Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Why do Christians pray? How can we get better at it? It’s a privilege, a priority, and a challenge.
Key Points:
- The disciples asked Jesus to help them to pray and to understand the presence of God we experience through prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
- Our prayer lives are at their best when we are praying small prayers continually, especially concerning common things: gratitude for daily provision like food, shelter, friends, etc. Prayer should not be limited to life-and-death circumstances or the “majors” of life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
- Praying for consistent or even mundane things gives us more opportunities to give thanks. It helps us live with a perspective of gratitude.
- Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship with God (they talked with him!) before sin had entered the picture while everything they needed was provided for them in the garden. This means the Lord sought their companionship and attention not just after sin caused them to be in constant need of his special protection and provision. He simply sought their fellowship.
- Prayer is ultimately about the cries of our hearts, not our outward phrases or how “put together” we are. The Apostle Paul writes that we don’t always know what to pray for, but God the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27).
Quote This:
Romans 8:26-27 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you find it difficult to pray? Or do you often not know what to pray? Why?
- Why do you think the disciples specifically asked for Jesus’s instructions on prayer? Why not about planting churches or being great preachers instead?
- Do you find yourself more inclined toward prayer when the going gets tough or when a big decision or challenge is on the horizon? Why do you think this is or isn’t the case? Explain.
- What are some of the “little things” you have to be thankful for daily?
- Why is it significant that God sought the presence of Adam and Eve at a time when they did not have a care in the world? How should this affect our prayer lives?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
