Leader Guide
This week we wrap up our series on prayer and fasting. As we step into a new year, our desire has been to help our church develop essential habits that reset our lives and realign our hearts with the Word of God. Life is a gift—but it is also hard. When we learn to be people who consistently reflect, seek God, and ask Him to reveal our next steps, we find ourselves anchored to His promises rather than overwhelmed by our circumstances. With that in mind, let’s look at a few final truths about prayer and fasting practices, that help align us with God and His plans for our lives.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Think back to when you were a kid—was there ever a time you really wanted something from your parents or a teacher and kept asking until it finally worked? What was it? What approach did you use—negotiating, persistence, emotion, silence, following them around? What do those moments reveal about desire and persistence? How might those same instincts show up in the way we approach God in prayer today?
2. Read Mark 9:28-29, Matthew 17:19-20. Based on this series, what have you learned about prayer? What have you learned about fasting? What do you think Jesus was trying to teach the disciples about faith, dependence, and their relationship with God?
Leader: The disciples were confused, but Jesus was gently teaching them that prayer flows from a heart aligned with God. God—not us—is the ultimate authority. There is no formula, phrase, or ritual that forces God to act. Instead, prayer and fasting position our hearts in humility and faith. We do not produce the miracle—God does—but our faith and dependence move us closer to His heart and purposes.
3. Miracles, Preparation, Repentance. Read Matthew 17:14-20, 4:1-2, Joel 2:12. What do these passages reveal about different reasons for fasting? Why might fasting be appropriate in moments of crisis, preparation, or repentance? Why do we often wait until a problem becomes urgent before turning to prayer and fasting? How does unconfessed sin affect our closeness and awareness of God?
Leader: Many of us rely on our own strength until we reach a situation we cannot fix—then we turn to God. Scripture invites us to a different rhythm: seeking God before the crisis. Just as an athlete trains before the game, we are called to grow and train spiritually so that intimacy with God is already present when challenges come. Jesus modeled this life of dependence. And we must never forget that sin is what separated us from God—and the great price Jesus paid to restore that relationship. Prayer and fasting are not about earning God’s favor, but about expressing our seriousness, humility, and dependence on Him.
4. Read Mark 2:18. What does this verse reveal about God’s presence? How does it reframe the purpose of fasting—not as an obligation, but as a response to relationship?
Leader: Remind the group that the heart of this entire series is alignment. Prayer and fasting are not tools to get what we want from God—they are practices that draw us closer to Him. God Himself is the goal. Not the miracle. Not the breakthrough. Not the answered prayer. His presence is enough.
Action Step:
Take time this week to honestly examine your heart.
What are you truly seeking from God right now?
Is your greatest desire His presence—or simply His provision?
If God did not answer a specific prayer the way you hoped, would He still be enough for you?
Ask God to help you surrender, asking Him to realign your desires with His will.
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read Luke 18:1-8. What does this parable teach about persistence in prayer? How is biblical persistence different from demanding an outcome? What does this passage reveal about God’s character and His desire for us to keep coming to Him?
Leader: Use this passage to emphasize that persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down—it’s about staying connected, trusting His timing, and refusing to lose heart while waiting on Him.