Engaging Community Through Prayer and Action
Summary
On this Memorial Day weekend, we paused to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom, reminding ourselves that freedom is never free—just as our salvation was purchased at great cost. Drawing from Jeremiah 29, we reflected on the Israelites’ exile in Babylon, a result of their persistent disobedience and refusal to heed God’s voice. Even in their captivity, God called them not to withdraw or despair, but to build houses, plant gardens, raise families, and—most importantly—pray for the welfare of the city where they found themselves. This is a powerful reminder that God’s people are called to seek the good of their community, no matter the circumstances.
We considered the importance of hearing God’s voice, not just in times of comfort, but especially in seasons of loss or exile. God speaks through prayer, the Holy Spirit, other believers, and most reliably through His Word. If we are to impact our community, we must first be a people who listen to God, allowing Him to guide our steps and shape our prayers. We are not called to isolation or self-preservation, but to active engagement—building up our communities and families, praying for our neighbors, and seeking the prosperity of the places where God has sovereignly placed us.
The call is clear: pray for our community, for struggling believers, and for those who do not yet know Christ. We are to be intentional—writing down names, reaching out, and refusing to let busyness or distraction keep us from loving those around us. The church is not meant to be a fortress, but a family that embraces, supports, and prays for one another. As we do this, we trust that God will use our prayers and our presence to bring restoration, revival, and new life to our city and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing God’s Voice is Foundational
Before we can impact others, we must be a people who listen for God’s voice. This requires humility, stillness, and a willingness to hear even what is uncomfortable or inconvenient. God speaks through prayer, the Holy Spirit, other believers, and His Word—never in contradiction to Scripture. If we neglect these avenues, we risk wandering without purpose or direction. [45:36]
- Engagement, Not Escape, in Difficult Places
Even when we find ourselves in places or seasons we would not have chosen, God calls us to engage, not withdraw. The Israelites were told to build, plant, and multiply in Babylon, seeking the welfare of a city that was not their own. Our calling is to bloom where we are planted, trusting that God has sovereignly placed us for His purposes, and to pray for the prosperity of our community. [01:00:53]
- Building Up Families is Spiritual Warfare
The family is the primary place where faith is nurtured and the gospel is spread. Satan attacks families because he knows their foundational role. We are called to pray for, support, and walk alongside families—especially those who are struggling—offering encouragement, practical help, and intercession. Mature believers have a responsibility to reach across generations, sharing wisdom and love. [55:40]
- Prayer is the Engine of Community Transformation
True change in our neighborhoods and cities begins with prayer. We are to pray for struggling Christians, for the lost, and for the prosperity of our community. This is not a passive act, but an active partnership with God, asking Him to move, convict, restore, and save. As we pray, we must also be willing to act—reaching out, building relationships, and serving those around us. [01:05:53]
- Love Requires Intentional Action
It is not enough to feel compassion; we must take steps to love those around us. This means slowing down, noticing who is hurting, and being willing to cross the aisle, introduce ourselves, and pray for others. Everyone desires to be seen and loved, and God uses our simple acts of kindness and prayer to draw people to Himself. The church thrives when it becomes a true family, embracing all generations and backgrounds. [01:09:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Honoring Veterans and Memorial Day Reflection
[02:30] - Invitation Etiquette and Unity in Worship
[04:10] - Introduction to Jeremiah 29 and Context
[07:00] - Israel’s Exile: Consequences of Disobedience
[12:00] - The Valley of Hinnom: Idolatry and Judgment
[16:00] - Jeremiah’s Suffering and Perseverance
[20:00] - God’s Instructions in Exile
[23:00] - Hearing God’s Voice: Four Ways
[29:00] - Building Up Community and Families
[36:00] - Engaging and Praying for Young Families
[41:00] - Blooming Where You’re Planted: City Transformation
[46:00] - Praying for Struggling Christians and the Lost
[53:00] - Taking Practical Steps: Cards and Commitment
[59:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
[01:13:12] - Invitation and Ministry Time
[01:17:47] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Embracing Prayer for Our Community
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### Bible Reading
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (ESV)
> “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jeremiah 29:4-7, what specific instructions did God give to the Israelites while they were in exile in Babylon?
