Discussion Guide | Aug. 10, 2025

August 11th, 2025

Introduction

"Taking Next Steps: Ask, Seek, Knock" - Sermon Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Bill discusses the power of prayer using Matthew 7:7-12, where Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking. He shares the 23-year history of Capital Life Church, which began in 2001 shortly before 9/11, highlighting how God's faithfulness turned small beginnings into significant ministry. Dr. Shuler emphasizes that prayer should be persistent (ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking, knock and keep knocking) and explains that effective prayer follows the pattern Jesus taught in the Lord's Prayer - beginning with worship, focusing on God's kingdom purposes, addressing personal needs, and ensuring our hearts are right with God.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the power of prayer and persistence in our spiritual journey, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to Your teaching. Help us to understand what it means to truly ask, seek, and knock in our relationship with You. May this discussion draw us closer to You and to one another. Guide our conversation and reveal to each person exactly what You want them to learn today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

Think about a time when you were persistent about something and it eventually paid off. What was it, and how did it feel when you finally achieved what you were working toward?

Main Study

Key Verses

Matthew 7:7-8
Matthew 7:9-11
Matthew 6:9-13
1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Samuel 12:23

Questions

Pastor Bill mentioned that 'ask and it will be given to you' actually means 'ask and keep on asking.' How might this perspective change your approach to prayer?
In what areas of your life do you need to move beyond just asking to actively seeking and knocking?
The sermon highlighted that we should ask God who has the answers rather than just talking to people who don't. How can we discern between God's answer and our own desired answer?
How does the Lord's Prayer provide a framework for effective prayer? Which aspect of this prayer model challenges you the most?
Pastor Bill shared how prayer was foundational to the church's beginning. How has prayer been foundational in your own spiritual journey?
The sermon connects the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) with prayer. How does understanding God's heart through prayer help us treat others better?
What 'doors' in your life seem closed right now that you need to persistently knock on in prayer?
The story of Joseph demonstrates forgiveness and seeing others as created in God's image despite past hurts. How can prayer help us view difficult people through God's perspective rather than our own?

Life Application

This week, identify one significant need or desire in your life where you've been casually praying or perhaps have given up praying altogether. Commit to moving through all three stages the pastor described: asking persistently, actively seeking solutions or opportunities, and boldly knocking on doors that might open. Keep a prayer journal documenting not just what you pray for, but also the actions you take in seeking and knocking, and how God responds. Remember to approach this process with worship and alignment to God's kingdom purposes, not just your own desires.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Prayer should be persistent - ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking, knock and keep knocking.
Effective prayer follows Jesus' model in the Lord's Prayer: beginning with worship, focusing on God's kingdom, addressing needs, and ensuring our hearts are right.
God wants to answer our prayers, but we must align with His purposes and timing rather than just our own desires.
How we treat others should reflect how God would treat them - the Golden Rule is connected to understanding God's heart through prayer.
God often starts with small beginnings to test our faithfulness before bringing larger blessings and impact.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for teaching us about the power of persistent prayer. Help us to move beyond casual requests to becoming people who diligently seek Your face and boldly knock on doors of opportunity. May we approach You with worship, align our hearts with Your kingdom purposes, and trust in Your perfect timing and answers. Give us the courage to keep asking when answers seem delayed, the wisdom to seek Your will above our own, and the persistence to knock until doors open. Transform our prayer lives so that we might experience the fullness of relationship with You and become agents of Your love and grace to others. In Jesus' name, amen.

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