Running In Empty | Week One

Published April 12, 2026
Running In Empty | Week One

Main Idea

The Holy Spirit is the essential "key" that unlocks the power of both Scripture and Prayer.

Without the Spirit, Scripture becomes mere information or a list of rules, and prayer becomes a powerless monologue based on our own ambitions. To move from "running on empty" to being spiritually unleashed, we must rely on the Spirit to illuminate the Word and guide our conversations with the Father.

Scripture Focus

John 14:26

"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you."

2 Corinthians 3:17–18

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."

Romans 8:26

"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."

Key Observations

• The Advocate (Paraclete): The Spirit is the one "called alongside to help" us understand and apply Jesus' teachings.

• Removing the Veil: We are naturally blinded to the truth; the Spirit must remove the veil so we can see and reflect the glory of God.

• Praying "In": Praying in the Spirit (Jude 1:20) means being "carried along" by His leading rather than our own will.

• Ammunition for Ministry: When we hide the Word in our hearts, it becomes the ammunition the Spirit uses to minister to us and others.

Group Discussion

Scripture: From Information to Transformation

• Have you ever read the Bible and felt like it was just a "list of rules" or "historical facts"? How does that experience differ from when the Spirit "illuminates" a verse to you?

• The sermon mentions that unconfessed sin or unforgiveness can "block" our ability to hear the Spirit. How do we practically clear those blocks before we sit down to read?

• If "Scripture plus the Spirit equals transformation," what happens when we try to have one without the other?

Prayer: Connection vs. Obligation

• The sermon defines prayer as an "interactive relationship" rather than a monologue. How often does your prayer life feel like a list of your own needs and timing rather than listening for God’s will?

• Romans 8:26 says the Spirit helps us in our weakness when we don't know what to say. Have you ever had a moment where you had no words, but felt the Spirit "groaning" or pleading on your behalf?

• What does it look like to be "carried along" by the Holy Spirit during a time of prayer?

Application: Breaking the Monologue

We want to move past "self-help" reading and "ambition-led" praying into a life empowered by the Spirit.

Interactive Prayer Rhythms:

  1. The Spirit’s Illumination: Before you open your Bible this week, stop and pray: "Spirit, remove the veil. Take this from information to transformation."

  2. Aligning Desires: In your prayer time, practice saying: "Not my will, but Yours be done." Ask the Spirit to shift your desires to match God’s heart for your situation.

  3. The "Carried Along" Practice: Set aside 5 minutes to sit in silence. Ask the Spirit to give your prayer "life and energy" rather than just reciting a list of requests.

Response Challenge

• Highlight a Neighbor: Ask the Spirit to highlight one specific person to you right now.

• Listen for the "How": Once a name is in your mind, ask the Spirit: "How do You want me to pray for them?"

• Pray the Lead: Spend 5 minutes praying for that person, letting the Spirit guide your words and desires for their life