Lent: Deepening our Prayer Lives
Week 3: Thanksgiving
Sermon Date: March 15th
Reading: Psalm 107:1, Colossians 3:15-17, 4:2 & Luke 7:37-47
 

 Icebreaker
Q1 - Can you think of a time when “thank you” didn't seem quite enough?
 
Study
Please read Luke 7:37-47 together
Q2 - Does this woman's actions seem over the top to you?
Q3 - How would you feel watching this happening?
Q4 - Was Jesus surprised at her extravagant outpouring?
Q5 - What did Jesus teach us from this event?
 
Please read Psalm 107

This is a psalm composed for one of Israel's annual events, possibly after the return from the
Babylonian exile. Glancing through the whole psalm there are two reasons to be thankful.
Here are clues:
verse 6 They cried out
verse 8 Give thanks because God answered
verse 13 They cried to the Lord
verse 15 Give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
verse 19 they cried to the Lord
verse 21 Give thanks
verse 22 Let them sacrifice thank-offerings with songs of joy
verse 28 Cried out
verse 31 Give thanks for his unfailing love

Q6 - What do you think those two reasons are?
(Hint: God's goodness and unfailing love. God hears and answers prayers)
 
Q7 - Do we talk enough to each other about God's answers to prayer, his goodness and faithfulness?
 
Rehearsing God's goodness creates more thankfulness

Read Nehemiah 12 verse 31 & Colossians 3 verses15-17 and 4 verse 2

Q8 - How many times is gratitude encouraged?
Q9 - How can we remind work on being more grateful and thankful?
 
Suggested activity

Each person write out 10 things that you are thankful to God for and keep it in your Bible or prayer journal so that it will encourage you to be continually thankful.
 
Prayer

Before praying for needs suggest that each person prays a prayer of thanks