Group Guides | Sharing the gospel, sharing our lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

By way of introduction: A friend asks you “why do you bother praying?” How would you answer them?

Read Matthew 6:5–18

1.      Jesus tells us plainly we are NOT to do several things when it comes to prayer. What are these things and why is Jesus so clearly warning us against them?

2.      How does Jesus describe the Father’s attitude and response to us as we pray?

Read Luke 11:1–13

3.      As the disciples ask to be taught by Jesus, what DOES he encourage us to pray? What would that sound like in our own prayers?

4.      Read vs 10 how do we reconcile this verse when our prayers do not result in the receiving, finding or opening we desired? Discuss, then read Matthew 26:38-39. How does Jesus’ unanswered prayer help us with ours?

5.      In what ways do you struggle with prayer? Can you identify the heart of why you struggle? What would we have to believe in order to truly rely daily on asking our Father in heaven?

Pray that we would be people who pray! Pray that as a church family we would believe the truth of who God is, a loving Father who hears us and gives us what we need. Pray that we would be humbled in daily reliance not on self but on God.