series artseries art

How to Pray Through Disappointment

This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ MATTHEW 6:9-13 NIV

Tell God how you feel

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 PETER 5:7 NIV

I feel…

Ask God for what you might be missing

After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first,… LUKE 2:43 NLT

Have I sinned?

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. ROMANS 3:23 NLT

Is there something I need to learn?

Is God protecting me from something I can’t see?

Thank God for what he has done in the past

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. EPHESIANS 5:20 NLT

Accept where God has you today

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. MATTHEW 6:10 NIV

You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. PROVERBS 19:21 NLT

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 PETER 5:6 NLT

If I want God to honor where he has called me, I must honor God with my best where he has placed me.

Trust God and his plans for your future

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. MATTHEW 6:10 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. JEREMIAH 29:11 NLT

Position yourself for God’s blessing

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. MATTHEW 6:10 NIV

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. EPHESIANS 5:15-17 NIV

Position yourself to give to God’s kingdom
Position yourself to share God’s message
Position yourself to serve God’s mission

Don’t let todays feelings keep from tomorrow’s blessing

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, releasing any burdens from your day. Practice this element of the Lord’s Prayer by inviting his kingdom into this time. Spend a few minutes examining any disappointments you might currently be facing; as you reflect on these, ask God to reveal what you have believed is true about your situation. Is it the truth or is it a lie? If it is a lie, ask God to break the power of this lie in your heart and to replace it with his truth. Next, ask God for his perspective on your situation: how does your current disappointment ultimately point you toward his kingdom and his work? Is there anything that needs to change for you to move in this direction? Finally, invite God to show you anything you might be missing as you go through this season. Write down your reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to pray the Lord’s prayer slowly and attentively. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH SELF: What do you tend to turn to when you’re disappointed? Old habits? Alcohol? Addictions?
  3. REAL WITH GOD: When was the last time you told God exactly how you felt?
  4. REAL WITH OTHERS: Remembering yesterday’s blessings will help you escape today’s sufferings; how can “zooming out” help change your perspective on your current situations?
  5. REAL WITH GOD: Read Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV. What does real submission to God’s plan look like?
  6. TAKE ACTION: Spend a few moments in individual prayer. Examine your current circumstances and any disappointments you might be facing, and ask God the following questions: is there any area in my life where I’ve missed the mark? Confess that to God. Is there anything I need to learn from this situation? What might God be protecting me from that I don’t see? After a few minutes, have someone close this time with prayer.