Leadership Pastor, Jim Egli, endeavored to discover what makes the difference between thriving and stagnant small groups. His research involving over 4,000 group leaders came to the conclusion that praying leaders have faster growing groups. To that end, here is a tool that small group leaders can use repeatedly each month to help them build healthy group life and ultimately impact more people with Jesus’ love and message.
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Matthew 6:9-13
- Pray that every person would become spiritually healthier as a result of participating in your discipleship experience. Ephesians 1:17
- Pray that every person in your group finds a really good friend in our church family. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
- Pray that God gives you vision and direction for your group. Proverbs 29:18
- Pray that your group members will “love on” each other. John 13:34-35
- Pray that the fruit of the Holy Spirit would increasingly manifest itself in the lives of every person in your group. Galatians 5:22-23
- Pray that each one in your group would be led by the Spirit of God in their everyday lives. Romans 8:14
- Pray that every member of your group would have a meaningful time with God in prayer and Bible study every day. Isaiah 26:9
- Pray that you and each of your group members would be suited up in the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
- Pray that God would fill you and each person in your group with His Spirit. Ephesians 5:18
- Pray that each of your group members will grow in their delight and dependence on the Word of God in their daily life. Psalm 1:2-3
- Pray for our church’s local outreach efforts and ministry partnerships. Matthew 5:6; Luke 10:27
- Pray that God would help you know how to cultivate more of a hunger for God’s Word in the hearts of your group members. John 21:16
- Pray that each of your group members continually grows in their understanding of the Bible. 2 Peter 3:18
- Pray that each member is empowered to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God. James 4:7-8
- Pray that every person in your group embraces the Bible for what it really is: The fully-inspired Word of God! 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Pray that each of you would be spiritually alert and strengthened to stand firm against the devil. 1 Peter 5:8-9
- Pray that every person would come to a deeper knowledge and stronger conviction about who they are in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Pray that each person discovers their unique set of God-given gifts and is inspired to use them to strengthen our church family. 1 Corinthians 12:7
- Pray that every person would be inspired to take one more step in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:6-7
- Pray that God will open the hearts of family and friends to hear the message of hope. Romans 10:17
- Pray that every person would be open to the move of the Holy Spirit in your midst. 1 Thessalonians 5:19
- Pray for God to move powerfully in your ministry. Acts 4:31-35
- Pray that each one feels like they fit and connect with others in your group. Hebrews 10:25
- Pray that God would equip you to help everyone in your group live out the Great Commandment and Great Commission on a daily basis. Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 22:37-40
- Pray that people would trust the Lord with their finances and tithe so they can receive the blessings God wants to bring to their lives. Malachi 3:10
- Pray that each person grows in their confidence and ability to share their faith. 1 Peter 3:15
- Pray for strength for each of your group members to turn away from sin and pursue godliness. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
- Pray for our church’s leadership and for even greater Kingdom impact in the days ahead! Acts 2:42-47
- Pray that each person would be bold in inviting a friend to join you in your discipleship experience. 2 Timothy 4:5
Copy and give this Prayer Guide to your leaders or create your own so that your groups can grow in strength and influence for the Kingdom of God!
