

Pray or Be Prey: Week 2 The War for Peace
Find your new group! vccindy.org/groups
Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
Think about a time when you were under a lot of pressure. What helped you stay calm and focused instead of becoming overwhelmed?
Please read John 17:1-5 aloud.
• Jesus speaks of glorifying the Father and being glorified. How does that change how we understand God’s glory and our role in it?
Please read Romans 5:1-4 aloud.
• In what ways can we connect our peace with God to faith, to knowing God, and to the hope we have in Christ?
Please read Ephesians 6:10-13 aloud.
• How does Jesus’ prayer in John 17 give us confidence and power as we face spiritual opposition today?
Please read John 17:13 aloud.
• Jesus is praying directly that His disciples would be filled with His joy. By extension - disciples would mean all believers - [you]. How does it feel to realize Jesus was praying for you to have full joy even before you were here on earth?
Please read John 17:18-26 aloud.
• How does being sent by Jesus change the way we see our daily lives and mission?
Please read John 17:1-5 aloud.
• Jesus speaks of glorifying the Father and being glorified. How does that change how we understand God’s glory and our role in it?
Please read Romans 5:1-4 aloud.
• In what ways can we connect our peace with God to faith, to knowing God, and to the hope we have in Christ?
Please read Ephesians 6:10-13 aloud.
• How does Jesus’ prayer in John 17 give us confidence and power as we face spiritual opposition today?
Please read John 17:13 aloud.
• Jesus is praying directly that His disciples would be filled with His joy. By extension - disciples would mean all believers - [you]. How does it feel to realize Jesus was praying for you to have full joy even before you were here on earth?
Please read John 17:18-26 aloud.
• How does being sent by Jesus change the way we see our daily lives and mission?
Start praying: Be bold and pray with power.
Father, thank You for the power of Jesus’ prayer. In His relationship with You, we see perfect peace, unshakable power, and a purpose for the world. We are reminded that we are here for the purpose to glorify you; let Jesus’ glorification of You, Father, be our example. Lord, help us to live today with the assurance that we are Yours, sent by You, and filled with Your joy. Guide us, Abba, to walk in Your truth, to trust in Your strength, and to reflect Your love wherever You place us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Leader: Make time to pray for and with each other. Break into groups of three, take time for healing prayer, or pray with individuals requesting prayer. This is important!
Start Doing:
This week, read John chapter 17. Ask yourself the following three questions each day:
1. Am I living in peace that comes from knowing the Father?
2. Am I relying on God’s Word and prayer for power in the spiritual warfare I face?
3. Am I intentionally living on mission by pointing someone toward Christ?
1. Am I living in peace that comes from knowing the Father?
2. Am I relying on God’s Word and prayer for power in the spiritual warfare I face?
3. Am I intentionally living on mission by pointing someone toward Christ?
Download the weekly Talk It Over guide below:
Pray or Be Prey: Week 1 Our Father in Heaven
Find your new group! vccindy.org/groups
Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
Share a moment when you paused and took a breath. Did it help you feel more connected, centered, or even at peace?
Please read Matthew 6:5-15 aloud.
• What does this prayer mean for you personally?
• How does this prayer's focus shape the way you approach your prayers?
Please read Psalm 103:8-12 aloud.
• What does it mean for you to be able to call God “Father”?
• How do these verses change your sense of closeness or safety when you pray?
Please read Psalm 34:7-9 aloud.
• Share a time you struggled to trust the goodness of God; what helped you lean on His presence and provision, even when you may not see Him?
Read 1 Peter 5:6-11 aloud.
• What does it mean to “be alert and of sober mind” in your everyday spiritual life?
• Peter tells believers to be alert because our enemy is always seeking opportunities to weaken our faith. What are some practical ways prayer helps us stay spiritually alert and stand firm each day?
Please read Matthew 6:5-15 aloud.
• What does this prayer mean for you personally?
• How does this prayer's focus shape the way you approach your prayers?
Please read Psalm 103:8-12 aloud.
• What does it mean for you to be able to call God “Father”?
• How do these verses change your sense of closeness or safety when you pray?
Please read Psalm 34:7-9 aloud.
• Share a time you struggled to trust the goodness of God; what helped you lean on His presence and provision, even when you may not see Him?
Read 1 Peter 5:6-11 aloud.
• What does it mean to “be alert and of sober mind” in your everyday spiritual life?
• Peter tells believers to be alert because our enemy is always seeking opportunities to weaken our faith. What are some practical ways prayer helps us stay spiritually alert and stand firm each day?
Start praying: Be bold and pray with power.
Lord, thank You for inviting us into a relationship with You. As we reflect on the intimacy of calling You Father, help us grow in trust, especially when life feels uncertain. Remind us that Your goodness is unshakable, even in the midst of our battles. You are our refuge and strength. Lead us this week, and let our prayers be a constant reminder that we are never alone. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Leader: Make time to pray for and with each other. Break into groups of three, take time for healing prayer or pray with individuals requesting prayer. This is important!
Start Doing:
This week, set aside a few minutes each day to pray, using just one line of the Lord’s Prayer as focus. Ask God to show you how He is present, how He provides, and how He sustains you. Meditate on what God shows you.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
