City Group Guide: The Kingdom Week 7 – “Prayer”
1. Setting the Kingdom Vision (10 min)
In Matthew 6:5–15, Jesus teaches His followers how to pray in a way that honors God rather than impressing people. Prayer in the Kingdom is relational, not performative.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Prayer is not a list of demands; it’s a conversation with God, a way to align our hearts with His Kingdom purposes. The Lord’s Prayer offers a model: acknowledging God’s holiness, seeking His will, relying on Him for provision, and receiving His forgiveness.
Discussion:
Why is it tempting to make prayer a performance?
How does private prayer shape our inner life differently than public displays?
Which part of the Lord’s Prayer resonates with you most right now?
(Leader note: encourage honesty—prayer is about relationship, not perfection.)
2. Guide Overview: Kingdom Conversation with God (2 min)
Prayer is a Kingdom practice that transforms the heart. Jesus contrasts shallow, repetitive, or showy prayers with authentic, Spirit-led communication. Tonight, we’ll reflect on how our prayers can move from obligation to relationship, shaping both our desires and actions in line with God’s will.
3. Kingdom Practice: Reflection and Prayer (30 min)
Step 1: Read the Passage (5 min)
Read Matthew 6:5–15 aloud. Pause and ask: “Which phrase or instruction challenges you the most?”
Step 2: Reflect (5 min)
In quiet prayer, consider:
“Where do I struggle to pray authentically?”
“How might God be inviting me to align my heart with His Kingdom through prayer?”
Optionally, reflect on each line of the Lord’s Prayer personally.
Step 3: Share and Pray (15 min)
Invite each person to share one area where they desire greater authenticity in prayer. Pray together:
“Father, transform [name]’s prayer life. Teach them to come to You with openness, honesty, and trust, seeking Your will above all.”
(Leader tip: model transparency by sharing a personal prayer struggle or desire.)
Step 4: Group Reflection (5 min)
Discuss together:
How does private, authentic prayer impact your daily life?
How might modeling this approach to prayer encourage others in the group or community?
4. Reflection: Kingdom-Aligned Prayer (5 min)
Re-read Matthew 6:10:
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Reflect: True prayer shapes us to desire what God desires. Where might He be inviting you to surrender your agenda and trust His Kingdom purposes this week?
5. Exercise for the Week Ahead (3 min)
Practice: Daily Prayer Alignment
Set aside a short, private time each day to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as a guide.
Focus on authenticity rather than eloquence.
Notice where God begins to shape your heart and daily decisions through this practice.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, You call us to come to You in prayer with open hearts. Teach us to pray authentically, seeking Your will and reflecting Your Kingdom in our lives. May our conversations with You transform us and guide our words, actions, and relationships. Amen.”