Pray with Hunger for God and His Direction

Pray with Hunger for God and His Direction
  • Dan Haakenson
  • Jul 19, 2009
  • Series: Prayer
Further Reflection, Discussion, and Application
  1. For the background to what happens in Acts 13:1-3, read Acts 11:19-30 and 12:25.  In light of that, how would you picture the setting of Acts 13:1-3?
  2. Acts 13:1-3 leaves many details unspecified – what questions would you have about what happened there?
  3. Consider each of the elements that we see in this passage – worship/ fasting/ listening/ prayer – talk a bit about what each may have meant for them.  How important, and why is it significant, that these four elements go together?
  4. WORSHIP – how does worship connect to hunger for God and delight in God in your own heart and soul?  What are your joys and your struggles in this area?
  5. FASTING – Have you ever practiced the spiritual discipline of fasting?  While fasting is often private and personal (Mt 6:16-18) it is also sometimes shared with others (as here in Acts).  How might fasting (in some sort) express and strengthen your hunger for God and seeking Him and His direction?
  6. LISTENING – How do you experience being “led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18; cf Acts 13:2)? How do you seek, pursue and prepare to receive God’s direction? Does this passage prompt you to do more in this regard?  If so, what?
  7. PRAYER – How related to all of these elements is prayer?  How do your prayers express your hunger for God and His direction? What challenges are you facing in prayer?  Where would you like to experience God’s grace for growth in your prayers?
  8. Another prominent aspect of this passage is the launching of the first missionary movement.  Who sent Paul and Barnabas (compare v3 and v4)?  How have you been praying for the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ?

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