It is no small thing to gather with others and focus on the Bible. God can (and often does) move mightily during such a meeting.
How can Christians pray for this work of God? What would that look like?
Praying for the Leader
A small group Bible study leader has an important calling from God. One of the best things we can do for our Bible studies is to pray for our leaders.
Pray for their Preparation
A lot goes into preparing for a Bible study meeting. Pray that your leader, in all of it, will depend on the Lord.
As they study the Bible in advance, pray that God would protect their time and give them wisdom. Pray that God would give them a faithful, accurate understanding of the passage. Pray also for their spiritual growth, for their fight against sin and their walk in God’s grace.
Pray that their understanding of the Scriptures would lead to genuine change in their lives. The most effective leader is the one who is regularly applying the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit.
A good Bible study leader will think carefully about the discussion they plan to lead. Pray that they would frame the discussion in a way that is helpful for the group. Pray that God would help them to prepare questions that will encourage fruitful conversation.
Pray for their Leadership
It takes experience, sensitivity, and wisdom to lead well during a Bible study meeting. Pray that God would give your leader what is necessary to manage the meeting well.
Pray that your leader would be able to move the group toward the main point of the passage. And pray that they would encourage heart-oriented application in their group members.
A small group with a compassionate, honest leader is powerful. Pray that your small group leader would love all the members of your group.
Praying for those Who Attend
If we pray only for the leader of a small group, we’ve done just half the job. So much of the group dynamics hinge on the non-leaders in the group. Let’s pray for them too!
Pray that small group members would prepare themselves for the Bible study. This may involve homework, but it surely involves growing in their love for the Lord and for their small group friends.
Pray that those who attend would learn to be vulnerable during the meeting, willing to let others into the difficult parts of their lives.
Pray that attenders would engage in honest, thoughtful discussion. Pray that God would guide each person to speak and listen in love. Pray that God would give wisdom by his Spirit through each Bible-focused conversation.
Some churches and ministries grow in large part due to the expansion of their small groups. If you find yourself in that situation, you should pray for the end of your group.
Ministry Covered in Prayer
Bible studies are not just a social gathering or religious activity. A Bible study can stoke and fuel the fire of spiritual engagement and growth in a church.
With such important work taking place within these groups, we should spend time and energy asking God for his work and blessing through them. Why not use the suggestions above and make a prayer list for your local group?
Note: Aside from those linked above, we have written several other articles about leading and attending small group Bible studies that you may find valuable.
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