When God Says, "No" – Part 1

God might say no because:

Lesson 1: we are being ______________ (James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3).

Lesson 2: it's not ______ ________ (John 14:13-14, 1 John 5:14).

Lesson 3: ______ ______ consequences (Deuteronomy 3:23-28, 2 Samuel 12:16-18).

Lesson 4: of the __________ ____________ (Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16).

Family Worship Guide
Memory Verse: Hebrews 3:3
Day 1: Read James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3 and discuss: why do we need wisdom during trials? Why do we need wisdom when God doesn't answer our prayers? Name some selfish prayer requests God might not answer. Name some unselfish prayer requests you hope you would answer. Feel free to share some specific selfish and unselfish requests of your own.
Day 2: Read John 14:13-14 and 1 John 5:14 and discuss: what does it mean to pray in Jesus's name? How do we know when we are praying in Jesus's name? How do we know when we are not? Pastor Scott shared about Steven Lee, the founder of Sermon Audio and how God didn't answer his prayer to bring about something that would bring Him greater glory. Can you think of other examples of this?
Day 3: Read Deuteronomy 3:23-28 and 2 Samuel 12:16-18 and discuss: why wasn't Moses able to go into the Promised Land? Despite David's prayer and fasting why do you think the child of adultery died? What can we learn about prayer from these two examples?
Day 4: Read Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16 and discuss: why do you think God wouldn't listen to the prayers of these godly men interceding for the Jews? What does this teach us about intercession and prayer for others? In what ways does this discourage us? In what ways can this encourage us?