On the Sidelines - Part 4 – Pray It Forward

On the Sidelines

Part 4 – Pray It Forward

Leader Guide

Have you ever felt like real, effective prayer is for the “professionals”? Both Matthew and Luke record the disciples asking Jesus to teach them to pray. He did just that: The Lord’s Prayer is that model prayer for us. It is not what to pray but how to pray. It is a lovely, unifying prayer when Christians of many denominations gather for a service or memorial. Even in our private prayer times, Jesus’ prayer is the template, not just the recitation, that we should use to develop our own prayer life with the Father. He wants us to pray effectively!

What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.

Jump Start

Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.

1. What is one thing you begged your parents for that you got? Or what is something you didn’t get? Do you agree with their decision on this?

2. Read Mark 9:27-29. Have you ever looked at this verse before? Does it have any place in your theology? What about in your life? Where does the power to accomplish great things come from? Is there some issue, hang-up, betrayal, or decision you are struggling with but on which you cannot find peace or victory?

Leader Note: We can be motivated, and we can try hard, but the power to overcome or accomplish an impossible task comes from spending time with God in prayer.

3. Pray deliberately. Read Luke 11:1 and Matthew 6:7-8. What had the disciples seen that made them ask the question of Jesus? What should we not do when we pray? Why is verse eight a bit confusing?

Leader Note: They had seen Jesus pray privately many times. He made it a habit to go away and spend time in prayer and He prayed publicly (like before and during many of the miracles). In the Matthew verse, Jesus gives them a prayer overview: it’s not about showy words or performances. It doesn’t have to be long! It’s not even to impress God: He already knows what you need and what you are going to pray about! The fact that He already knows may make us think that we don’t have to tell Him our needs, but God wants us to share them with Him so that WE KNOW who provided for those needs and answered our prayers!

4. Read Luke 11:2-4. If this is the template for our prayer, what types of things should be included? List them out and discuss each specific item. Is your prayer powerful because of your words or because of who you are praying to?

Leader Note: Address “Father,” not a distant God or Judge. He wants to hear from His children. “Hallowed” means to make holy and set Him apart in our thoughts. He deserves our praise, adoration, and our thanks, even if He doesn’t answer a single prayer. He is worthy.

Pray “Your kingdom come.” Matthew adds, “You will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Agreeing with God’s will, praying Scripture, and praying for what you already know are God’s promises and known plans. Memorized scripture helps in this area! Words pop into your mind, and you can claim them and thank God for the promise, the wisdom He just shared, or the reminder of His might.

“Give us each day our daily bread.” This is thankfulness and an “ask” that God continue to provide. It reminds US of our dependence on Him. God does want to hear our needs and wants. If they are not in line with His will, prayer is the place where He realigns your desires with His, so don’t be shy in asking. But be willing to yield if He wants you to do so. Prayers of frustration and desperation also honor Him because they are authentic and real.

“Forgive us our sins.” We need to ask God to examine our hearts, point out any sin, and be willing to repent (be sorry enough to stop doing it). Unconfessed sin is a barrier to our prayers (Isaiah 59:2). Take time to stop and get this rectified if you want to hear from God! Boldness comes from being righteous: “right and tight with God.” Be willing to pray this scripture: Psalm 139: 23-24.

“For we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” Ask God to show you who you need to forgive, who you have something against, who you need to go to and gently confront so that you can be reconciled. Resolution of these hurts, with God’s help and remembering how much you have been forgiven, will make all the difference in your life and in your prayers.

“And lead us not into temptation.” This is a prayer of asking and yielding. It’s asking for God’s protection from Satan, evil, the world systems. We will have suffering, but we can pray and ask God to spare us. Pray for your kids, pray to guard your heart.

5. Pray desperately. Read Luke 11:5-13. Have you ever come to the point where you felt prayer didn’t “work” anymore? What should we do when we have unanswered prayer? How is God compared to human fathers?

Leader Note: When you are desperate, keep asking! Even a big ask is okay with God! Just keep asking until God replies. Approach prayer desperately, relentlessly, as though there is no other option! God is so much more willing to give and bless than a human father, even though human fathers typically give good gifts to their own children. God promises to give, open up, and let us find Him! Keep knocking on heaven’s door!

6. Action Step: Read Ephesians 3:20 and Matthew 19:26. What one area of your life is heavy on your heart and should be a matter of prayer? Is it a relationship that needs God’s healing touch or a decision that needs His direction? Is there a person who is far from God whom you are praying for an opening to share Jesus?

Would you commit to the P.R.A.Y. - Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield prayer daily for the next seven days? Would you commit to knocking daily for the next seven days about any issues that are about to overwhelm you?

Deeper

Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions or verses.

Take a look at these great prayers of the Old Testament. Write down anything you should apply to your own prayer life.

2 Chronicles 14:11-12