Praying for God's Kingdom

Discussion Questions:

1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you?

2) Some of us have grown up viewing prayer primarily as presenting requests to God, much like submitting a wishlist or making appeals to a powerful authority figure. We might measure the effectiveness of our prayers by how many of our requests are granted in the way we expect. This can lead to frustration or doubt when prayers seem to go "unanswered." In what ways might viewing prayer as relationship-building rather than request-making change your approach to prayer?

3) Throughout history, humans have consistently tried to build their own kingdoms—creating spaces of safety, comfort, and control. We often invest significant time and energy into constructing these personal kingdoms, whether through career advancement, financial security, or social influence. Yet these efforts, while not necessarily bad, can compete with our allegiance to God's kingdom. What are some signs that you might be more focused on building your own kingdom than seeking God's kingdom?

4) When we encounter pain, suffering, or injustice in the world, our natural response might be to either accept it as "God's will" or to question God's goodness. However, understanding that these elements were never part of God's original design for creation—and won't be part of His kingdom—offers a different perspective. How might recognizing that suffering isn't part of God's intended kingdom change how you pray about difficult situations?

5) The idea of "dying to self" and submitting to God's kingdom can sound intimidating or even threatening to our sense of identity and autonomy. Yet the bible suggests that finding our true identity and purpose comes through this very submission. This paradox lies at the heart of kingdom living. What does dying to self mean to you?