Choosing to lead a Bible study or small group might feel intimidating and overwhelming, or it could feel exciting and empowering. As a small group leader, you get to create a space where people can learn more about God, ultimately growing a deeper relationship with Him and others.
I remember the first time I led a small group. I had been a follower of Christ for about a year and a half and had taken the step to start a weekly Bible study. It felt a little bit weird being trusted to lead others in something that still felt new to me, but I knew God was with me. I was able to remind myself of God’s presence and rely on Him by praying and talking to Him about the nerves, hesitations, and excitement I was feeling—and you can, too.
Why Pray for Your Small Group
Being in community with others through a Bible study or small group is foundational to our faith as followers of Jesus. We see the impact that togetherness had in the early church, where lives were being changed daily.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47 NIV
When you choose to pray for and with your small group, you’re acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit and God’s desire for all of us to be known by others. Whether your group is studying a specific scripture, reflecting on a church message sermon, or sharing where you see God at work in your lives, praying before, during, and after your time together can be beneficial.
It might be intimidating to pray with your small group, especially if you haven’t prayed in a group setting before. It’s okay to feel nervous, but remember that it’s less about having the right words and more about having the right heart posture. The fact that you’re present, providing a space for prayer to happen, shows that you care deeply about the people in your small group.
So here are a few ideas to get your conversations with God started.
5 Prayers to Use Before, During, and After Your Next Bible Study
1. A Short Prayer for Before Your Small Group
Heavenly Father, You are in this space with me. You care deeply for every person who will come to this group, so please help me care for them with the same care and attention. Please guide our conversations and reveal new things about Yourself to us. I trust You to give us everything we need for our time together. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer to Open Your Small Group
Lord, thank You for bringing us together in this moment right now. We ask that You would stir our hearts and minds to be curious about You and kind to one another. Please reveal more of Yourself to us as we grow closer to You and one another. We thank You for this small group time we’re about to have. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer for Your Bible Study
God, we are so grateful for Your Word and the way we get to read it together. Please grow our understanding of who You are as we study Scripture. Show us new perspectives as we take a closer look at Your truth. Help us to be open to new ideas during our Bible study time, knowing that we’re united as Your body. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Prayer to Live Like Jesus Together
Kind Father, we look at the example of Jesus as we read about You. As Your Son, He not only taught us how to live, but modeled what it means to be Your child. We want to live the way Jesus lived, even when it feels difficult, counter-cultural, and upside down. Your way is better than our way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer for Prayer Requests
Dear God, we lift up every prayer request to You, knowing and believing that You are moving in each of our situations and circumstances. No matter what’s happening in our lives, You are good and kind. We trust You, even when we don’t understand. Thank You for caring about our burdens and our praises, and for giving us a group where we can talk about them. Please be with each of us as we go about our week. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Is With You and Your Small Group
No matter what your small group or Bible study looks like, you can be encouraged that God is with you. Jesus tells us that when we gather with others, He is with us:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV
These prayers for your small group shouldn’t be limited to a one-time thing. Instead, consider how you can nurture a habit of prayer in every gathering you have—sometimes using these words, and sometimes using your own.
God knows your heart and is eager to listen to everything you have to share. So keep up the good work of leading others and growing closer to our heavenly Father together.