Chasing Daylight Chapter 8

1. McManus talks about being one step behind: praying when we should be obeying, acting when we should be waiting, etc. Do you feel you are one step behind seizing God’s divine moments in your life? What causes this? What can we do to ensure that we are in the right place at the right time?

2. The Father knows what you need before you ask him. So, why pray? “Prayer is not about informing God of your needs, nor is it even about trying to convince God to help you. Prayer is about connecting to God” (pg 215). Also, “we are not positioned to seize divine moments when we neglect to pray. Prayer keeps you in step with God’s Spirit and in tune to His voice” (pg 217). But McManus also talks about the danger/emptiness in meaningless repetition of prayer. What things to do we need to focus on in effective prayer and what is the goal?

3. McManus talks about the importance of obedience before prayer. Do you agree? Many situations are black and white in the Word and some feel they can’t act yet because they “just need to pray about it” when really they just need to take action. Are there any situations in your life that you are constantly praying about that can be answered through God’s word and pure obedience?

4. This chapter focuses on movement. If we are obedient and move with God, we have no idea the impact it can have on others. Others then see Christ in us and are drawn to the movement. It may at first just open their eyes to Christianity and raise questions, but that is the first step. We may never know the number of people changed by our simple acts of obedience. When you move, what do others see? Do they see Christ?

Challenge: Let’s focus this week on seizing every moment to move in line with God’s heart. If we are obedient and walk with Him, others will see Christ in us. We have the ability to influence others through our obedience. Pray that God will show you areas that are clear in His word so we can start obeying instead of praying about things that should be clear! Pray that God will use our simple obedience to make a huge impact on those around us!