray for?
  • The pastor said, 'I think our prayers suffer because our vision is too small.' Do you agree? In what ways might your prayers be too small?
  • What's the difference between praying 'if it be Your will' and simply asking directly for what you want?
  • The sermon mentioned the story of a woman who brought an umbrella to a prayer meeting for rain. What would be the equivalent of 'bringing an umbrella' to your prayers today?
  • How do you reconcile times when you've prayed with faith but didn't receive what you asked for?
  • The pastor suggested that we often avoid bold prayers because we're afraid God might ask us to participate in the answer. Has this ever been true for you?

 

Life Application

This week, identify one 'mountain' in your life that seems impossible to move. Write it down, and then each day, speak out loud a prayer of faith regarding this mountain. Be specific about what you're asking God to do. Don't add qualifiers like 'if it be Your will' - simply ask boldly. Keep a journal of any thoughts, impressions, or actions God prompts you to take as part of the answer to this prayer.

Key Takeaways

  • Jesus invites us to pray with mountain-moving faith that believes God can do the impossible.
  • Speaking our prayers out loud demonstrates commitment to our requests and shows we truly believe God can answer.
  • God honors those who dare to say out loud what they're asking Him to do.
  • Sometimes God answers our prayers in unexpected ways that require our participation.
  • Prayer is not a burden or duty but a privilege - we should pray not because we must, but because we want to.

 

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for reminding us of the power of faith-filled prayer. Forgive us for the times we've limited You with our small prayers and hesitant faith. Give us the courage to speak to our mountains, to pray boldly and specifically, believing that You can and will answer. Help us to be ready to participate in Your answers, even when they come in unexpected ways. May we leave this discussion with renewed confidence in Your power and a commitment to pray with mountain-moving faith. In Jesus' name, amen.