Morning Star Las Cruces

2026 Discussion Questions

March 15, 2026

Series: Good Grief: Where Hurt and Holiness Collide

Title: Bargaining

Text: Matthew 26:36-46

1. If you could magically negotiate your way out of one unpleasant task with no consequences, what would it be? A household chore? A responsibility at work? A difficult conversation?

2. When you know something difficult is headed your way, do you tend to plan, negotiate, procrastinate, pray or hope it somehow passes?

3. What stood out to you in the message titled Good Grief: Bargaining? Did a particular moment or idea feel especially honest or challenging? What did you want to discuss?

4. Read Matthew 26:36-46. What words, phrases or repeated actions catch your attention in Jesus' prayer and posture?

5. Jesus prays, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want." What does this prayer reveal about Jesus' vulnerability in this moment? His faithfulness?

6. In Jesus' prayer in the garden, what do you hear him hoping for? What do you hear him releasing? How does his prayer reflect the human struggle to face what we wish could be different while still turning toward God?

7. Read Psalm 13:1-4. How does this psalm express pleading, urgency or negotiation with God? What feels similar, or different, from Jesus' prayer?

8. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. How does Paul's experience challenge the idea that prayer is about changing circumstances? What does it suggest about how prayer can shape our trust, perspective or resilience in difficult situations?

9. Where do you notice bargaining showing up in your own faith or prayers during seasons of uncertainty, loss or fear? What feels faithful about that kind of exchange with God? What feels hard?

10. How might your group pray for you as you practice bringing your desires, fears and limits before God while remaining open to what comes next?