Discussion Questions:

1. Read Matthew 6:5 together. Why do you think people are sometimes more comfortable praying in public than in private or in private rather than public. How can we shift from “performing” prayers to actually talking personally with God?

2. Look at Matthew 6:5 again. Jesus compares hypocrites to actors putting on a show. What are some ways Christians today might “act” spiritual without truly knowing God? What helps you stay authentic in your walk with Him?

3. Read Matthew 6:6. What does your private prayer life currently look like? If your relationship with God grew only as strong as your time alone with Him, what would need to change?

4. Read Psalm 23. How does using Scripture to shape your prayers change the way you talk to God? Talk through this scripture and what to pray from it.

5. Read Matthew 6:7–8. How does knowing that God already knows what you need before you ask affect the way you pray? Does it make you feel comforted, or does it raise questions for you?

6. Read Hebrews 11:1. Why do you think it’s often hard to pray to a God we can’t physically see? What helps make your prayer time feel more real and relational?

7. Reflect on Eugene Peterson’s quote:

“Prayer is never the first word; it is always the second word. God has the first word.

If prayer is our response to what God has already said and done, how does that change your approach to talking with Him? What’s one way you can respond to God’s “first word” of love this week?

End your time together by praying