Anchored, “Standing Strong in Times of Crisis”
The following content can be used as a guide for TFH Groups.
You don’t have to follow the 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:
What does success mean to you?
SERIES: Anchored: Anchored in Prayer
TITLE: Part 11: Standing Strong in Times of Crisis
SPEAKER: Pastor CJ Cody
Scriptures—
Luke 22:39–46; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 22:47–51; Matthew 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:7–38
Summary—
Pastor CJ highlights Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22), calling us to make prayer our anchor before crisis—not during it. While the disciples slept, Jesus prayed in deep anguish and urged them to “get up and pray” to avoid temptation. His message is clear: the real danger isn’t the crisis itself, but how we respond. Prayer doesn’t change circumstances—it gives us strength to stay in God’s will. If we don’t build prayer habits now, we’ll react emotionally later instead of responding in obedience.
Key Takeaways—
Prayer keeps us from falling into temptation—especially the temptation to step outside God’s will in difficult moments.
The real danger isn’t what’s coming, but how we choose to respond to it.
Our response in crisis is shaped by the habits and patterns we build beforehand.
Jesus modeled consistent prayer as a daily habit, not just a reaction to pressure.
Feelings and struggles don’t remove the responsibility to pray—discipline still matters.
Prayer gives us strength, direction, and surrender, helping us trust God’s long-term plan and respond with obedience instead of emotion.
Discussion Questions—
Jesus urged prayer even in exhaustion, challenging us not to excuse ourselves from spiritual discipline during hard times.
Consistent prayer now prepares us to respond to future crises according to God’s will, not our emotions.
We must recognize and resist the things that cause spiritual complacency when God is calling us to pray.
Acting on emotion without prayer can lead us outside God’s will, even when we think we’re doing right.
Our daily spiritual patterns shape how we respond in trials—either strengthening or weakening us.
Surrendering to God’s will, even when it’s difficult, positions us to trust His plan, timing, and purpose.
Practical Application—
Start a daily prayer habit – Set aside intentional time (like 15 minutes in the morning) to pray about your day and build consistency.
Pause and pray before reacting – When stress or strong emotions rise, stop and seek God’s direction instead of responding impulsively.
Practice surrender and accountability – Daily surrender your will to God in prayer and stay consistent by journaling or checking in with a prayer partner.
Closing Prayer—
Close your session by praying together as a group. Invite everyone to share one specific prayer request, "Father God, wake us up. In our businesses, wake us up. In our relationships, wake us up. In our communities, wake us up. Give us strength to pray, to stay in Your will. Strengthen our hands now for the work You've called us to do. Give us Your mind, Your vision, Your words, and direct our steps. Keep us submitted to You.”
