Enjoy: Relationship and Prayer Overview: We often think of our relationship with God in these terms: God speaks to us through the Bible, and we speak to God through prayer. While there is some truth to this, it is an overly simplistic view of our relationship with God. Our relationship involves communication, but it also involves enjoying him and walking in a mutually enjoyable relationship with him! A disciple is a follower of Jesus, and prayer was a significant part of Jesus life. Early in his ministry Jesus went off by himself to pray (Mark 1:35), he did the same thing after the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:23), and before his death he went off on his own three times to pray (Matthew 26:42). In Luke 5:16, it says that he often found quiet places to pray. Luke 6:12 tells of a time he spent the whole night in prayer. Jesus need and desire for prayer highlights our own need for prayer and dependence upon the Father. In the early church, we see that Jesus disciples continued placing a high value on prayer. They met together often for prayer (Acts 1:14), it was one of the things they were devoted to (Acts 2:42), and they saw it as one of the most important parts of Christian ministry (Acts 6:4). In Antioch they prayed before sending out the missionaries (Acts 13:3), in Philippi they were looking for a good place to pray (Acts 16:13,16), and in the same city Paul and Silas were singing and praying at midnight while they were sitting in prison. Clearly, prayer was an integral part of their lives. It would be easy to say, We are supposed to pray, so pray, but that would miss the point of prayer. Just as reading the Bible is not merely a task and church is not just an event, prayer is not a ritual. Rather, prayer springs from relationship. A man does not talk to a beautiful woman he is interested in because that is something he read about in a book on how to win a girl s heart. No, he talks to her because he likes her, enjoys spending time with her, and hopes to develop a deeper relationship with her. The conversation flows from a result of his desire to deepen the relationship. In the same way, prayer and spending time with God should flow from our desire to deepen our relationship with God. Enjoying a relationship with God starts with a deep appreciation of his love for us. 1 John 4:19 says that, We love because he first loved us. Our love for him is a response to his love for us. One of the most rewarding aspects of our relationship is the ongoing and deepening understanding of just how much he loves us. In Ephesians 3:15-19, Paul prays that the Ephesians would know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge! That is what it is like trying to understand God s love. It s an unending journey of trying to grasp something that is far beyond our grasp. It s like the wonder, joy, and excitement of a romance, but one that never loses its freshness. As you study this topic, think about how you can enjoy your relationship with God. How does that relate to prayer? How does that relate to walking in the Spirit? How does that relate to him abiding in us? Ours is not a religion of duty, but one of relationship! Memory Verse 1 Corinthians 1:9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. NIV84 Discipling the Heart Enjoy: Relationship and Prayer 1
