Welcome to Session 10: The Power When a Dad Prays with a PRAYER OF FAITH. As fathers, we face challenges every day—whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities—and it can be easy to rely on our own strength. This session reminds us that prayer rooted in Jesus is not just a spiritual discipline, but a powerful tool that can transform our lives, our families, and the world around us. Drawing on James 5:13–20 and 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, we will explore how the prayer of faith enables us to depend on God in our weaknesses, experience His power in action, and model a life of faith for our wives, children, and others. We’ll also reference practical insights from BeTheDads.com to help us put these truths into practice daily. Together, we’ll discover how prayer can shape our character, strengthen our relationships, and impact the world for God’s glory.

Opening Scriptures

James 5:13–15 (NIV):

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (NIV):

“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

James 5:16–20 (NIV):

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back,
remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Main Points

The Prayer of Faith is Rooted in Jesus (James 5:13–15, 2 Cor 12:7–10)

• Prayer of faith isn’t about formulas — it’s about dependence on Jesus.
  • In weakness, His power is made perfect.
  • Example: But God — https://bethedads.com/2025/03/but-god/

The Prayer of the Righteous is Powerful and Effective (James 5:16–20)

• God responds to the prayers of His people.
  • A dad’s prayers can shape his family, community, and legacy.
  • Example: Overcoming Angst — https://bethedads.com/2024/08/overcoming-angst-fatherhood-when-you-put-god-first/

Discussion Questions & Starter Answers

1. With God: How does praying in faith help you depend more on Jesus instead of yourself?

• Starter Answer: Praying in faith shifts the focus from our strength to God’s sufficiency. Paul reminds us: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9–10). As dads, when we pray this way, we learn to rely on Christ, not ourselves. See also But God — https://bethedads.com/2025/03/but-god

2. With Your Wife: In what ways can you pray with and for your wife in faith this week?

• Starter Answer: Prayer builds intimacy and unity in marriage. Husbands are called to lead spiritually: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Eph. 5:25). Faith-filled prayer with your wife invites God into your marriage. See Overcoming Angst — https://bethedads.com/2024/08/overcoming-angst-fatherhood-when-you-put-god-first

3. With Your Kids: What are some ways you can model a prayer of faith to your children?

• Starter Answer: Model prayer in everyday life — bedtime, meals, before school, when they’re worried. James 5:16 reminds us: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Kids learn faith when they see us pray in real situations. See Take Time to Grab a Hold of Who God Created You to Be — https://bethedads.com/2025/02/take-time-to-grab-a-hold-of-who-god-created-you-to-be

4. In the World: How can faith-filled prayer change your workplace, friendships, or community?

• Starter Answer: Elijah prayed earnestly, and the weather changed: “Elijah… prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain… Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain.” (James 5:17–18). If Elijah’s prayers mattered, ours do too. See Don’t Stress About It — https://bethedads.com/2023/02/dont-stress-about-it-there-are-some-good-options

5. Personal Testimony: Share a time when God answered your prayer in a way that grew your faith.

• Starter Answer: God’s answers don’t always match our requests — Paul’s thorn wasn’t removed, but grace was given (2 Cor. 12:7–10). Our testimonies of prayer grow faith for ourselves and others.

Practical Applications

• Personal: Begin and end each day with a prayer of faith.
• Marriage: Pray out loud with your wife this week.
• Parenting: Lead your kids in simple faith-filled prayers.
• Community: Pray daily for one person outside your home.

Closing Challenge

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Be The Dads Life Group Meeting – https://bethedads.com/2025/06/be-the-dads-life-group-meeting/