We were reminded during the weekend message that communication is difficult, but essential for any relationship. After all, we cannot grow in any relationship without communicating with them on a regular basis. The same principle applies to our relationships with God. If we want to see growth in our relationship with Him, we have to talk to Him on a regular basis. Today, we will take a look at how Jesus taught us to pray and be encouraged to follow His example of prayer, so that we can grow in our relationships with Him and become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Share about a time when a miscommunication led to a funny exchange with a friend or family member.
1. Read Matthew 6:5-13. Compare how the Gentiles prayed versus how Jesus taught His followers how to pray.
Matthew 6:5-13
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need, 12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
2. How did Jesus begin His model prayer, and how does that introduction set the tone for the rest of the prayer He prayed?
3. What does Matthew 6:10 reveal about the purpose of prayer?
4. What does Jesus invite us to pray about in Matthew 6:5-13?
1. How does remembering who God is impact what you pray for and how you pray to Him?
2. Why is praise essential for our prayer lives?
3. What are you currently praying for?
Let's take time now to follow Jesus' example of prayer. Have each group member spread out and write out individual prayers to God, following Jesus' model in Matthew 6:5-13. Follow the prompt below.
When everyone is finished writing out their prayers to God, come back together and pray. Praise God for who He is and ask Him to help each one of you as you take steps to grow in your prayer lives.
We have established that prayer is essential for any Christ follower to grow. Most people would say they want to grow in their prayer lives, but they have questions about prayer and how to pray. Today, we will address three common questions that people have about prayer so that we can grow in our own prayer lives and help others do the same.
For some, they do not pray because they do not know what to pray for. They wonder what God wants to hear from us when we pray. The good news is that we do not have to be stuck not knowing what to pray for. Scripture reveals to us exactly what we can pray for, giving us confidence as we strive to grow in our prayer lives.
1. Read Philippians 4:6-7.
Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
2. What can we pray for? What types of categories does “everything” include?
3. What is the result of praying about everything, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. What is something you might not think to pray for, but would pray for now after reading this passage of Scripture?
Some people do not pray because they are not sure when the appropriate times to pray are. They pray before meals and before going to sleep at night, but they lack a clear understanding of other times to turn to God in prayer. Scripture also teaches us when we should pray, giving us confidence as we turn to God in prayer.
1. Read James 5:13-14 and 1st Thessalonians 5:17.
James 5:13-14
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.
1st Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
2. According to this passage of Scripture, when should we pray?
3. What is the benefit of the continual prayer described in these passages of Scripture?
4. When is a time that you can pray that you might not have considered praying before reading this passage of Scripture?
Some people do not pray because they do not understand the purpose of prayer and what happens when we pray. They do not understand that when we pray, God hears and responds to our prayers, even when He responds differently than we had hoped. God also changes our hearts as we pray.
1. Read James 5:13-16.
James 5:13-16
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results
2. What does James teach us about the impact of prayer in this passage of Scripture?
3. How does understanding the impact of prayer encourage you to pray?
4. How have you seen God work when you have prayed in the past?
End your time together by dividing up into groups of two or three. Share prayer requests and pray for each other. Commit to praying for each other throughout the week and beyond
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