The Prayer That Repairs
Pastor Steven Furtick
Sermon Highlights
Think steps, not swings. A step is better than a swing.
Sometimes the happiest times and the heaviest times happen at the same time.
I can carry heaviness in my heart and still find happiness in Jesus.
Prayer is not just listing, it’s listening.
Before the season shifts, there is a sifting.
Peter was singled out to be sifted because he was singled out to be significant.
There are three prayers: Prayer that Prevents, Prayer that Prepares, and Prayer that Repairs.
The prayer that repairs reminds you who you really are.
God will speak to your Simon until you see your Peter again.
Your faith didn’t fail–it was broken down to be built back up. After you’ve been broken down, you pray to repair: “God, strengthen me through this.”
Scriptures
Luke 22:31-34 - Jesus prays for Simon
Luke 6:12-16 - Jesus names Simon as Peter
Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus intercedes for us
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Pastor Steven joked about being the "doctor" of a lot of things—like elbows, ears, and big toes—for his kids when they were younger. What would you consider yourself the "doctor" or expert of? (i.e. a hobby, movie, sport, etc.)
Discussion Questions
“Before the season shifts, there is a sifting.” Share about a time you experienced a sifting season. How did God use a pivotal moment to prepare you for that significant shift in your life?
"Prayer is not just listing, it's listening." How can you shift your prayers from just listing requests to truly listening for God’s voice?
Additional Questions
“Sometimes the happiest times and the heaviest times happen at the same time.” Like John and Judas with Jesus, what happy and heavy things are currently sitting at your table together?
“Think steps, not swings. A step is better than a swing.” What small, pivotal step can you take this week to build your faith through a heavy situation?
Prayer Prompt
Ask this question to your eGroup and include it as part of your closing prayer:
Pastor Steven taught us: “The prayer that repairs reminds you who you really are.”
Ask your eGroup: where is God calling you back to who He created you to be? In other words, where have you been a Simon and God’s calling you back to be a Peter? Pray that God will continue the work of “repairing” in each person’s life. Pray each member will take a step towards walking in the truth of who God called them to be.