The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. His simple answer can transform the prayer life of every Christian today.
Talking Points:
- Pray to grow close to your father, like you’re in an actual relationship with him. He loves us and desires relationship with us. Matthew 6:9
- Pray to get in step with your king – for his will to be done and not yours. Matthew 6:10
- Pray to lean on your provider because you need what only he can offer. Matthew 6:11-13
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you ever feel like prayer is complicated? Explain.
- Read Matthew 6:7-8. What would you say is the essence of “Gentile” or pagan prayer? How is Christian prayer different?
- Describe a time God has seemed distant to you. What is it about God – or us – that can make God seem distant when we pray?
- Read Matthew 6:9, What does it mean to address God as a father?
- Does your experience with your earthly father help or hinder you in approaching God as your heavenly Father? Explain.
- Read Matthew 6:10. What does it mean for God’s kingdom to come? What does that look like in this world?
- When you pray “Your will be done,” what are you actually saying to God?
- Read Matthew 6:11-12. If God already knows our needs, why pray for daily food?
- If Jesus already paid for all our sins on the cross, why pray, “Forgive us our sins”?
- Read Matthew 6:13. What inner battles – spiritual, mental, or emotional – do you face on a regular basis? How can prayer prepare you for those battles?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
