Sermon Series: What Disciples Do - Pray

Key Takeaways

1) Prayer is a fundamental discipline of a disciple – praying isn’t optional extras, but core to what it means to follow Jesus and to live as his disciple.

2) Prayer invites relationship, not just ritual – we need to see prayer as entering into a conversation with God — listening as much as speaking — and building a deeper relationship rather than simply checking a spiritual task off.

3) Prayer aligns our will with God’s will – through prayer we open ourselves to be changed, to see God’s purposes, and to align our lives with what God is already doing in the world.

4) Prayer empowers mission and action – prayer isn’t just “preparing” for action, it is part of the action. Praying engages us with God’s work and strengthens us to live out our discipleship practically in daily life.

Reflection Questions

--- How do I view prayer in my own life: as a duty, a luxury, or a living connection with God?

What might shift if I moved closer to connection?

--- When I pray, what am I most often doing: asking, listening, lamenting, praising?

Which of these might I need to grow in?

--- In what areas of my life do I need to invite God’s will more deeply into my prayers?

How might that change what I ask or expect?

--- What is one tangible way I can integrate prayer with action this week?

How can I let my praying lead into doing, and my doing inform my praying?