Whenever it’s time to start a new Bible study or teaching session with my small group, I always like to start by asking, “What does God desire to do in our lives this season?” Starting with a spiritual growth goal in mind for the group helps establish a framework not only for the study itself, but it can also serve to give us a structure for prayers we can voice on behalf of each member.
I love the example Paul gave us throughout his letters to the churches in the New Testament. He continually expressed how and what he was praying for each group of believers. This is such a great model for us to follow as we consider how to encourage our small groups through consistently praying on their behalf.
How can you more effectively pray for your small group as the members develop in their spiritual walks? Here are 10 things God has prompted me to pray for my small group this year. You can probably think of several more, but maybe this will get you started!
1. Express thanks to God for each person in your group.
“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer.”
Philippians 1:3 -4
2. Ask God to increase their desire to know Him more and to deepen their walk with Him.
“I have sought you with all my heart; don’t let me wander from your commands.”
Psalm 119:10
3. Ask God to give them a hunger for His Word.
“Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Colossians 3:16
4. Pray that they would develop a consistent and meaningful prayer life.
“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
5. Ask the Lord to strengthen their relationships with Jesus and their dependence on Him.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29
6. Ask God to help them develop the fruit of the Spirit as they walk through the rhythms and interruptions of daily life.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
John 15:5
7. Pray that they would have God’s wisdom to guide them in decisions and choices in their personal lives.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
Ephesians 1:17-19
8. Ask for the Lord to give His wisdom to guide them as they raise up their children to love the Lord and walk in His ways.
“Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.”
Proverbs 4:25-26
9. Pray for their relationships with their spouse, family, and friends to reflect the attributes of Christ.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
10. Pray for the members of your small group to cultivate a desire to grow deeper together in community.
“We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, since your faith is flourishing and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing.”
2 Thessalonians 1:3
I wholeheartedly believe that God uses our small groups to give us glimpses of how He’s working in each person’s life so we have a more complete picture of who He is. It is through this beautiful tapestry He has woven together that we can more fully see His glory reflected as we walk out life together here on earth.
ABOUT SHARI EDWARDS
Shari is a wife of over 30 years to her college sweetheart, mother of three sons and a beautiful daughter-in-law. She is also “Sibby” to two precious young granddaughters. She resides in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where she is involved in her community and an active member of Park Hill Baptist.
She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations. Shari currently serves as adjunct instructor of Women’s Ministry at Ouachita Baptist University Pruet School of Christian Studies. She has been active in Women’s Ministry leadership for over twenty years and currently serves as coordinator for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Inspire Women’s Conference and in the ABSC Women’s Ministry Leader Network. She served as the Hot Springs 2018 YouLead Coordinator. Shari is currently enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Leavell College and pursuing a Women’s Ministry Certificate. She pursues freelance consulting in women’s ministry leadership, speaking, and writing opportunities and loves to encourage women of all ages to grow in everyday life through a closer walk with God and with each other.
