Pulpit Curriculum
The Power of Prevailing Intercession
Mark 7:24-37
by Pastor Kurt Gebhards
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You are not expected to cover every detail of this Pulpit Curriculum, rather, consider it a resource to help you in guiding your group to a deeper understanding of the Word and to gain richer profit from the Word’s application to life. Lifegroup leaders may find it beneficial to select 3 to 6 questions that will make the time most productive. Remember, there is great benefit to group members whose hunger to grow will stimulate their returning, on their own at a later time, so as to understand and apply it further.
Introduction:
Pastor Kurt shared the nature of his childhood. Maybe you, like him, experienced a difficult upbringing with few resources to face the hardships of life. That’s what life is like without the Savior. His faithful grandma prayed for him and it made a difference. Who is on your daily prayer list? Who was it that prayed for you? This is the question raised by our study in Mark 7 this week. Will you tap the power of prevailing prayer?
1. Prevailing Intercession Takes Persistence v. 24-30
What was the definition that was given for the word intercession? When we bring the life and circumstance of others before the Lord we are doing a ministry of great significance. In what ways does God respond to our requests?
The Syrophoenician woman appeared poorly positioned to experience God’s favor in her approach to Jesus. Why is that? How did she respond to these seeming disadvantages or shortcomings? Her young daughter was in severe condition. This broken woman would stop at nothing to request God’s help. Read Matt. 15:21-28 and identify what Jesus remarked about her. What was her physical position before Jesus as she communicated her request? Why is that a critical element of this story?
Jesus seemed less than charitable in His response to her by calling her a dog but He had another purpose in characterizing her this way. What was He communicating about Himself and about His purpose? Why was she not offended at His remark?
When we come to God with a humble spirit we enter into His presence with the assurance of His grace and mercy [Jms. 4:6]. What was the key to the work of Christ’s healing? Why is it important to realize that Jesus was not addressing a technique for answered prayer or training in demon removal? We learn, rather,that He was emphasizing a prayer attitude that He will honor.
2. Prevailing Intercession Takes Pleading v. 31-35
In this sequence of events Jesus had travelled back to the region around the Sea of Galilee. A group of friends bring a Gentile man who is in need of healing. What was the nature of their interaction with Jesus? How is their approach similar to that of the Syrophoenician woman’s? Kurt suggested that we see here people carrying others to the Savior. Who are you carrying in this way? For whom are you taking spiritual responsibility?
Jesus’ way of healing the man is different. How so? Why did He never seem to heal people in the same way or by the same technique? Three things that characterize prevailing prayer life are; you must take them up, you must love them and you must persevere through the impediments. What are some of the impediments that cause us to stop praying and what are some truthful responses to overcome them? One final thought, why should we pray for more than physical healing but for one’s spiritual progress as well?
3. Prevailing Intercession Produces Praise v. 36-37
Jesus said to the crowd who gathered, don’t tell anyone. How did they do at that? When God works we need to praise Him. These people were so astonished at His work they could not hold it in. Has God done a work that you need to praise Him for? Take a moment in Lifegroup and share a most recent astonishing event where God showed up for which you need to praise Him.
Mutual Ministry Moment: In order for our prayers to be persistent we need to know that they work. Have each of your group members identify 1] a great and amazing answer to their prayers and 2] the most recent answer to their prayers. They both may be one and the same. In light of these stories ask, what stop us from going to God with bold confidence?
Pray for continuing progress in our Lifegroups and in our new Launchgroups. Pray for our church to grow in our understanding of prayer and for us to apply this study through prayer for others. Pray that we would not just pray for people’s health or healing but for their heart to grow in the midst of their trials.
The “Intercessory Prayer” groups during our worship services 02/12/12:
1st hour – Colbert
2nd hour – S. Starnes
Prayer development
Prayer is a lot like exercise. You just have to start and then continue to build until you can run a great distance or exercise at a higher level than before. Consider these Scripture passages so that you can begin to develop your prayer and intercession abilities.
Pray for daily needs Matt. 6:11
Pray daily for the forgiveness of sins Matt. 6:12 Ps. 32; Ps. 51; Jer. 29:12–13
Approach God boldly through Jesus, our high priest, who understands our needs Heb. 4:14–16
Cast all your anxiety on the Lord 1 Peter 5:6–7
Pray about everything instead of worrying about everything Phil. 4:6–7
Pray in faith James 1:6
Pray confidently because the prayer of a righteous person is powerful James 5:16
Dare to pray for great things, as did Elijah James 5:17–18
Know how God hears and answers prayer and that He is near to his children Ps. 34:15–18
Pray and work, using every means available to you Neh. 4:9
Praise and thank God for answered prayer Ps. 66:13–20
Call on the Lord in time of trouble Ps. 50:15
Remember that God enjoys answering intercessory prayer Acts 12:1–17