A Study on Prayer by
Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent By Priscilla Shirer Life on Life 2017
A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Week 1
What stuck with you most as you read the Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2?
Which Scriptures will you incorporate in your prayers?
What does “prayer” look like in your life? How has it changed over the years as you have
grown in Christ (if applicable)? Is it focused, aggressive, and strategic or mostly a fleeting,
passive response to life’s circumstances?
Resources for considering the prayer lives of Christ and others in the Bible:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/faith-in-life/prayer/learning-from-the-prayer-life-of-jesus
https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/05/five-biblical-prayers-that-teach-us-how-to-talk-to-god/
Strategy 1: Against Your Passion
Read: Ephesians 6:10-20. Record your thoughts after reading the Scriptures.
Why does the enemy work so hard to steal people’s passions? What’s your passion? What
are your gifts? What are your talents? Are you using your gifts and/or talents for God’s
glory? If so, how?
If not, what happened?
- prayed for something over and over again
- the wait
- discouragement
- disappointment
Strategy 2: Against Your Focus
Read 2 Corinthians 11:13-14. Record your thoughts after reading the Scriptures.
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
How can you discern whether something is a distraction or a God-ordained endeavor?
Is there anything in your life that is taking your focus from God’s priorities for you? Is there
a way to remove the extra obligations or activities? Are you willing to let those things go?
Why or why not?
On your own: Craft and pray a prayer for your passion and/or focus.
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Week 2
What stuck with you most as you read Chapters 3 and 4?
Which Scriptures will you incorporate in your prayers?
Strategy 3: Your Identity
What great things do other people see in you that you don’t see in yourself? What keeps you
from believing these great things about yourself?
What has God said about you (the righteous in Christ) in His Word that you struggle to
receive? Is it really “you” struggling or has the enemy been successfully deceiving you up
until now?
Are any of the suggested “every-day” practices hard for you?
• Accept compliments without belittling yourself or pointing out flaws
• Don’t apologize for things that had nothing to do with you
• Smile at yourself in a magnified mirror
• *Pay it forward: Speak edifying words over others J
What are you entitled to in Christ? Which Scriptures confirm these rights?
What do you think happens in the life of a believer who spends their days trying to make
true what is already true?
Strategy 4: Your Family
Did anyone pray for you when you were growing up? If so, how do you believe their prayers
have affected your life?
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
What is the difference between praying “for” people vs. praying “against” them or “at”
them?
On your own: Craft and pray a prayer for your identity, your family, and/or a family
member.
Remember: Jesus is constantly interceding for you (Hebrews 7:25)!
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Week 3
What stuck with you most as you read Chapters 5 and 6?
Which Scriptures will you incorporate in your prayers?
Strategy 5: Your Past
What Scriptures/songs/actions help you put a stop to the enemy’s “replay” button?
If you can think of something that you can share, let your group know of a memory that has
been “repurposed” in light of God’s goodness?
Strategy 6: Your Fears
Are you comfortable with ambiguity? Why or why not?
Why do you think God rarely shows us every step of our processes ahead of time?
Have you ever done anything you believed God was telling you to do even though you were
afraid? What happened as a result of your obedience?
What percentage of your worst fears has actually come to pass?
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Even when bad things do occur in life, what happens afterward? Is God still there? How has
He shown Himself to you in tough times?
On your own: Craft and pray a prayer for your past and/or your fears.
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Week 4
What stuck with you most as you read Chapters 7 and 8?
Which Scriptures will you incorporate in your prayers?
Strategy 7: Your Purity
Start the flow chart for a pattern of sin that trips you up more often than it should. (You can
choose to share with the group or pass.)
Record the usual aftermath of succumbing to that pattern.
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Now, go back to that pattern. Where can you resist and interrupt this pattern with prayer?
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Strategy 8: Your Pressures
Have you had a season (or a lifetime) of feeling like a “slave” to your to-do list or your
schedule? If that season has passed, share how it finally ended. If you are still in it, be sure
to listen carefully to your sisters who have overcome :) .
On your own: Craft and pray a prayer for your purity and/or pressures.
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Week 5
What stuck with you most as you read Chapters 9 and 10?
Which Scriptures will you incorporate in your prayers?
Strategy 9: Your Hurts
Do you see a connection between your past, your fears, and your hurts?
Strategy 10: Your Relationships
Has God ever restored a broken relationship in your life? Testify!
Today, take time to craft a prayer for your hurts and/or relationships. If you feel
comfortable, share that prayer with someone else who will agree to pray the same prayer for
you this week (and vice versa).
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Week 6
What stuck with you most as you read the “Amen” chapter?
Which chapter from the book stuck with you most?
Share testimonies of how your prayers have already begun to affect your life and your
sphere of influence.
How has your prayer life changed since this study began?
What are your favorite go-to Scriptures?
What other effective prayer strategies are you aware of (ex: ACTS, Prayer of Jabez)?
