July 19 2026
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
How did you handle last week’s poor air quality? Stay indoors? Wear a mask? Hold your breath?
teach us to pray
SPEAKER: Nate Dukes
Scriptures—
Romans 1:11; Luke 11:1
Key Takeaways—
Core Theme - Prayer as Relationship
Connection equals Fruitfulness: True fruitfulness in the Christian life is not a result of just "doing more," but is rooted in our connection to God through prayer.
Move from List to Person: Many people dislike prayer because they view it as a transaction or a "prayer list" for God to fix. Jesus invites us to move beyond lists to focusing on the person of God.
Anointing through Hiddenness: True spiritual authority and anointing are produced in the "hidden" places—those moments of private, sacrificial prayer that no one else sees.
Don't Let Dreams Crush You: Without a robust prayer life, the weight of the dreams and callings God places on our lives can become a burden rather than a blessing.
We Need More than Processing: While there is a time for processing life with friends and mentors, we cannot replace the need for direct, quiet time in the presence of God.
Adopted as Heirs: We are not just "cheerleaders" for God; through Jesus, we have been adopted as sons and daughters with direct access to the Father.
Discussion Questions—
The sermon mentions that many of us view prayer as a chore because we are focused on our "prayer list." Can you identify with that? How has your view of prayer changed over the years?
What does it look like to pursue the person of God rather than just his provision (the list)?
Why do you think the enemy fights so hard to keep us from spending just 20 minutes in focused prayer, while we have no trouble making time for other activities?
The sermon mentions that "works done out of hiddenness bear fruit in eternity." How can we better cultivate a "hidden" prayer life in the busyness of our daily schedules?
How do we balance the need for godly counsel/processing with friends and the need for private time with God? What role does each play?
Is there an area of your life where you have been trying to succeed in your own strength rather than through the wisdom and connection found in prayer? How can you apply this sermon to that situation?
Practical application—
Consider implementing one of the following this week:
Option 1: the 20 minute challenge:
Commit to 20 minutes of prayer each day this week where you intentionally put away your "to-do list" and simply talk to and listen to God.
Option 2: create a prayer closet
Designate a specific place in your home where you can go to pray, helping you create a sacred space that signals to your heart it is time to connect with the Father. Visit it daily to pray.
option 3: Modeling prayer
If you have children or family members, make a point of letting them see you praying. Spend time reading your Bible and talking to God so they can see that it is a priority in your life.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of being Your children. We repent for the times we have treated prayer like a transaction, bringing You only our lists instead of our hearts. We ask that You teach us to pray, just as Jesus taught His disciples.
Ignite a hunger in us for Your presence, help us to find our identity in You, and give us the strength to press into the secret place of prayer, even when it is difficult. May our lives be marked by the fruit of a deep, abiding connection with You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.