PEOPLE IN PRAYER JACOB: PRAYING FOR GODS BLESSING BIBLE STUDY Genesis 32:22-32 2. Read Genesis 32:22-32ii 3.

. What elements of this story seem mysterious to you? What questions arise as you read this text?iii 4. Before Jacob had this powerful encounter with Godiv, he took steps to be completely alone (vv. 22-24). Why do you think this was important?v 5. When is the last time you spent an extended period of time all alone with no outside distractions? 6. In what ways is Jacob changed by this encounter with God?vi 7. Jacob is granted one request but denied another. What request is granted?vii What request is denied?viii 8. Why do you think God grants some of our prayer requests but not all of them?
9. Before God could get Jacob to cry out for the spiritual blessing he needed, the Lord basically had to beat Jacob up. Why do you think it took so much to get Jacobs attention? 10. What do you think would motivate you to cry out more earnestly for Gods spiritual blessing on your life? NOTES:
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(corresponds to sermon text of April 14, 2013)

1. Have you ever had an experience in prayer that left you profoundly changed? Explain.i

This is a somewhat personal question. As you encourage the group to respond, be careful not to pressure anyone into answering unwillingly.
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Context: In this series we will be studying different passages from the Old Testament in which people engage in prayer. It is important to explain the basic context of each of these passages. The present text describes an event in the life of Jacob, a grandson of Abraham. In this passage, Jacob is preparing to cross the river Jabbok to re-enter the Promised Land, after having spent many years in a self-imposed exile. He knows that when he arrives in Canaan he will have to face Esau, the hot-headed brother whom Jacob had defrauded when they were both young, and who is still likely to be angry with him. When Jacob fled Canaan years before, he was alone and penniless. He is now returning to Canaan the wealthy leader of a large family. However, despite all Jacobs success, something is still missing in his life something that can be given to him by God alone.
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The purpose of this question is to allow your group to acknowledge the enigmatic nature of this story. Dont attempt to answer all the questions your group raises at this point, and dont permit other group members to do so either. Encourage the group to embrace the fact that there may be aspects of this story we never fully understand.
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Though the figure who assaults Jacob in this passage is identified merely as a man, Jacobs response to him indicates that Jacob understood himself to be in the presence of God. Hosea 12:4 identifies the

man as the angel. In the Old Testament, a mysterious figure called the angel of the LORD sometimes appears and is referred to as if he is God himself in human form. James M. Boice identifies the man with whom Jacob wrestled as being this person, noting, Most scholars consider this figure a preincarnate manifestation of the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ.
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Though there is no indication that Jacob was seeking, or even expecting, to meet God in this way, his solitude that evening might have played an important role in what happened to him. It was not until he put away the distractions of people, possessions, and responsibilities that God revealed himself to Jacob in this way. The picture here is of a restless and agitated man. Nights are dark in the desert. No work is done at night. But Jacob was so fearful of his anticipated meeting with Esau that he could not sleep. He had to do something. So he got up, roused his household, and then moved them all across the Jabbok. Probably he kept pacing back and forth with nervous activity. Finally although the passage does not say so explicitly he went back across the stream and awaited the morning. The chapter says, So Jacob was left alone (v. 24). This is good. For the first time, Jacob is not among the distracting demands of his encampment. He is quiet. (James Montgomery Boice)
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At least three changes might be listed. First, Jacob has a new sense of his own weakness. This strong, self-reliant, successful man now walks with a permanent limp, an on-going reminder of his frailty before an omnipotent God. Second, Jacob has a new sense of his own identity. God has changed his name to Israel and has re-defined the way that Jacob is to view himself from this time onward. Third, Jacob has a new sense of reverence for the Lord. I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered. The one who strives with God now looks upon God with a feeling of respect and awe.
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He receives the blessing that he pleads for. He is not allowed to know the mans name.