One Prayer

Series: One Prayer
One Prayer by Craig Groeschel, June 8, 2008
Gateway is doing all sorts of different things this summer… and this week we began a four-part series in the “One Prayer” initiative (you can check it out on-line at http://www.oneprayer.com/). Over 1400 churches are doing One Prayer at the same time, with the purpose of being a unified force in our communities and in the world for good – and in doing that, to be true to Jesus’ prayer for us to be ONE (see John 17: 21 below). This week we saw a video by the guy who started the One Prayer program, Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv, and the Secon Helping questions are built around Craig’s video and the One Prayer materials.

1. SO, what do you think about the need for this program? Is there a need for the church (defined as all Jesus followers) to unite? Discuss why or why not. (5 minutes)

2. Clearly there is a LOT of diversity in “the church”, but try to be specific about how. In there group, try to list major ways there are difference across all those who follow Christ. Then talk about how that diversity is/can be a positive thing. Can it help the world know Christ better? What are other benefits of diversity? (10 minutes)

3. So what about diversity in your experience. Austin is a diverse place. Have you had an opportunity to work/play/live/”do church” with people very different from you? If so, try to think about some event and impact of having different types of people had on the outcome. How did it make the event more difficult and/or how did it make things better? (10 – 15 minutes)

4. What about God and God’s character? Does God have diversity in who He is? Take some time to talk about the idea of “diversity” in God’s character. Then consider Deuteronomy 6:4, where Moses says: “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Discuss how the idea of “oneness” and “diversity” both apply to God. (10 minutes)

5. Since one of the goals of One Prayer is to have impact in our communities and our world, think about that for a minute: What could be some specific outcomes of all the churches who follow Jesus, seeing themselves linked in trying to act like Jesus wanted His followers to act? What could be accomplished? Next, what could be accomplished in Austin? (10 minutes)

6. Rather than ending with personal reflection this time – end with GROUP reflection: Is there some one small thing in the “world” of those in your group where your group could be “one” – and have a direct impact? Take some time for each person to think of possible ways your group could together do something “outside” (think as big as you want… but in this case, start with one small thing). Then share your suggestions and see if there is one idea that you would like to do as a group (and remember – ONENESS is the goal!). If there is something clear, make plans for how to do this. If not, then you can agree to pray about 2-3 ideas and then decide next time. (15 minutes)

Bible Verses from the message

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales. Act 4:32-34

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… Matthew 28:19

Want to get more/go farther?

• Be sure to check out the One Prayer website. You can join with thousands of Christ-followers around the world in prayer for the Church and this program. There is other information, next steps and devotionals on the One Prayer website.
• You can listen to Craig Groeschel's message - and other ones too, at Gateway Messages. Craig has several books and DVD's you can learn more about through the Gateway virtual Bookstore.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Investigate and get plugged into ways Gateway is meeting needs throughout our community at the Community Care website - or learn more about our involvement in global issues at Gateway Mobilization.
• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the actual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.