Family Talk 5/27/2020
Discipline of Prayer
Scripture Readings:
Matthew 6:5-15 ESV
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Additional Readings:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Philippians 4:4-9
Digging Questions:
- According to verse 5 & 6, how should we pray?
- What things stand out to you in the model prayer?
- Take time and consider the point behind each line of the prayer?
Reflection Questions:
- What is prayer? What is its purpose?
- Does prayer come naturally? Is it always a formal event?
- How should the principles of the Lord’s prayer guide our prayer patterns?
- Examine your prayer life, does it draw you closer to God?
- What steps can you take to improve your prayer life.
Challenge:
Search and examine some examples of prayers, consider the similarities and differences to others. (David’s Wednesdays Devos are a good place to start)
