Q: How important is communication in a relationship?

Good communication is at the heart of every relationship. A relationship with God thrives on communication as well. In prayer we both speak to and listen for God on a personal level.

Mark 1:35

Jesus was a busy man, but always found time to pray and found places that were free from distraction.

Q: What are the potential challenges in your life for finding the time and place to pray? 

Q: Why do we need to pray?

Luke 11:1-4

-When a first century Jew heard “daily bread” they would have immediately remembered the exodus. In Exodus 16 (manna from heaven), the Israelites had to rely on God for nourishment. As they collected the manna, they could only collect enough for one day (anything extra would turn to maggots). This made God’s people go to God every day to get what they needed to survive.

-In the same way today, we must understand that we cannot have a weekly Christianity. We cannot survive spiritually if we just rely on weekly times of fellowship and worship for our spiritual nourishment. Like the Israelites we must learn to go to God every day to sustain us.

Q: What would have happened to the Israelites if they had stopped going daily into the desert for manna?

Q: What will happen to us if we do not go spend time with God daily?

JESUS USED THIS BASIC MODEL WHEN TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES TO PRAY:

• “Our Father” — Acknowledge God

• “Hallowed be your name” — Praise God (Read some Psalms for inspiration!)

• “Your Kingdom come” — Pray for others (The church, family, enemies, leaders, & anyone you want to see in heaven!)

• “Give us each day our daily bread” — Pray for your daily needs (Think spiritual, emotional, and physical needs; Pray through your daily schedule)

• “Forgive us our sins.” — Confess and ask God for forgiveness (Pray specifically through your sins. Remember, the more aware you are of your sin, the more grateful you will be for Jesus- Luke 7:36-50)

• “Lead us not into temptation.” — Put on your spiritual armor (Pray for God’s protection)

Luke 11:5-13

Q: What does Jesus’ story teach us about our prayer lives?

-Be bold. (Verse 8)

-Know that God loves you and wants what is best for you! (Verse 13)

Philippians 4:6-7 / 1st Peter 5:7

-God cares for you! Prayer is a time where we can bring our burdens, anxieties and worries to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

-Prayer is something that should become a continuous habit. Even when we are engaged in other activities, we can always include God in our thoughts and heart.

Q: How would “continual prayer” change the way you engage your day-to-day activities and schedule?

Spiritual Exercise: Have a regular distraction-free time to pray every day. Other ideas: find special/inspiring places to have prayer times or begin a prayer journal and track answered prayers.