The Power of Short Prayers | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, April 14
Key Scriptures
Acts 16:16-18, 1 Chronicles 4:10, 2 Kings 20:1-6, James 5:16; Luke 23:42-43, Habakkuk 3:1-4.
Introduction
This group guide is designed to help facilitate a meaningful discussion on the power and profundity of short prayers, emphasizing that sincere communication with God doesn’t have to be lengthy to be effective.
Short prayers can be incredibly powerful. Historical and biblical examples like Paul, Hezekiah, Jabez, and the Lord’s Prayer demonstrate that even brief, succinct prayers can have profound impacts. The essence of prayer doesn't always lie in its length but in its sincerity and urgency.
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Start the session with a short prayer inviting God's presence and clarity.
Icebreaker: The Power of Few Words
Activity: Ask each member to share a time when a few words made a big impact on them, whether it was something they said, or something said to them.
Fervent Prayer of a Righteous Man
As followers of Christ, our most effective resource lies in our communion with God through prayer. The outcomes of prayer often surpass our initial expectations. Don’t view prayer as a last-ditch effort when all else fails. Instead, prayer should take precedence.
James 5:16 NIV
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Let’s dive into some tough questions:
- What is the use of praying if God isn’t going to take away the trial?
- What does a prayerful attitude show about our heart?
Recognize that God’s power far exceeds our own, it makes perfect sense to turn to prayer from the outset—especially since God Himself encourages us to do just that!
Now let’s talk about the power of short prayers.
Understanding the Impact of Short Prayers
If it’s worth worrying about, it’s worth praying about. If you’re not asking, you’re not praying. Short prayers with passion produce profound results.
Review the following examples of short prayers in the Bible and their outcomes. Take your time on this exercise. Review and discuss each passage.
Paul cast a demon out of a woman in 14 words:
Acts 16:16-18 NKJV
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
Jabez prayed 30 words and God answered him:
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
Hezekiah prayed a 22-word prayer and God added 15 more years to his life:
2 Kings 20:1-6 NIV
1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”
2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”
- Why do you think these short prayers were effective?
Remember that prayer is a powerful tool, and as followers of Christ, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that our prayers have a significant impact.
Nine Words then Paradise
The story of the repentant criminal in Luke 23:39-43 NIV beautifully illustrates the power of short prayers. The criminal, in his final moments, turns to Jesus with a simple yet profound plea.
While embracing God early enriches our lives, it’s comforting to know that even those who turn to Him at life’s final hour will find solace in His presence.
Luke 23:39-43 NIV 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Despite the brevity of his prayer, it was filled with sincerity, humility, and faith, which are the core elements of effective prayer.
The Repentant Criminal’s Confession:
- What three significant realizations does the repentant criminal express? (1. Recognition of his own guilt and the justness of his punishment. 2. Acknowledgement of Jesus’ innocence. 3. An understanding of Jesus’ divine authority and His kingdom.)
- Why is it essential for him to recognize his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence?
- How does this confession demonstrate genuine repentance?
God’s grace knows no time constraints. Even in the depths of his suffering, Jesus extended compassion to the repentant criminal who believed in Him.
- How does this interaction reveal God’s grace and compassion?
The faith of the thief on the cross surpassed that of many of Jesus’ followers. While the disciples grappled with shattered hopes and sought refuge in hiding, this criminal, hanging beside Jesus, uttered a profound plea: ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’
Urgency and Immediate Response
Short prayers often arise in moments of urgent need. It’s not about the length but the faith behind it. Discuss how "Help us, Jesus!" is a powerful plea.
- Can you share an experience where a short prayer in a moment of crisis was answered?
- What are some simple prayers you rely on in times of need?
Applying the Message | An Activity
1. Encourage members to think of areas in their lives where they need to implement short, faith-filled prayers.
2. Write down personal short prayers for various concerns or desires they currently have.
3. Share some of the short prayers written and close the session by praying them together as a group.
Assignment: Use this week to practice short, heartfelt prayers. Keep a journal of these prayers and any responses or changes noticed during the week.
Summary
In conclusion, we’ve learned that the power of prayer doesn’t lie in its length, but in its sincerity, urgency, and the faith behind it.
Today we’ve explored biblical examples of short prayers and their profound impacts and discussed challenging questions about the role of prayer in our lives.
The lesson has emphasized that if something is worth worrying about, it’s worth praying about.
As we conclude this session, let’s carry forward the insights and lessons we’ve gained. Let’s remember to implement short, faith-filled prayers in our lives, and to keep a journal of these prayers and any responses or changes we notice during the week. May we continue to experience the profound results that short prayers with passion can produce. Amen!
Resources
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