B–Believe When You Pray | ABC’s of Prayer | Pillars of The Church

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Sermon Study Guide

5-Day Study Guide: “B – Believe When You Pray”

Use this 5-day study guide, along with Pastor Chad Everett’s sermon – “B – Believe When You Pray | Pillars of The Church” This guide is designed for individual reflection or group discussion (Roads Groups). Each day includes scripture, discussion questions, and practical applications to help deepen your understanding of what it means to believe when you pray and grow in faith.

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📖 Day 1: The Foundation of Prayer & Faith

Scripture: Mark 11:22-24
 “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’”

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does Jesus mean by “Have faith in God”? How does this shape the way we pray?
  2. What is the connection between believing and receiving in verse 24?
  3. What are some “mountains” in your life that need to be moved?

Practical Application:

  • Spend time in prayer today, declaring God’s promises over your circumstances.
  • Write down one specific thing you are praying for. Identify a Bible verse that aligns with it and begin declaring that truth over your life.

📖 Day 2: The Nature of Biblical Faith

Scripture: Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6

  • “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
  • “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Discussion Questions:

  1. Where does faith come from? How can we grow in faith according to Romans 10:17?
  2. Hebrews 11:6 says that faith is necessary to please God. Why do you think that is?
  3. How do we sometimes allow doubt to interfere with our faith?

Practical Application:

  • Make it a priority to read and meditate on God’s Word daily. Write down a verse that increases your faith.
  • Ask yourself: Am I diligently seeking God, or am I waiting for things to happen before I believe? Take a step today to actively pursue Him.

📖 Day 3: Overcoming Doubt in Prayer

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:5, James 1:6-8

  • “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
  • “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6)

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common doubts that people struggle with in prayer?
  2. How can we take thoughts captive and replace them with truth?
  3. James 1:6 says we should ask in faith without doubting. How does doubt hinder our prayers?

Practical Application:

  • Take note of any negative or doubtful thoughts you have today. Replace them with scripture-based declarations of faith.
  • Pray with boldness and expectancy, not just hoping—but believing!

📖 Day 4: Faith Looks Like Something (Actions of Faith)

Scripture: James 2:17-18, Mark 11:25

  • “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:17-18)
  • “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does active faith look like in everyday life?
  2. How does faith require both belief and action?
  3. Why do you think forgiveness is tied to faith and prayer in Mark 11:25?

Practical Application:

  • Take one step of faith today—maybe forgiving someone, reaching out in generosity, or stepping into something God is leading you to do.
  • Evaluate: Does my life show evidence of my faith? Make adjustments where needed.

📖 Day 5: Receiving What God Has Already Given

Scripture: Mark 11:24, John 15:7

  • “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)
  • “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to “believe that you receive”?
  2. How does abiding in Jesus (John 15:7) impact our prayers?
  3. Are you waiting to see results before believing, or are you believing first?

Practical Application:

  • Write down one prayer request you have been waiting for an answer on. Instead of waiting to see it happen, thank God for the answer now and believe that you have received it.
  • Declare in faith: “God, I receive what You have already promised. I believe Your Word is true, and I trust You completely.”

Final Challenge: Walk in Faith!

As you finish this study, ask yourself:

  • Am I praying with belief or just hoping?
  • What steps of faith do I need to take in my life?
  • How can I encourage others to have faith in prayer?

Put it into practice:

  • Pray bold prayers.
  • Declare God’s promises over your life.
  • Encourage someone else in their faith this week.

Group Discussion Guide (For Roads Groups):

Icebreaker: Share a time when you prayed for something and saw God move.
Key Scripture Reading: Mark 11:22-24
Discussion:

  • What stands out to you most from this study?
  • What is one area where you need to increase your faith?
  • How can we support each other in walking in faith?

Action Step: Pray together, believing that God hears and answers. Encourage each person to speak faith-filled declarations over their lives.