Bonus Study: The Power and Practice of Prayer

Objective:

To understand the foundational role of prayer in a Christian’s relationship with God and to develop a deeper, more sincere prayer life that aligns with His will.

Key Themes and Scriptures

Pray in Private

Explanation: Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity in prayer. Prayer is not for show but a private conversation with God, focusing on authenticity and humility.

Key Scripture: Matthew 6:5-6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Discussion Points:

• Why is it important to pray privately rather than for public recognition?

• How can we cultivate sincerity and authenticity in our prayer life?

The Lord’s Prayer as a Guide

Explanation: Jesus provides a model for prayer that prioritizes honoring God, seeking His will, and relying on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and deliverance.

Key Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 - "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"

Discussion Points:

• How does the structure of the Lord’s Prayer guide us in balancing praise, confession, and requests?

• How can we incorporate the principles of this prayer into our daily lives?

Ask, Seek, Knock

Explanation: Jesus encourages persistence and faith in prayer, promising that God hears and answers according to His perfect will.

Key Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8 - "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Discussion Points:

• Why is persistence in prayer important?

• How do we reconcile unanswered prayers with trust in God’s plan?

Persistent Faith in Prayer

Explanation: The Parable of the Persistent Widow demonstrates the importance of faith and persistence in prayer, even when answers are delayed.

Key Scripture: Luke 18:1-8 - "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

Discussion Points:

• How does this parable encourage us to pray without giving up?

• What can we learn about God’s justice and timing from this story?

Practical Steps for Prayer

1. Set aside time daily to pray without distractions. Create a routine that allows for uninterrupted focus.

2. Focus on praise and thanksgiving before bringing your requests to God.

3. Be honest with God, sharing your struggles, fears, and hopes openly.

4. Pray persistently, even when answers seem delayed (Luke 18:1-8).

5. Listen for God’s guidance, allowing time for reflection and silence after prayer.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does private prayer strengthen your relationship with God?

2. What challenges do you face in maintaining a consistent prayer life, and how can you overcome them?

3. Share a time when persistence in prayer led to a breakthrough or a deeper trust in God.

4. How does trusting God’s timing help you stay faithful in prayer, even when answers seem delayed?

Action Steps:

1. Identify a specific time each day for private prayer and commit to it this week.

2. Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide, personalizing it to reflect your current needs and praises.

3. Write down one area where you’ve been seeking God’s guidance and commit to persistent prayer over it.

4. Practice listening for God’s voice in prayer, allowing time for reflection and silence.

Closing Prayer Points:

• For a deeper understanding of the power of prayer and its role in our relationship with God.

• For consistency and sincerity in our daily prayer life.

• For faith and persistence in seeking God’s will, even when answers are delayed.

• For encouragement and accountability within the group as we grow in our prayer lives.