Discussion Guide
This week we wrap up our series on prayer and fasting. As we step into a new year, our desire has been to help our church develop essential habits that reset our lives and realign our hearts with the Word of God. Life is a gift—but it is also hard. When we learn to be people who consistently reflect, seek God, and ask Him to reveal our next steps, we find ourselves anchored to His promises rather than overwhelmed by our circumstances. With that in mind, let’s look at a few final truths about prayer and fasting practices, that help align us with God and His plans for our lives.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Think back to when you were a kid—was there ever a time you really wanted something from your parents or a teacher and kept asking until it finally worked? What was it? What approach did you use—negotiating, persistence, emotion, silence, following them around? What do those moments reveal about desire and persistence? How might those same instincts show up in the way we approach God in prayer today?
2. Read Mark 9:28-29, Matthew 17:19-20. Based on this series, what have you learned about prayer? What have you learned about fasting? What do you think Jesus was trying to teach the disciples about faith, dependence, and their relationship with God?
3. Miracles, Preparation, Repentance. Read Matthew 17:14-20, 4:1-2, Joel 2:12. What do these passages reveal about different reasons for fasting? Why might fasting be appropriate in moments of crisis, preparation, or repentance? Why do we often wait until a problem becomes urgent before turning to prayer and fasting? How does unconfessed sin affect our closeness and awareness of God?
4. Read Mark 2:18. What does this verse reveal about God’s presence? How does it reframe the purpose of fasting—not as an obligation, but as a response to relationship?
Action Step:
Take time this week to honestly examine your heart.
What are you truly seeking from God right now?
Is your greatest desire His presence—or simply His provision?
If God did not answer a specific prayer the way you hoped, would He still be enough for you?
Ask God to help you surrender, asking Him to realign your desires with His will.
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read Luke 18:1-8. What does this parable teach about persistence in prayer? How is biblical persistence different from demanding an outcome? What does this passage reveal about God’s character and His desire for us to keep coming to Him?