• It’s a sign of faith, not doubt, to wrestle with unanswered prayer

• We need to talk about unanswered prayer for three reasons:

• Emotionally – most of us have pain we need to process

• Intellectually – we may also have questions we need answered

• Culturally – sadly the church can be less honest than the Bible

• ‘Grace groweth best in winter’ (Samuel Rutherford) - Harsh winters are often the seasons in which we mature and become more fruitful

• “Faith says, ‘Even though I don’t understand you right now, God, I love you. I believe your heart for me is good.’” – Bob Sorge

• What did you nd most helpful, inspiring or challenging in what Pete Greig, Gemma Hunt and Bob Sorge shared?

• Pete Greig said that we need to talk about unanswered prayer for three reasons: emotional, intellectual and cultural. Which feels most relevant to you at the present moment as you begin this series?

• The words of Jesus in the book of Matthew teach us to expect blessing in the midst of challenges – how does this encourage (or discourage!) you in your faith?

• Pete says that “there’s so much faking it” at church. If you could ask God one totally honest question about something you find difficult in your life, what would it be?

• When have you experienced a ‘winter season’ in your relationship with God? How did it a ect your faith?

• Bob Sorge seems to be able to love and trust God even though he’s lived with incredible disappointment for decades. How is this possible?

• What, practically, do you think is needed for persevering in faith and prayer through the ‘winter seasons’ of life?

How are you feeling about the things covered in this session? Are there any areas in which you’d appreciate prayer - get in touch.

A prayer for trust in Jesus, by Ignatius of Loyola:

O Christ Jesus,

when all is darkness

and we feel our weakness and helplessness,

give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength.

Help us to have perfect trust

in Your protecting love

and strengthening power,

so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You,

we shall see Your hand,

Your purpose, Your will through all things.

Read the poem Silent God by Edwina Gateley:

This is my prayer—

That, though I may not see,

I be aware

Of the Silent God

Who stands by me.

That, though I may not feel,

I be aware

Of the Mighty Love

Which doggedly follows me.

That, though I may not respond,

I be aware

That God—my Silent, Mighty God, Waits each day.

Quietly, hopefully, persistently.

Waits each day and through each night For me.

For me—alone.

Books

• God on Mute, Pete Greig