Summary

In this sermon, Cody Bren discusses the 'Blessed Practices' framework for reaching others with the message of Jesus. He emphasizes that Christians are blessed to be a blessing to others, focusing particularly on the first practice: 'Begin with Prayer.' Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, he illustrates how prayer softens hearts, opens eyes, and fills believers with compassion for their neighbors. The sermon connects to Edge Community Church's '1 by 10 by 100' vision for community impact over the next five years.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss what it means to be a blessing to others, open our hearts to Your guidance. Help us to see the people around us through Your eyes. Remove any distractions or hesitations that might prevent us from fully engaging with Your message today. May our time together inspire us to become more intentional in our prayers for those who don't yet know You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

Think about a time when someone unexpectedly blessed you or showed you kindness. What was it, and how did it make you feel?

Key Verses

1. Luke 10:25-37
2. Genesis 12:2
3. Matthew 22:37-39

Questions

1. The sermon states that 'if you have said yes to Jesus, then you have not said yes just to being saved. You've said yes to being sent.' How does this perspective change how you view your faith?
2. What are some obstacles that prevent you from consistently praying for people who don't know Jesus?
3. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus challenges our definition of 'neighbor.' Who are the people in your life that might be difficult to see as neighbors?
4. The speaker mentioned that 'prayer softens your heart, opens your eyes, and fills you with compassion.' Have you experienced this transformation through prayer before?
5. What's the difference between praying occasionally for someone and committing to pray for them consistently?
6. The BLESS practices (Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, Share your story) are presented as a rhythm rather than a formula. How might adopting these practices as a rhythm change your daily life?
7. Who are five people in your life that you feel called to begin praying for regularly?
8. How might praying together with others (family, friends, church members) for people who don't know Jesus strengthen both your prayers and your community?

Life Application

This week, create your list of five people who don't know Jesus that you will commit to pray for daily. Write their names down and place this list somewhere you'll see it regularly (bathroom mirror, refrigerator, car dashboard, phone wallpaper). Each day, spend at least 30 seconds praying specifically for these individuals using the simple prayer pattern: 'God, please bless [name]. Draw them to you. Open a door for me to love and serve them. Give me courage and compassion. Use me however you desire.' At the end of the week, reflect on any changes you notice in your heart toward these people or any opportunities God may have opened.

Key Takeaways

1. Christians are blessed by God to be a blessing to others - this is our fundamental purpose.
2. Prayer is where compassion begins - you cannot genuinely pray for someone and remain indifferent toward them.
3. The BLESS practices (Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, Share your story) provide a practical methodology for reaching others with God's love.
4. Begin by identifying five people in your life who don't know Jesus and commit to praying for them consistently.
5. You don't have to feel ready or be a 'professional Christian' to begin blessing others - just start with prayer.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are blessed to be a blessing. As we leave today, help us to be intentional about praying for the people You've placed in our lives who don't yet know You. Give us Your eyes to see them as You do, Your heart to love them as You do, and Your courage to reach out when You open doors. May our prayers be consistent and genuine, transforming both our hearts and creating opportunities for Your kingdom to expand. Use us, Lord, even in our weakness and uncertainty, to be vessels of Your love and truth. In Your powerful name we pray, amen.