Most groups spend time praying together during meetings. But how many treat it as a way to simply end the meeting in a Christian way? Or spend more time sharing requests than actually praying? How often is your group's prayer time truly meaningful—time spent intimately connecting with God?
If our goal in small groups is to experience life-change and connect with one another and God, we must spend time engaging in meaningful prayer together. The resources presented within this Training Theme are designed to help your small group make the most of their time praying together. Those resources include assessments, case studies, articles, a prayer activity, and more—all designed to help your groups and group leaders understand the importance of group prayer. This download has been specifically designed for small-group directors, pastors, and coaches to use as the basis for a training day with your group leaders.
For a sample from this resource, read “Permission to Be Real.”
Leader's Guide
Devotional
A Proper Understanding of Group Prayer
Thinking through common pitfalls and fresh ideas
By Spence Shelton
Assessments
Finding the Time to Pray
Because group members should never feel rushed or starved when it comes to prayer.
By Pat J. Sikora
Overcoming Common Obstacles
Move past the roadblocks that can prevent effective small-group prayer.
By Andrew Wheeler
Case Studies
Keeping Your Prayer Focus
When prayer requests just skim the surface
By Pat J. Sikora
Encouraging the Reluctant Pray-er
When a group member doesn't want to pray aloud
By Pat J. Sikora
How-To Articles
Committing to Prayer
A rich group prayer life can transform a small group.
By Trevor Lee
Making Prayer a Priority
Don't let the other elements of your group time squeeze out something this important.
By Seth Widner
Beyond Prayer Requests
Groups should consider whether their requests line up with what God is doing.
By Wayne Jacobsen
Permission to Be Real
Helping people open up is a valuable skill for small-group leaders.
By Seth Widner
Leading Group Prayer Well
An interview with Jane Rubietta on meaningful prayer in small groups
By Rachel Gilmore
Activity
Prayer Stations
Ten methods of prayer to inspire leaders to think outside the box
By Amy Jackson
Resources
Further Exploration
Retreat Plan
Total number of pages - 32
You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies of this resource within your local church.
