The Assumption of Spirituality: God Already Knows

“The assumption of spirituality is that God is always doing something before I know it. So the task is not to get God to do something I think needs to be done but to become aware of what God is doing so that I can participate in it.” – Eugene Peterson

What if the real power of prayer is learning to see what God is already doing and joining in?

What do our prayers look like?

• We try to God—as if He isn’t already aware.

• We try to God—as if He isn’t already willing.

• We try to God—as if prayer is about getting our will done instead of aligning with His.

What if prayer isn’t about getting God to act but about receiving revelation—insight into what He is already doing?

Where do we start?

God Knows We Ask

Matthew 6:8, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Psalm 139:4 – “Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely.”

Since God knows everything, prayer is about making requests and about receiving wisdom and knowledge.

How does this change how I am praying right now?

The Holy Spirit Us To Pray

Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

What does this verse teach us about prayer?

• God is already at in our prayers.
• Prayer isn’t about words.
• Our doesn’t hinder prayer.

Eugene Peterson’s words:
“The task is not to get God to do something I think needs to be done but to become aware of what God is doing so that I can participate in it.”

Our Prayer: “Holy Spirit, what are You already doing?”

Spirit Helps us with the gift of Words of and

Read 1 Corinthians 12

“vs 7 (THEVOICE) Each believer has received a gift that manifests the Spirit’s power and presence. That gift is given for the good of the whole community. 8 The Spirit gives one person a word of wisdom, but to the next person, the same Spirit gives a word of knowledge.”

• Word of Wisdom – God gives divine insight into His plans, helping us see things from His perspective.

• Word of Knowledge – God reveals specific knowledge about people or situations we wouldn’t know naturally.

How do these two gifts reshape how you pray?

When we pray, we are not just asking for —we are seeking .

If “God already knows…” What does this mean for you?

1. If God already knows, you don’t have to Him to care.

• • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
  • This is praying from a position of trust.

2. for the Word of Wisdom & Word of Knowledge since “God Already Knows”

James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

• Instead of just praying, “God, do ,” ask, “God, reveal what You are doing.”

3. Since “God Already Knows,” you can him even when you can’t see.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

What I see is…

• A church that prays with confidence that God is already moving.

• A church that asks, “God, where are You already working?” instead of, “God, why aren’t You working?”

• A church that doesn’t just ask for , but aligns with God’s plan.

NewLife Prayer Challenge:

• Start by praying, “Come, Holy Spirit.” 
• Spend Time Worshiping
• Ask God, “Where are you working?” and “What are you doing?”
• Ask The Holy Spirit’s Gifts.
• Begin to journal what you hear Him saying.

This month’s NewLife Bible Reading Plan…

1 Corinthians March Reading Plan

Each day, follow these steps:

• T – Thank God for His Word.
• I – Read the passage and note key teachings.
• M – Meditate on a key verse or theme.
• E – Pray for an encounter with God through the passage.

Week 1: Foundations & Divisions in the Church

March 1 – 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

March 2 – 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

March 3 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

March 4 – 1 Corinthians 3:1-15

March 5 – 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

March 6 – 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

March 7 – 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Week 2: Holiness & Christian Living

March 8 – 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

March 9 – 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

March 10 – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

March 11 – 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

March 12 – 1 Corinthians 7:17-40

March 13 – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

March 14 – 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Week 3: Freedom & Responsibility

March 15 – 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

March 16 – 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

March 17 – 1 Corinthians 10:14-33

March 18 – 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

March 19 – 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

March 20 – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

March 21 – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Week 4: Love, Gifts & Resurrection

March 22 – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

March 23 – 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

March 24 – 1 Corinthians 14:20-40

March 25 – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

March 26 – 1 Corinthians 15:12-34

March 27 – 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

March 28 – 1 Corinthians 16:1-12

March 29 – 1 Corinthians 16:13-24

Reflection & Application Days

March 30 – Review & Reflect on 1 Corinthians 1-8

March 31 – Review & Reflect on 1 Corinthians 9-16