Let’s be honest—prayer in Bible study groups can sometimes feel like the side dish when it should be the main course. We open with a quick prayer, maybe close with one, and in between we dive into Scripture, discussion, and donuts (no judgment on the donuts —we love them, too). But what if your group leaned into prayer in a fresh, intentional way?

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your group or become a prayer expert. You just need a few simple shifts to help your group pray more—for each other, for the lost, and for your church. Let’s explore how.

1. Make Prayer Personal (and Consistent)

People are far more likely to pray when they feel known. So start by creating space for group members to share real prayer needs—not just “my cousin’s neighbor’s dog is having surgery,” but the stuff that’s actually weighing on their hearts.

Try this:

• Start a prayer journal (physical or digital) where requests are recorded and revisited.
• Assign a “prayer partner” each month so members can check in with one another midweek.
• Open your group time with a simple question: “How can we pray for you this week?” Then actually pray—right then and there.

Consistency is key. When prayer becomes a regular rhythm, not a rushed add-on, people begin to expect it, value it, and participate more freely.

2. Pray Beyond the Circle

It’s easy for group prayer to become inward-focused. And while praying for each other is vital, we’re also called to pray outward—for those who don’t yet know Jesus and for the broader mission of the Church.

Here’s how to stretch your group’s prayer muscles:

• Create a “Who’s Your One?” board: Invite each group member to write down the name of one person they’re praying will come to faith. Keep it visible and pray over those names weekly.
• Pray for your church leaders and ministries: Choose a different ministry or staff member each week and lift them up in prayer. It builds unity and reminds your group they’re part of something bigger.
• Pray for your community: Schools, first responders, local nonprofits—there’s no shortage of people who need prayer. Let your group be a spiritual support system for your city.

You’ll be amazed how this outward focus energizes your group and gives your prayer time a sense of mission.

3. Make Prayer Engaging and Varied

Let’s face it—if prayer always looks the same, it can start to feel routine. The good news? There’s no one “right” way to pray in a group. Mix it up!

Here are a few ideas:

• Prayer stations: Set up different areas with prompts (e.g., “Pray for the lost,” “Pray for healing,” “Pray for your church”) and let people move through them.
• Popcorn prayer: Invite people to pray short, one-sentence prayers as they feel led. It lowers the pressure and increases participation.
• Silent prayer: Sometimes the most powerful moments come in the quiet. Give your group a few minutes to pray silently, then close together.

The goal isn’t to be flashy—it’s to be faithful. When prayer is creative and Spirit-led, it becomes something people look forward to, not something they endure.

Summing it Up

Prayer isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it’s a group lifeline. It deepens relationships, strengthens faith, and invites God to do what only He can do. As a leader, you have the joyful privilege of helping your group grow in this area—not by being perfect, but by being intentional.

So this fall, let’s pray bigger. Let’s pray more often. Let’s pray with boldness, joy, and expectation. Because when God’s people pray, things change.