When we are facing a challenge that is really important, the thing we often want most is to be successful.

How do we prioritize our faith in the face of a task that seems impossible? As we see in the story of Abraham’s servant, who was sent to find a wife for Isaac, the key to success is to start with prayer.

Key Takeaways

Pray specifically. Speak confidently. Praise continually.

The servant knew that even though his task looked impossible, there was nothing that God couldn’t do. He prayed specifically for what he needed, and we can do that too.

We are encouraged to pray big and bold prayers that invite God to move clearly in our lives, and to continue to pray even if they are not answered in the timeline we would like.

However, our insecurities can prevent us from confidently asking God for what we need and leave us wondering if he actually answered the prayer.

We can eliminate our wondering by praising God immediately when we see him work AND while we are still waiting. When we pray specifically, speak confidently, and praise continually we will see God move.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer help to inspire your own conversations with God to be specific and bold.

Begin with thanks: Father, thank you so much for your love for me. Thank you that you’re not a Father who leaves His children hopeless, confused, and without answers.

Reference God’s Word: Thank you for saying in James 1:5 that if I lack wisdom, I can ask you freely for wisdom and you’ll give it to me without finding fault in me for needing it. Thank you also for your word in 2 Timothy 1:7 that you didn’t give me a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

Pray boldly and specifically: Lord, please give me wisdom and direction about [be bold and specifically name your situation]. I know there is nothing you can’t do, and I will continue to pray because it pleases you.

Please help me to be so in tuned with you that I hear you clearly, sense your presence, and follow your lead. And please help me to confidently trust in you and to rest in you as I wait patiently for direction.

End with thanks: Father, thank you so much in advance for giving me wisdom and direction, and for being true to your Word. Please help me to have faith that doesn’t waiver and stays anchored in you, in Jesus’s name, Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your slot and spot! Remember, nothing is impossible for God when we bring it to him in prayer.

Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. – 1 Corinthians 14:15 NLT

• I Thank God – Maverick City Music
• Same God – Elevation Worship
• The Lord Will Provide – Passion

Learn

This week, read through Genesis 24 and learn more about praying bold prayers.

Read

• 2 Timothy 1:7
• Genesis 24:2-4
• Genesis 24:12-27
• 5 Great Reasons to Pray Specifically

Listen

• Prayer – Bible Basics 

Watch

• The Book of Genesis Summary

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

This week, we are reminded that nothing is impossible for God. We can bring anything to him in prayer.

• Can you think of a time you avoided praying a specific prayer because it seemed impossible?

Read Genesis 24. Abraham’s servant prayed before he started looking for a wife for Isaac.

• When you are faced with a challenge, what is typically your first step?

Reflect on some of your recent prayers- in what ways do you think you could reframe them to be more specific?

• Is there anything holding you back from specifically asking God for what you need?
• In what ways do you think bringing your specific prayers to God will affect your perspective on your needs?

Have you ever prayed a big prayer but let your insecurities diminish your faith when it came to your actions?

• What would it look like for you to speak confidently about what you are praying for?

Have you ever prayed for something and realized later that God provided exactly what you asked for?

• Were you able to recognize the answered prayer right away, or did you second guess it?
• When you recognized the answered prayer, did you give thanks to God?
• How do you think continually praising God deepens our faith, even while we wait for answered prayers?

Next Steps

• Remember, nothing is impossible for God. Take time to pray some specific prayers for the people in your life. You can start with these three practical steps: pray specifically, speak confidently, and praise continually.
• Dive deeper into making prayer your first response by working through a reading plan about prayer. Ask a friend or member of your J-Group to join you.