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A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
(Week 6 Continued)
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Spiritual Gift Reference Chart
Spiritual Gift
Scriptural
References
Administration
The gift of Administration is the Godgiven ability to understand what
makes an organization function, and
the special ability to plan and execute
procedures that accomplish the goals
of the ministry.
1 Cor. 12: 28, Acts 6:
1-7; Ex. 18: 13-26
Discernment
The gift of Discernment is the Godgiven ability to distinguish between
truth and error. It is able to discern
the difference between good and evil;
right and wrong.
1 Cor. 12: 10; Acts 5:
1-4; Rom. 9:1
Encouragement
The gift of Encouragement is the
God-given ability to present words of
comfort, consolation, and
encouragement, so to strengthen, or
urge to action, those who are
discouraged or wavering in their faith.
The gift of Evangelism is the Godgiven ability to effectively
communicate the gospel to
unbelievers so they respond in faith
and move toward discipleship.
Rom. 12: 8, Acts 11:
22-24, Acts 15: 30-32
Evangelism
Definition
Eph. 4: 11, Acts 8: 56, Acts 14: 21
Distinctives
Traits
People with this gift will…
-Develop strategies or
plans to reach identified
goals.
-Organize people, tasks,
or events.
-Assist ministries to
become more effective
and efficient.
-Identify deception in
others with accuracy and
appropriateness.
-Are able to sense the
presence of evil.
-Recognize
inconsistencies in a
teaching or message.
-Comfort others to trust
and hope in the promises
of God.
-Motivate others to grow.
-Urge others to action by
applying biblical truth.
-Communicate the
message of Christ with
clarity and conviction.
-Seek out opportunities to
talk to unbelievers about
spiritual matters.
-Challenge unbelievers to
faith in Christ.
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Potential Ministry
Involvement
-Thorough
-Objective
-Responsible
-Organized
-Goal-oriented
-Efficient
-Conscientious
Planning teams; Ministry
Coordinator; Organizer of
special events; Chairperson
-Perceptive
-Insightful
-Sensitive
-Intuitive
-Truthful
-Decisive
Committee/Board member;
youth ministry; counseling
-Positive
-Motivating
-Affirming
-Reassuring
-Supportive
-Trustworthy
-Sincere
-Candid
-Influential
-Confident
-Commitmentoriented
Children’s Ministry; Visitation
to sick or shut-in; Counseling;
Greeter; Support Group
Facilitator, Prayer ministry
Visitor Calling; Door-to Door
visitation; Outreach events;
Literature distribution;
Greeter
Faith
The gift of Faith is the God-given
ability to act on God’s promises with
confidence and unwavering belief in
God’s ability to fulfill His purposes.
1 Cor. 12: 9, 1 Cor.
13: 2, Rom. 4: 19-21
Giving
The gift of Giving is the God-given
ability to contribute money and
resources to the work of the Lord with
cheerfulness and liberality.
Rom 12: 8, 2 Cor 6: 8,
Luke 21: 1-4
Helps
The gift of Helps is the God-given
ability to accomplish practical and
necessary, behind the scenes tasks,
which free up, support, and meet the
needs of others.
1 Cor. 12: 28, Rom
12: 7, Acts 9: 36,
Rom. 16: 1-2
Hospitality
The gift of Hospitality is the God-given
ability to care for people by providing
fellowship, food, and lodging.
1 Peter 4: 9-10, Rom.
12: 13, Luke 10: 38
-Act in complete
confidence of God’s ability
to overcome obstacles.
-Advance the cause of
Christ because they go
forward when others will
not.
-Ask God for what is
needed and trust Him for
His provision.
-Manage their finances
and limit their lifestyle in
order to give as much of
their resources as
possible.
-Met tangible needs that
enable spiritual growth to
occur.
-Support the work of
ministry with sacrificial
gifts to advance the
Kingdom.
-Serve behind the scenes
wherever needed.
-See the tangible and
practical things to be done
and enjoy doing them.
-Attach spiritual value to
practical service.
-Provide an environment
where people feel valued
and cared for.
-Seek ways to connect
people together into
meaningful relationships.
-Set people at ease in
unfamiliar surroundings.
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-Prayerful
-Optimistic
-Trusting
-Assured
-Inspiring
-Hopeful
-Positive
Prayer ministry; Hospital
visitation; Committee/Board
member
-Responsible
-Stewardshiporiented
-Resourceful
-Charitable
-Disciplined
Support Missionaries; Fund
Raising; Stewardship Board
-Available
-Willing
-Reliable
-Loyal
-Dependable
-Whatever-ittakes attitude
-Friendly
-Gracious
-Inviting
-Trusting
-Caring
-Responsive
-Warm
Office helper; Telephoning;
Teacher’s aid; Usher; Cleanup projects; Information
Center Host
Small Group Host; Banquet
server; New Member
Sponsor; Fellowship events;
Coffee hour host; Greeter;
Easter Breakfast
Intercession
The gift of Intercession is the Godgiven ability to consistently pray on
behalf of and for others, seeing
frequent specific results.
