1 – In verses 14 – 15, Nathan the prophet had declared that David's son with Uriah's wife would die. Why? Is this negotiable?

How certain is this outcome? What evidence is there that Nathan was right?

2 – In verse 16, why does David fast and pray? Why does he think God will change his mind? How serious is David? How do you know?

Why don't we fast and pray? Do we think God hears? Cares? Responds? Changes things?

3 – In verses 17 – 18, Why are the elders reluctant to tell David that his child has died? What did they suspect might happen? Why?

4 – In verses 20 – 23, why is it surprising that David went back to life as usual once the child died? Why does this surprise the servants? How is David resolved, content, at peace with the outcome?

What does this tell us about David's view of God? What do we know about David's view of the afterlife? (v 23)

5 – Is prayer effective? Does it change things? Does it change God?

How is fervent prayer different than manipulating God? How is it different from magic?