The Objectives : The two main objectives of this study are to teach the disciples to have a prayer life (start a prayer journal) based on the six sections of the Lord’s Prayer and give them a basic understanding of prayer and fasting.

Q: How important is communication in a relationship?

Good communication is at the heart of every relationship. A relationship with God thrives on communication as well. In prayer we both speak to and listen for God on a personal level.

The Scriptures:

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Jesus was a busy man, but always found time to pray and found places that were free from distraction.

Q: What are the potential challenges in your life for finding the time and place to pray?

1. Why do we need to pray?

Luke 11:1-4
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"

Give us each day our daily bread…When a first century Jew heard “daily bread” they would have immediately remembered the exodus. In Exodus 16 (manna from heaven), the Israelites had to rely on God for nourishment. As they collected the manna, they could only collect enough for one day (anything extra would turn to maggots). This made God’s people go to God everyday to get what they needed to survive.

In the same way today, we must understand that we cannot have a weekly Christianity. We cannot survive spiritually if we just rely on weekly times of fellowship and worship for our spiritual nourishment. Like the Israelites we must learn to go to God everyday to sustain us.

Q: What would have happened to the Israelites if they had stopped going daily into the dessert for manna?

Q: What will happen to us if we do not go spend time with God daily?

JESUS USED THIS BASIC MODEL WHEN TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES TO PRAY:

• “Our Father” — Acknowledge God
• “Hallowed be your name” — Praise God (Read some Psalms for inspiration!)
• “Your Kingdom come” — Pray for others (The church, family, enemies, leaders, & anyone you want to see in heaven!)
• “Give us each day our daily bread” — Pray for your daily needs (Think spiritual, emotional, and physical needs; Pray through your daily schedule)
• “Forgive us our sins.” — Confess and ask God for forgiveness (Pray specifically through your sins. Remember, the more aware you are of your sin…the more grateful you will be for Jesus!) (Luke 7:36-50)
• “Lead us not into temptation.” — Put on your spiritual armor. (Pray for God’s protection.)

Luke 11:5-13
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'
8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Q: What does Jesus’ story teach us about our prayer lives?

• Be bold. (Verse 8)
• Know that God loves you and wants what is best for you! (Verse 13)

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

God cares for you! Prayer is a time where we can bring our burdens, anxieties and worries to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray continually;

“Pray continually;” prayer is something that should become a continuous habit. Even when we are engaged in other activities, we can always include God in our thoughts and heart.

Q: How would “continual prayer” change the way you engage your day-to-day activities and schedule?

The Spiritual Exercise: Start a prayer journal using the outline that Jesus gave his disciples. Have a regular distraction-free time to pray everyday, and find special/inspiring places to have prayer times. Next week use your time together to pray (using Luke 11 / prayer journals).