Interact
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
“I believe God has heard my prayers. He will make it manifest in His own good time.” —George Müller, who recorded over 50,000 answers to prayer.
What Do You Believe About Prayer?
Read each statement and discuss what it reveals about praying, waiting, and expecting God to answer.
- 44% of American adults pray daily, compared with 28% of adults ages 18–29. Why might older adults pray more often?
- 87% of people who pray believed at least one prayer had been answered during the previous year. Does that surprise you?
- 61% reported praying in their cars. Where do you pray most often?
- 66% prayed for a loved one in crisis, and 71% prayed for someone who was sick. Why do difficult moments lead us to pray?
- After praying, 42% felt calm and 41% felt grateful.
- Among young people who prayed daily, 74% described themselves as flourishing. How might prayer contribute to flourishing?
Zechariah’s hesitation that we will read about today is understandable, but the angel’s message is clear: God had heard his prayer.
Insight
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
- What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
- What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
- Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
- What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?
Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for a child, but after years of waiting, they may have stopped expecting an answer. Then Gabriel announced, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard” (Luke 1:13). God had not forgotten them. A long season of silence did not mean that God was absent. Their son would bring them “joy and delight,” but God’s answer would reach far beyond their family. Filled with the Holy Spirit, John would turn hearts back to God and “make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” fulfilling the promises of Malachi 4:5-6 and Isaiah 40:3.Read Luke 1:18-22 and 57-66. Zechariah had prayed, yet when the answer came, he asked, “How can I be sure of this?” His response may seem surprising, especially when an angel is standing before him. But perhaps years of disappointment had made hope difficult. Mary later asked, “How will this be?” Zechariah asked for proof that it would happen; Mary asked how it would happen. His temporary silence may seem like a harsh punishment, but it became a time to listen, trust, and rediscover that what seems impossible to us remains possible with God.
Insight Out
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.