Why and how do I pray
Besides Bible reading, prayer is the most important activity of our lives. Through Bible reading God speaks to us. Through prayer we respond to God. Both activities are vital to relationship building between God and us.
Important is to realize that the Lord’s prayer, an instruction to the disciples, in most churches is a compilation of several Gospels, mainly Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.
What is Christian prayer
For through him [Jesus] we both [Jews and Gentiles] have access to the Father by one Spirit.’ (Ephesians 2:18)
• To the Father
- ‘… to your father’ (Matthew 6:6)
- ‘… in heaven’ (v.9)
• Through the Son
- ‘I have called you friends’ (John 15:15)
• By the Spirit
- ‘… the Spirit helps us’ (Romans 8:26)
In prayer the three persons in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are involved in communication with the believer.
Question 1
Are you aware of, and used to, addressing all three persons within the Trinity in your prayers? Why or why not? If not, do you want to learn that?
Why pray
• Develops a relationship with God
• Rewards of prayer (Matthew 6:6)
- Presence of God, perspective, and power
• Results of prayer (Matthew 7:7–11)
Question 2
In Philippians 4:6–7 we read 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 6应当毫无忧虑，只要凡事借着祷告祈求，带着感恩的心，把你们所要的告诉 神。7这样， 神所赐超过人能了解的平安，必在基督耶稣里，保守你们的心思意念。 Describe in the box what your prayer experience is? Do you agree with the statement that peace can be found beyond understanding? Does that motivate you to daily prayer?
Does God always answer prayer
That’s a question many people ask. The answer is threefold:
1. Yes – you receive what you prayed for, sometimes immediately
2. No – sometimes an obvious reason why not. For instance if the prayer is not in line with God’s Word or God’s plan for us; other times we may not understand straight away why the answer is no
3. Wait – for the right timing
Question 3
Is perseverance required in your prayers?
How do we pray
• Thank you – count your blessings
• Sorry – confess your sins (John 13:6–10)
• Please – ‘Give us today our daily bread’ (Matthew 6:11): ask for anything you need, plead with God about your problems. Notice, not all desires are needs.
When do we pray
• Anywhere, anytime
- (Ephesians 6:18)
• Alone (Matthew 6:6)
- Regular pattern
- Best part of the day (Mark 1:35)
• With others
- There’s power in praying together
- ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.’ (Matthew 18:20
Practical tips for prayer
• Keep it real
• Keep it simple
• Keep it going, using a prayer calendar
Save this worksheet with your notes by pushing the EMAIL-button
Close in group prayer.
CLEAR EMAIL
Besides Bible reading, prayer is the most important activity of our lives. Through Bible reading God speaks to us. Through prayer we respond to God. Both activities are vital to relationship building between God and us.
Important is to realize that the Lord’s prayer, an instruction to the disciples, in most churches is a compilation of several Gospels, mainly Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.
What is Christian prayer
For through him [Jesus] we both [Jews and Gentiles] have access to the Father by one Spirit.’ (Ephesians 2:18)
• To the Father
- ‘… to your father’ (Matthew 6:6)
- ‘… in heaven’ (v.9)
• Through the Son
- ‘I have called you friends’ (John 15:15)
• By the Spirit
- ‘… the Spirit helps us’ (Romans 8:26)
In prayer the three persons in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are involved in communication with the believer.
Question 1
Are you aware of, and used to, addressing all three persons within the Trinity in your prayers? Why or why not? If not, do you want to learn that?
Why pray
• Develops a relationship with God
• Rewards of prayer (Matthew 6:6)
- Presence of God, perspective, and power
• Results of prayer (Matthew 7:7–11)
Question 2
In Philippians 4:6–7 we read 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 6应当毫无忧虑，只要凡事借着祷告祈求，带着感恩的心，把你们所要的告诉 神。7这样， 神所赐超过人能了解的平安，必在基督耶稣里，保守你们的心思意念。 Describe in the box what your prayer experience is? Do you agree with the statement that peace can be found beyond understanding? Does that motivate you to daily prayer?
Does God always answer prayer
That’s a question many people ask. The answer is threefold:
1. Yes – you receive what you prayed for, sometimes immediately
2. No – sometimes an obvious reason why not. For instance if the prayer is not in line with God’s Word or God’s plan for us; other times we may not understand straight away why the answer is no
3. Wait – for the right timing
Question 3
Is perseverance required in your prayers?
How do we pray
• Thank you – count your blessings
• Sorry – confess your sins (John 13:6–10)
• Please – ‘Give us today our daily bread’ (Matthew 6:11): ask for anything you need, plead with God about your problems. Notice, not all desires are needs.
When do we pray
• Anywhere, anytime
- (Ephesians 6:18)
• Alone (Matthew 6:6)
- Regular pattern
- Best part of the day (Mark 1:35)
• With others
- There’s power in praying together
- ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.’ (Matthew 18:20
Practical tips for prayer
• Keep it real
• Keep it simple
• Keep it going, using a prayer calendar
Save this worksheet with your notes by pushing the EMAIL-button
Close in group prayer.
CLEAR EMAIL