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Review this week's message.

Key Thought:

Is prayer the first line of defense in your life? 



Key Quote

“If you lift your hand to God in praise, then God will lift his hand against your enemy.” 

- Pastor Bil Cornelius



Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
  • What would your rapper nickname be? 
  • What is your favorite worship song? 
  • What is your favorite movie to watch on a rainy day? 


Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.
  • Why is it important to recount the blessings God has done for you in the past? 
  • Do you pray without action, or do you try to do everything without prayer? 


Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.
  • What battle are you facing today? (A recent diagnosis, a wayward child, financial difficulties, etc.) 
  • How do you approach God in the middle of your battle? With praise in the front or as a last resort? 


Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
  • What is one way you can incorporate praise and worship into your quiet time this week? (Listening to a worship song to start your quiet time, writing down and thanking God for ten things every day, studying some of the names of God, etc.) 

Scriptures

“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.  The people...came together to seek help from the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 20:3-4

“Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham?...They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us...we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’” 2 Chronicles 20:7-9

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they...did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance...God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:10–12 

“All the [families] of Judah...stood there before the Lord. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel..a Levite...He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them...you will find them..in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’ Jehoshaphat...and all the people...fell down in worship before the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:13-18 

“Early in the morning they left for the Desert...As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets [His Word] and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against...Ammon...Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated...they..[destroyed] one another.” 2 Chronicles 20:20-23