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BEGIN WITH PRAYER

Luke 4:42–5:16
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: January 2026

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Tagline

Prayer is not preparation for mission—it is the way the kingdom comes.

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Sermon Summary

In Luke’s Gospel, prayer is not a private discipline Jesus fits in around ministry; it is the place where his mission is defined and sustained. Even at moments of visible success—crowds, healings, growing influence—Jesus withdraws to pray, refusing to let outcomes determine obedience. Prayer keeps him aligned with the Father’s will rather than public expectation. Luke frames this truth with two powerful stories that reveal prayer not through instruction, but through lived obedience.

In Simon’s submission—“But at your word, I will”—and the leper’s request—“If you are willing, you can”—we see the two postures that shape true prayer: humble obedience and trusting petition. These same postures culminate in Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, where our salvation is secured not only by the cross, but by Jesus’ faithful, prayerful alignment with the Father. Because we were saved through prayer, we now live prayerfully—not to manufacture results, but to walk in the salvation already given and bear witness as God works through us.

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Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  • Playful: Have you ever followed a plan that technically worked—but later realized it wasn’t the right plan?
  • Meaningful: When have you sensed that God redirected you—not because something failed, but because something deeper mattered?

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Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

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Scripture Reading

Read Luke 4:42–5:16 aloud as a group.

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Main Discussion Questions

(Shortened this week to make room for extended prayer.)

God Revealed

What do these passages show us about how Jesus relates to the Father and the Spirit when discerning his mission?

Humanity Mirrored

Where do you see yourself more naturally—Simon’s struggle to submit, or the leper’s courage to ask?

Gospel-Centered Vision

How does seeing Jesus’ prayers as part of his saving work deepen your understanding of salvation? He prayed for you; he submitted to God's will for you.

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Extended Prayer for the Church

(Primary focus for this week)

Using the Prayer Guide, spend unhurried time praying together for the life, health, unity, and mission of the church.

Download the PRAYER GUIDE here: <PrayerGuide.PDF>

Encourage the group to pray using the two postures from the sermon:
    •    Submission: “Lord, at your word, we will…”
    •    Petition: “Lord, if you are willing, you can…”

Allow space for silence, listening, Scripture-prompted prayer, and shared burdens. Do not rush this time.

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Sharing and Witness (Brief)

As you pray, did a person, ministry, or situation come to mind that God may be inviting you to carry before him this week?

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For Further Study (ESV)

  1. Luke 3:21–22 – Jesus prays at his baptism, and the Spirit and Father publicly affirm him.
  2. Luke 5:27–32 – Jesus’ mission advances through obedience, not religious expectation.
  3. Luke 6:12–16 – Jesus prays before choosing the Twelve, showing prayer shapes leadership.
  4. Luke 9:18–20 – Prayer precedes revelation of Jesus’ identity.
  5. Luke 9:28–36 – The Transfiguration reveals glory in the context of prayer.
  6. Luke 11:1–13 – Jesus teaches prayer as trust in a generous Father.
  7. Luke 18:1–8 – Persistent prayer aligns faith with God’s justice.
  8. Luke 22:39–46 – Gethsemane reveals submission and petition at salvation’s climax.
  9. Romans 8:26–34 – The Spirit and the Son intercede for believers.
  10. Hebrews 7:25 – Jesus continues his saving work through ongoing intercession.
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