As you reflect on the message this week, use some of these questions to consider how God might be working within and around you.

Questions for Individuals/Connect Groups:

• This past week Brad talks to us about praying. We studied the scripture Luke 18: 1-8, it shared about a woman who had an unjust judge and how he even had compassion on her. What parts of the parable seem to stick out to you? What parts are difficult for you to understand? What parts seem relatable?

• All throughout the New Testament we see Jesus use parables to teach people about God and His character. He used stories people living in that culture could relate to (parables about crops, about planting seeds, shepherds, people in poverty, judges, and more). What can we assume about the people at that time based on this story?

• This parable is showing us a contrast between God and an unjust judge. Back in Roman times, judges were paid for their rulings. So basically the richest people were the ones who would win a dispute. Jesus uses a widow winning a dispute. This is significant because without a husband a woman couldn’t earn a living, so she was the poorest and most vulnerable. Furthermore, the phrase “exhausts me” actually meant give me a black eye in the original language. If this is the case, how is Jesus asking us to see this unjust judge’s perspective?

• What was the overall take away you got from the message this week? What is your own definition of grit? What kind of connotations come to your kind when you hear that word? How did the persistent widow use grit? Why was that her only resource? Have you ever been without and came to God for an answer? If he is nothing like this judge, what do we know of him because of this story? How much more would he listen to those who have nothing?

Questions for Families:

• This week we talked about prayer and how we are to come to God. What are some of the places you learned you can pray? What are some of the ways we can pray?

• We also learned a fun way to look at prayer. Explain to your family the ways the video taught. Pray= Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield. What do those things mean for prayer?

• We read about the persistent widow. Now you get to ask your parents a time when they were persistent. How did that work out for them?

• Think of a toy you really want. When we pray, sometimes all we have is our heart’s desire for something. Is there something that is on your heart that you really want from your family? What happens if you don’t get what you want right away? What do you think of your parents when they don’t give you something you want? Do you believe your parents still love you if you don’t get it? How can we see God the same way? Now ask God to show you and your family His love for all of you.