Knowing How to Pray

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Prayer
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:5-15
October 3, 2020
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What images or thoughts spring to mind when you hear the word “prayer”?
  2. *What role did prayer play in your family’s life when you were growing up?

Explore It

  1. According to Jesus, what wrong motivation prompts some individuals to pray? (6:5)
  2. *What name did Jesus call people who pray for show? Why? (6:5)
  3. Where do hypocrites prefer to do their praying? (6:5)
  4. What type of reward will religious showmanship bring? (6:5)
  5. *How did Jesus command His followers to pray? (6:6)
  6. Where did Jesus suggest we talk to God? (6:6)
  7. *What type of reward will humility in prayer bring? (6:6)
  8. What did Jesus have to say about repetitive or long, windy prayers? (6:7)
  9. What insights or facts about God are revealed in this passage? (6:6, 8, 9)
  10. To whom did Jesus tell us to pray? (6:9)
  11. What should be our attitude toward God? (6:9)
  12. What should be our attitude toward God’s kingdom and will? (6:10)
  13. What should be our attitude toward life’s necessities? (6:11)
  14. What should be our attitude toward those who have wronged us? (6:12)
  15. What should be our attitude toward temptation? (6:13)
  16. Why is it crucial for us to forgive those who wrong us? (6:14-15)

Get It

  1. What common or overused phrases do you hear frequently repeated in people’s prayers?
  2. If God knows what we need before we ask, why should we pray?
  3. *If Jesus commands us to pray in secret, what is the value of public prayer?
  4. Why do many Christians feel uncomfortable praying out loud?
  5. *When you pray in front of a group, how can you concentrate fully on what you are saying to God rather than how your prayers sound to others?
  6. Why do we often use special language or words for talking to God?
  7. What sins or offenses by others do we find especially difficult to forgive?

Apply It

  1. *What changes do you need to make in your prayer life?
  2. What strained relationship will you seek to repair this week by forgiving an offense?

 

Scripture References:

Matthew 6:5-15 (NKJV)
5  “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6  But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7  And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8  Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9  In this manner, therefore, pray: 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 forgive our debtors.
13  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14  “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.