Rom. 8: 26-27; Col. 1:
9-12; Col. 4: 12-13;
Knowledge
The gift of Knowledge is the Godgiven ability to learn, analyze, and
uncover new insights from the Bible
that are pertinent to the growth and
well being of the church.
1 Cor. 12: 8; 1 Cor.
14:6; 2 Cor. 11:6
Leadership
The gift of Leadership is the Godgiven ability to cast vision, motivate,
and direct people to harmoniously
accomplish the purpose of God.
Rom 12: 8; 1 Tim. 5:
17; Heb. 13: 17
Mercy
The gift of Mercy is the God-given
ability to feel deeply for those in
physical, spiritual, or emotional need
and then act to meet that need.
Rom. 12: 8; Mark 9:
41; Matt. 25: 34-40
-Feel compelled to
earnestly pray on behalf
of someone or some
cause.
-Have a daily awareness
of the spiritual battles
being waged and commit
to pray.
-Pray in response to the
leading of the Spirit,
whether they understand
it or not.
-Research the scriptures
for insight, understanding,
and truth.
-Organize information for
teaching and practical
use.
-Gain knowledge that was
not attained by natural
observation or means.
-Motivate others to
perform to the best of
their abilities.
-Take responsibility and
establish goals.
-Provide direction for
God’s people or ministry.
-Focuses on alleviating
the sources of pain or
discomfort in suffering
people.
-Concern themselves with
individual or social issues
that oppress people.
-Address the needs of the
lonely and forgotten.
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-Advocate
-Sincere
-Trustworthy
-Burden-bearer
-Spiritually
sensitive
Prayer Partner; Moms In
Touch; Prayer Groups; Shutin/Hospital visitation
-Inquisitive
-Responsive
-Observant
-Insightful
-Reflective
-Studious
-Truthful
Board/Committee member;
Teaching; Research;
Counseling; Marriage
Enrichment
-Influential
-Visionary
-Persuasive
-Motivating
-Goal-setter
Small Group Leader;
Board/Committee
Chairperson; Teaching
Leader; Youth/Children’s
Leader
-Empathetic
-Caring
-Responsive
-Kind
-Compassionate
-Sensitive
-Burden-bearing
Hospital/Shut-In visitation;
Nursery worker; Homeless
ministry; Food pantry worker;
Prophecy
The gift of Prophecy is the God-given
ability to reveal God’s truth and
proclaim it in a timely and relevant
manner for understanding, correction,
repentance, or edification.
Rom 12: 6; 1 Cor 12:
10,28; 1 Cor 13: 2
Shepherding
The gift of Shepherding is the Godgiven ability to assume long term
personal responsibility for the spiritual
welfare of a group of believers by
nurturing and guiding them toward ongoing spiritual maturity.
Eph. 4: 11-12; 1 Peter
5: 1-4; 1 Tim. 3: 1-13
Teaching
The gift of Teaching is the God-given
ability to understand, clearly explain,
and apply the word of God, in such a
way that it is clearly understood by
others.
Rom 12: 7; 1 Cor. 12:
28-29; Acts 18: 24-28
Wisdom
The gift of Wisdom is the God-given
ability to apply spiritual truth
effectively to meet a need in a specific
situation.
1 Cor. 12: 8; James 3:
13-18; 1 Cor. 2: 3-5
-See a truth that others
often fail to see and
challenge them to
respond.
-Understand God’s heart
and mind through
experiences He takes
them through.
-Expose sin or deception
in others for the purpose
of reconciliation.
-Provide guidance and
oversight to a group of
God’s people.
-Establish trust and
confidence through longterm relationships.
-Lead and protect those
within their span of care.
-Give attention to detail
and accuracy.
-Prepare through
extended times of study
and reflection.
-Challenge listeners
simply and practically with
the truths of Scripture.
-Focus on the unseen
consequences in
determining the next
steps to take.
-Provide God-given
solutions in the midst of
conflict and confusion.
Apply spiritual truth in
specific and practical
ways.
http://www.fumcbg.org/pdf/SpiritualGiftReferenceChart.pdf
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-Discerning
-Compelling
- Uncompromising
-Outspoken
-Authoritative
-Confronting
-Convicting
Teaching Leader; Vision
Setting team; Outreach;
Devotion Leader
--Nurturing
-Guiding
-Protective
-Supportive
-Relational
-Influencing
Small Group Leader; Sunday
School teacher; Follow-up on
visitors; Shut-In Visitation;
College ministry; Outreach
-Disciplined
-Perceptive
-Teachable
-Authoritative
-Practical
-Analytical
-Articulate
Adult Teaching Leader; Small
Group Leader;
Youth/Children’s Teacher;
Education Committee
-Sensible
-Insightful
-Practical
-Wise
-Fair
-Experienced
Board/Committee Member;
Counseling; Mentor; Marriage
enrichment; Counseling
Notes:
A Study on Prayer by Michelle Stimpson
Using Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
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