Message: Prayer of Surrender
Week of July 26, 2009

Thematic Focus
Gain a deeper understanding of God's cure for our confusion.

Main Points
The most difficult type of stress comes from:
·  Uncontrollable circumstances
·  Uncooperative people
·  Unexplainable pain

Surrendering includes:
·  Letting go of control
     -Romans 8:6
·  Learning to be content
     -Philippians 4:11-13
·  Laying down my plans
     -1 John 3:16
     -Romans 6:13
·  Leaving the future to God
     -Proverbs 3:5-6
     -Mark 10:29-30

Summary Points:
God's kingdom is not of this world, but is revealed in this world. It is transformational, spiritual, relational, and eternal (Matthew 6:10). God's kingdom can be found wherever Jesus is lifted up and His will is fulfilled (Luke 14:33).

Pursuing clarity
Use the following structure to guide your personal reflection and/or discussion:

Opening Prayer
Take a moment to recognize Christ’s presence with you.

Opening Reflection
Identify some of the different causes of stress in people's lives. What impact does such stress have on an individual's life? Others?

Scriptural Focus
Take time to read the suggested Scriptures.

Group Discussion
Use these questions to reflect further:

1. What are some of the reasons people don't want to surrender to God's will?
2. What evidence would there be of a person who has surrendered to God fully?
3. Why is it easier for people to be content during good times?
4. What are some tangible ways we can lay down our own plans for the benefit of others?
5. When it comes to our future, in who or what do we usually place our trust?
6. In difficult times, how do we tend to seek peace?
7. What are those hard things to give up in life, in order for a person to fully follow Christ?
8. How might a person be transformed by surrendering to God?