Jesus begins teaching us about prayer by calling us first to examine our hearts. Are they clean before the Lord or are they full of hypocrisy and pride? Do our prayers come from a sincere heart or do we fall into the trap of praying meaningless repetitions? Join us for session one of our study: When You Pray as we examine the proper posture with which we ought to approach God in prayer.
Verses Used:
Proverbs 16:5
Psalm 139:1-6
Matthew 6:5-8
Matthew 23:24-28
Zechariah 7:5
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the definition of a hypocrite?
2. Are there any areas in which you struggle with hypocrisy in your prayer life?
3. What should be the heart behind prayer?
4. What is the purpose of prayer?
5. What is your biggest struggle with prayer?
When You Pray Session 1
Matthew 6:5-8
September 7, 2021 • Proverbs 16:5, Psalm 139:1–6, Matthew 6:5–8, Zechariah 7:5, Matthew 23:24–28
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When You Pray
When You Pray Session 13
December 7, 2021 • Erin Morris
In addition to teaching us how to pray, the Bible mentions different people we should pray for. We should be in the habit of praying for those in authority over us, fellow believers, those who are sick and/or in sin, the lost, and even our enemies. Join us as we conclude our study on prayer by looking at the various people we are called to pray for. Verses Used: Ephesians 1:18-20 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Psalm 19:14 Matthew 9:37-38 Matthew 5:44 Luke 23:33-43 Discussion Questions: 1. When we are called to pray for those in authority over us, who is Scripture talking about? Why is it important to pray for them and what things should we pray? 2. Why should we pray for fellow believers? What things should we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ? 3. Has the Lord ever put someone on your mind, out of the blue, to pray for, that opened up doors of opportunity to minister/mentor them? How did that turn out? 4. Do you spend any kind of significant time in prayer for the lost? Has that brought about any opportunities to minister to strangers? 5. How and why should we pray for those who are sick both physically and spiritually? (in rebellion against the Lord) 6. How and why should you pray for someone who has hurt/wronged you? How has praying for them changed your heart toward them? 7. How did God used this study in your life this past semester?
When You Pray Session 12
November 30, 2021 • Diane Clift
Most often we desire a quick resolution to our prayers. We want instant answers and a quick fix. There are times, however, when God doesn't answer us quickly and we must return to the Lord over and over in prayer about these things. Why might an answer delay? What spiritual benefit might this grant to us and why should we not lose heart when we are not answered right away, but continue to pray? Join us for session twelve as we study Jesus' teaching on persevering in prayer. Verses Used: Luke 11:1-13 Colossians 4:6 Luke 18:1-8 Matthew 15:22-28 James 5:17-18 1 Kings 18:43-44 Psalm 55:17 Psalm 38:15 Psalm 27:14 Romans 8:26 Discussion Questions: 1. Why or when are we tempted to lose heart and not persevere in prayer? 2. What are reasons God may not answer our prayers right away? 3. What does it mean to labor fervently or strive in prayer? Do these characteristics accurately describe your prayer life? 4. Are you discouraged in your prayer life? It can be difficult to continue praying on when you don't see answers coming. Have you been persistent, even in just one prayer? 5. Have you seen a mighty answer from God as you have fervently prayer? Take some time to think and then share to encourage others. 6. How have you seen God answer prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 11
November 16, 2021 • Samantha Marsh
Fasting is mentioned alongside prayer in the Bible in multiple passages. What exactly is fasting and what is the purpose of it? In session eleven we examine how fasting impacts our relationship with the Lord and helps purify our motives here on earth. Verses Used: Matthew 6:15-18 Is 58:2-7 Zechariah 7:5-7; 9-10 Joel 2:12-14 Luke 18:9-24 Philippine 3:19 Discussion Questions: 1. What is the purpose of fasting? What are some of the reasons people fasted in Scripture? 2. How does fasting impact our spiritual lives and our relationship with the Lord? 3. What things can we fast from? 4. Have you ever fasted over anything? How did you see God use that time of fasting in your life? 5. Is there anything in your life that you’re being led to fast and pray about? 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?