2. In the sermon, what were some of the reasons given for why the Israelites ended up in exile? ([32:32])
3. What does God promise will happen if the Israelites pray for the prosperity of the city where they are living? ([01:03:48])
4. The pastor mentioned four ways God speaks to us. What are they? ([45:36])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God told the Israelites to build, plant, and multiply in a place that was not their home, instead of just waiting to leave? What does this say about God’s purpose for His people in hard places? ([01:00:53])
2. The sermon emphasized that hearing God’s voice is foundational before we can impact others. Why is it so important to listen for God’s voice before acting? ([45:36])
3. The pastor said that building up families is a form of spiritual warfare. In what ways do you see families being attacked today, and why might Satan target families? ([55:40])
4. The call to pray for the city includes praying for people who may not share our faith or values. What challenges or opportunities does this present for us as believers? ([01:03:48])
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### Application Questions
1. The Israelites were told to “seek the welfare of the city” even though it wasn’t their home. What is one practical way you can seek the good of your neighborhood, workplace, or school this week? ([01:00:53])
2. The pastor challenged us to write down names of people who are struggling in their faith or who don’t know Christ. Who are two people you can commit to pray for regularly? What’s one step you can take to reach out to them this week? ([01:05:53])
3. The sermon talked about not isolating ourselves but engaging with our community. Is there a place in your life where you’ve been tempted to withdraw or “wait it out” instead of getting involved? What would it look like to “build and plant” there? ([01:00:53])
4. The pastor said, “Love requires intentional action.” Think of someone in your church or community who might feel unseen or alone. What is one intentional act of kindness or encouragement you can offer them this week? ([01:09:50])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of praying for families, especially those who are struggling. Is there a family you know who could use support or prayer? How can you come alongside them in a tangible way? ([55:40])
6. The pastor mentioned that God speaks through prayer, the Holy Spirit, other believers, and His Word. Which of these do you find easiest to hear from God through? Which is most challenging for you, and how can you grow in that area? ([45:36])
7. The church is called to be a family, not a fortress. What is one way our small group can be more welcoming and supportive to new people or those who are hurting? ([01:09:50])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you hear His voice, love intentionally, and be a blessing to your community this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Hearing God's Voice in Prayer
God desires for His people to truly hear His voice, not just in times of comfort but especially in seasons of challenge and exile. Hearing from God is foundational for moving forward as individuals and as a church. This means not only speaking to God in prayer but also listening—through prayer, the Holy Spirit, the counsel of others, and most importantly, through His Word. When we stop long enough to listen, God guides us, corrects us, and confirms His will for our lives. If we neglect to listen, we risk wandering without purpose or direction, missing out on the blessings and guidance He longs to give. [45:36]
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (ESV)
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Reflection: When was the last time you truly paused to listen for God’s voice in your life, rather than just speaking to Him? What would it look like to intentionally make space to listen today?
Day 2: Building Up Our Communities Through Prayer
God calls His people to invest in and pray for the communities where He has placed them, even when those places feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Rather than withdrawing or waiting for circumstances to change, we are to build, plant, and seek the welfare of our cities. Praying over our neighborhoods, schools, and local leaders is an act of faith that God can transform any place for His glory. When we engage with our community in prayer and action, we become a blessing to those around us and participate in God’s redemptive work right where we are. [01:01:25]
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Reflection: What is one specific way you can pray for your neighborhood or city today, and how might you take a step to bless someone in your community this week?
Day 3: Strengthening and Praying for Families
God’s design for families is foundational to His plan, and He calls us to actively support, pray for, and build up the families around us. Many families are struggling—whether in marriage, parenting, or simply making ends meet—and God’s people are called to come alongside, encourage, and pray for them. Reaching out to families, especially those who are younger or going through hard times, is a tangible way to demonstrate Christ’s love and to strengthen the fabric of the church and community. [55:40]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Reflection: Who is one family—inside or outside the church—that you can intentionally pray for and encourage this week? How might you reach out to them in love?
Day 4: Blooming Where You’re Planted
God’s people are called to “bloom where they’re planted,” seeking the good of the place where He has put them, even if it’s not where they expected or desired to be. Rather than longing for somewhere else or waiting for better circumstances, God invites us to embrace our current context as an opportunity for His purposes. When we pray for and invest in our city, God can use us to bring about transformation and blessing, both for ourselves and for those around us. [01:03:06]
Acts 17:26-27 (ESV)
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.”
Reflection: In what ways have you resisted or overlooked the place where God has put you? How can you choose to “bloom” and seek the good of your current community today?
Day 5: Praying for Others—No Matter the Circumstances
No matter where we find ourselves or what challenges we face, God calls us to pray for others—both for those who know Him and those who do not. Praying for struggling believers to be restored and for those far from Christ to come to faith is a powerful way to participate in God’s mission. As we lift up names before God, we trust that He is able to draw hearts, heal wounds, and bring people into fellowship with Himself and His church. Our prayers can be the starting point for transformation in lives, families, and communities. [01:07:52]
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Reflection: Who are two people—one believer and one who may not know Christ—that you can commit to pray for by name this week? What specific prayers will you lift up for them?
Quotes
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