LUKE 12:22-34

Introduction

As a church, we’re spending this week in prayer, and tonight we want to create space for an extended time of prayer together. We’ll briefly look at Luke 12:22–34, and then let the themes of the passage shape what we pray.

1. Read & Reflect

Read: Luke 12:22–34

22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his[b] kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Discuss briefly:

  • What stands out to you?

  • What feels most challenging or encouraging?

(Keep this short and move toward prayer.)

Guided Prayer

1. “Do not be anxious about your life”

Jesus names the real, everyday worries we carry, provision, security, and the future.

Share briefly:

  • What are you currently finding yourself anxious about? (finances, work, health, family, future)

Pray:

  • Bring these specific worries before God

  • Ask for help to trust Him with what feels uncertain

  • Pray for peace instead of anxiety

(Time of open prayer — choose someone to close after ~5 minutes)

2. “Of how much more value are you than the birds! “

Also read: Romans 8:32:
32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Pray:

  • Thank God that He knows your needs

  • Thank Him for His generosity and care

  • Praise Him for giving us Jesus

  • Ask for deeper trust in His character, not just His provision

(Choose someone to close after ~5 minutes)

3. “Seek His Kingdom”

Jesus redirects us from being consumed with our needs to God’s purposes.

Share briefly:

  • Who would you love to see come to know Jesus?

  • Where do you long to see God at work? (friends, family, church, city)

Pray:

  • For people to come to know Jesus

  • For boldness to speak and live as witnesses

  • For God to be at work at City Light, in growing us both numerically and in substance.

  • For His Kingdom to take root in our City

    (Choose someone to close after ~5 minutes)

4. “Provide yourselves with money bags that will not grow old”

Jesus finishes by shifting our focus from temporary security to eternal treasure, and shows that this will shape how we live.

Read again: Luke 12:32–34

Pray:

  • Ask God to expose where our hearts are tied to money or comfort

  • Pray for hearts that value eternal things over temporary ones

  • Ask for help to live with trust, generosity, and obedience

  • Pray that our lives would reflect that our treasure is in heaven

(Leader close the time in prayer)