Week 3 – Situations and discernment

Short summary

Only after prayer is grounded in who God is and who we are in Him do we ask what is actually happening. Clear prayer depends on naming the real situation honestly.

This week is about slowing down, separating facts from interpretation, and using discernment before moving forward.

The goal is not to solve the situation yet. The goal is to understand it well enough to pray what is true instead of praying from assumption or urgency.

Learning goal

By the end of this session, participants should be better able to:

• distinguish the actual situation from the emotional reaction to it
• use discernment questions before deciding how to pray
• recognize the difference between facts, interpretations, and feelings
• resist the urge to move ahead before the situation is clear

This week’s practice focus

Use a real or recent situation. Write three short lists for facts, interpretations, and emotions. Then ask what you might be assuming that is not actually clear.

Workbook scenario practice

• Scenario 1 — Fear about a major decision

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• Scenario 7 — Anxiety about provision

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Leader guide in-session scenarios

• Scenario 12 — Parent unsure how to respond to teen

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• Scenario 17 — Conflicting advice from trusted people

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