EXTRA Ideas for Adults—Seize the Day—A Mission Soaked in Prayer

Date: May 10, 2026

Session Title: A Mission Soaked in Prayer

The Point: God empowers and emboldens us to share the gospel. 

Podcast—Bible Studies for Life: Adults

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ADDITIONAL TEACHING OPTIONS

Optional teaching ideas that incorporate current news, cultural trends, and real-world illustrations to help your group engage more deeply and view today’s issues through a clear biblical lens.Getting Started

Get Into the Study

Read after discussing Get Into the Study—Question 1:

On April 23, a tornado went through Enid, Oklahoma, damaging at least forty homes. The storm severely damaged the rural town, demolishing commercial buildings, stripping bark from trees, and wrapping electric wires around utility poles. Despite the heavy damage, only mild injuries and no fatalities were reported.

Early the next day, the community began to rally together to clean debris and free trapped survivors. Local law enforcement partnered with state officials to aid in recovery efforts. Local businesses were donating equipment while less-affected residents were opening doors to those worse off. Supplies poured in, stated the town’s mayor, who was grateful for the community’s working together.

Just as Enid, OK residents have come together to do more help than individually, Christians are made to come together, especially when sharing the gospel. We can edify and encourage each other in pursuing kingdom work. But ultimately, our greatest help comes from God, who empowers and emboldens us to share the gospel. With His power, we are able to reach people in ways or situations we wouldn’t be able to on our own.

To read more about this story, search “Enid, Oklahoma tornado.”

Study the Bible

Read after discussing Study the Bible—Question 2:

At the end of Ramadan in early March, believers in Southeast Asia posted thought-provoking questions on social media, like “are good works enough to get you into heaven?” As the local Muslim community was known to be more online during the month of fasting, the goal was to open the door for gospel conversations. IMB missionary Jacob Stanley said that they received up to eighty messages a day.

Stanley, who serves in Southeast Asia, has been training local believers how to have these conversations in their predominantly Muslim areas. Believers have been praying together, asking God to open doors and soften hearts to the gospel. And as they pray together and minister to those who respond to posts, they’ve been growing in their own faith as they see God’s faithfulness.

Just like with the early church, praying communally helps ensure all believers are of one accord when they work together. They are able to minister to each other while they come together, and see how God responds to His people.

To read more about his story, visit IMB.org and search “southeast Asia social media ministry.”

Study the Bible (Option for Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, play a song that praises God for the way He empowers and emboldens us.

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Additional Questions

Optional, thoughtfully crafted questions designed to warm up group conversation and guide engagement throughout each Bible passage—helping your group think critically, connect personally, and process Scripture through a clear biblical lens.

Icebreakers

• When have you been part of a team effort that was successful?
• When was the last time you asked for help?
• What technology or electronic device do you depend on daily?

Acts 4:23-26. Recognize the majesty and power of God.

• What can we learn from this passage about how to respond to persecution?
• What helps you recognize God’s majesty and power?
• What traits of God are most meaningful to you when you are facing great challenges?

Acts 4:27-28. Acknowledge that God is at work even in the face of opposition.

• How does the cross help us face opposition today?
• When have you seen God doing remarkable things amidst real challenges in your life?
• What can we learn from the early church’s prayer about how to talk to God during times of opposition?

Acts 4:29-31. Ask for boldness in sharing the gospel.

• Why did the believers pray for boldness instead of safety?
• Why is the Holy Spirit essential to sharing the gospel?
• Why should we pray for boldness in sharing the gospel?

The week’s writer for Extra is Emily Duncan. Emily is a Southern California native who lives in west Georgia with her husband and daughter. God saved her from Wicca when she was sixteen while at a youth retreat. Emily’s a member of Midway Church in Villa Rica and mentors young women as they transition from high school to college.

[Linked material and sources serve as background illustration only and does not imply endorsement beyond our biblical application.]