More Like Jesus: Prayer
Overview
We would all agree we want to be more like Jesus every day, but the challenge many times can be where do we start? Together, we're diving into the transformative power of prayer. Tonight, we begin by exploring Jesus' model of prayer—from seeking God's presence to relying on His power to overcome temptation. Reflect on your own prayer journey and join the conversation on aligning with God's will, seeking daily provision, experiencing forgiveness, and relying on His strength for the challenges we face. Let's embark on this exploration of prayer and its impact on our spiritual lives in the year ahead.
Read
Matthew 6:5-13 NIV
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “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.’”
Discuss
How has your prayer life evolved over the past year, and what specific aspects of Jesus' model of prayer resonate with your own experiences?
Consider the disciples' request to learn to pray. What do you think prompted them to ask Jesus specifically about prayer? How can their curiosity inspire us on our prayer journey?
Reflect on the importance of seeking God's presence in prayer. How can recognizing His holiness impact the way we approach Him in our daily conversations?
Discuss the concept of aligning our prayers with God's priorities in prayer. How can we ensure that our prayers reflect His will rather than solely focusing on our own needs and desires?
Explore the idea of seeking God's daily provision in prayer. How does acknowledging Him as our ultimate provider, Jehovah-Jireh, shape our perspective on material needs and blessings?
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of how Jesus modeled prayer. Share your thoughts on the significance of seeking pardon for sins and the challenge of extending forgiveness to others.
In what ways do you currently rely on God's power to overcome temptation? Share personal experiences or strategies that help you resist the challenges and trials that come your way.
Call to Action
As we conclude this discussion, consider the following actions:
Commit to a Daily Prayer Practice: Take a moment to evaluate your current prayer routine. Whether it's in the morning, during lunch, or before bedtime, commit to a consistent daily prayer time. Let this be a dedicated space for seeking God's presence, aligning with His priorities, and expressing gratitude.
Journal Your Prayer Journey: Consider starting a prayer journal to document your conversations with God. Reflect on the themes discussed tonight – seeking provision, forgiveness, and power to overcome temptation. Track your growth, challenges, and answered prayers as a tangible reminder of your spiritual journey.
Engage in Prayer Partnerships: Share your prayer goals and experiences with a trusted friend or fellow community member. Establishing a prayer partnership fosters accountability and provides mutual support in your spiritual endeavors. Consider setting regular check-ins to discuss your prayer life, share insights, and pray for one another.
