Summary: The disciples submit to Jesus a simple request: "Teach us how to pray." Were they doing it wrong? Is there a certain way we should pray? Could frustrations in our prayer life stem from a real lack of understand about prayer and what it is? Jesus answers the request for the disciples by laying out a simple prayer that addresses the "how" of prayer for us today.
Text: Luke 11:1-13 and Matthew 6:6-13
1. READ Luke 11:1. The phrase "in a certain place" infers that prayer for Jesus was habitual. He had a "spot" that he went to pray. Throughout Scripture we see Jesus praying very early in the morning and very late at night, so maybe Jesus even had a favorite time of day to spend with God.
-Do you have any prayer "habits"? A certain time of day, a certain place, a certain thing that you do during that time?
-If so, how have these habits strengthened and helped your prayer life?
2. READ Matthew 6:6. One of the reasons why prayer isn't gaining traction in your life may be that you don't have an environment that is conducive to talking and hearing from God. Yes, you can pray in the car on the way to work or while you are in school or shopping for groceries. However, if prayer is about gaining intimacy with God, listening to Him, hearing His voice, and growing closer to Him, does location and atmosphere of environment matter?
-Do you think you could be getting so much more out of prayer if you were intentional about where you prayed? Or does it not really matter?
-What are some examples of locations and times of day in your schedule and life that would be the prime time and spots for prayer? Would you commit to those moving forward to increase your intimacy level with God?
-TRY THIS: this week, switch it up. Pray in a place that is distraction free. Pray at a time of day when you are sharp (not tired, distracted, or rushed) and see what a difference it makes in your time spent with God. Come back next week ready to share.
3. What are the various aspects of prayer given in this story? Remember, it's not just the words that Jesus says, it's what he means by the words that he said.
a. Our Father, in heaven, hallowed be your name. You kingdom come, your will be done.
-Here, we are praying for God's glory.
b. Give us this day our daily bread.
-Here, we are praying for the gifts that God gives, and acknowledging that they come from Him.
c. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
-Here, we are thanking God for his grace, asking for forgiveness, and being reminded of how we need to extend those same things to others.
d. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.
-Here, we are asking for God's guidance. Help us not to make the same mistakes, and protect us from poor decision, sins, the wrong path, and destruction in our life.
-Do you see elements of those things in your prayers? Which one is the most frequent? Which ones do you do the least? What order do you usually pray these things in? How much time do you spend on each item? (Chances are, our prayers are dominated by "asking" for things and thanking God for things. Most prayers are lacking in the Glory given to God for who he is, confession of sins, and protection for later).
4. Read Luke 11:9-10. "Asking" is one of the easier aspects of prayer. What about seeking? What "seeking" do you need to focus on to back up your asking? What practical steps are involved in "finding?"
BONUS:
Here are 2 great outlines that are easy to remember when you are praying.
A- Adoration. Start off by worship of God, who He is, His greatness, His power, His majesty.
C- Confession. Confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness and protection from future sins.
T- Thanksgiving. Thank God for what He's given you, done for you and in you, and blessed you with.
S- Supplication. Bring your requests to God. This is last! Don't ask for more until you thank for what He's already done! Don't ask until you've elevated Him and humbled yourself through adoring Him and confessing your sins.
P- Praise
R- Repent
A- Ask
Y- Yield (listen to God)
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