Relationship with God Personal Study Relationship with God Gen. 5:22-24 Noah walked with God Gen. 6:9 Enoch walked with God Micah 6:8 LORD requires walk with him Exo. 34:14 He s jealous about relationship with you Matt. 28:20 With us until the end Jn. 14:21 Those who love obey Jn. 14:23-24 Father and Son will make home with those who obey Jn. 15:5-7 Abiding in him Jn. 16:27 Father himself loves you Rom. 2:17-24 Relationship as Jew Rom. 8:10 Christ is in you 1 Cor. 1:9 Called into fellowship Col. 1:27 Christ in you 1 John 1:3 Fellowship with Father and Son 1 John 1:7 Walk in light and fellowship (with others and/or God) 1 John 4:4 The one who is in you 1 John 4:15 We live in God and God in us Rev. 3:20 Knock on door / eating with Jesus Aspects of relationship Adopted Jn. 1:12, Rom. 8:15; 8:23; 9:4, Gal. 4:5, 1 Jn. 2:1-2 Child of God Matt. 12:48-50, Jn. 1:12, Rom. 8:14, 2 Cor. 6:18, Eph. 1:4-5; 5:8, Heb. 2:11-17, 1 Jn. 3:1; 5:19 Child of Abba Mark 14:36, Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6 Chosen Gen. 18:18-19, Deut. 7:7-8; 10:15, Isa. 65:9, Col. 3:12, 1 Pet. 2:9-10 Companion Jn. 14:21-23, 2 Cor. 6:14, Php. 2:1; 3:10, 1 Jn. 1:3-9 Dearly loved Jn. 13:1; 15:9; 16:27; 17:23, Gal. 2:20, Eph. 5:1, Col. 3:12, 1 Th. 1:4, 1 Jn. 4:10-11 Friend Jn. 15:13-15, Jas. 2:23 Heir Acts 20:32, Rom. 8:17, Gal. 4:7, Col. 3:24, Titus 3:7, 1 Pet. 1:4; 3:7 Jesus Siblings Matthew 12:50, Heb. 2:11 One with Lord Jn. 15:1-7; 17:21, 1 Cor. 6:17, Eph. 4:30 Enjoying God Matt. 13:20 Luke 6:23 Luke 10:17-21 Luke 15:3-7 Luke 15:8-10 Luke 19:37 John 3:29 Receiving Word with joy Leap for joy due to reward 72 disciples returned rejoicing The found sheep The found coin Rejoicing in the miracles The joy of the bride John 15:11 His joy complete in us John 16:24 Joy in answered prayers John 17:13 Full measure of Jesus joy Acts 13:52 Disciples filled with joy and Spirit Rom. 5:1-11 Rejoicing in standing with God 2 Cor. 7:10 Joy knows no bounds Php. 4:1-4 Rejoice always God s Love Ex. 15:13a Unfailing love (Even early in OT) Ps. 108:4 Love higher than heavens Ps. 136 His love endures forever. Ps. 145:17 Loving toward all John 3:16 God loved the world John 13:34 Love as he loved John 15:13 No greater love John 17:23 God loved us like he loved Jesus Rom. 5:5 Poured out his love Rom. 5:8 Demonstration of God s love Rom. 8:35-39 Nothing separated from his love 2 Cor. 5:14 Christ s love controls us 2 Cor. 13:11 The God of love Gal. 2:20 A personal love Eph. 1:4-5 Chose us in love Eph. 2:4-5 His great love for us Eph. 3:17-19 Length, depth, and height of love Eph. 5:1-2 Dearly loved children Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love as Christ loved Col. 3:12 Dearly loved Heb. 12:6 He disciplines in love 1 John 3:1a His amazing love 1 John 3:16 Jesus laid down life in love 1 John 4:7-21 God is love Rev. 1:5-6 Loved us and freed us Rev. 3:9 I have loved you! Rev. 3:19 Disciplines those he loves The Holy Spirit Acts 2:38-39 Spirit promised Acts 4:31 Filling of the Spirit Rom. 8:9 Spirit in those who belong to Christ Rom. 8:11 Spirit lives in you Rom. 8:15-16 Spirit testifies to our spirit Rom. 12:6-8 Gifts of Spirit 1 Cor. 3:16 God s Spirt lives in you 1 Cor. 6:19 You are temple of Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 12:4-7 Manifestation of Spirit Gal. 5:22-23 Fruit of the Spirit Eph. 2:19-22 Dwelling place of God s Spirit Eph. 4:11-12 Gifts of Spirit Eph. 5:18 Be filled with Spirit Phil. 2:1-2 Fellowship with Spirit 2 Enjoy: Relationship and Prayer Discipling the Heart
Prayer Personal Study Promises of Answer Anything you ask in agreement Matt. 18:19 Whatever you ask in faith Matt. 21:22, Mk. 11:24 Whatever you ask in His name John 14:13; 15:16; 16:23 According to His will 1 John 5:14 Key verses Persistence Gen. 18:32; 32:26; Matt. 7:7-11; 15:27; Luke 22:44 Joining with others Matt. 18:19 Being connected with God John 15:5 All types of prayers Eph. 6:18 Short Neh. 2:4; Matt. 6:7 Long Jesus - All night Luke 6:12 Silent Hannah - 1 Sam. 1:13 Loud cries and tears Jesus Heb. 5:7 Simple Daily bread Matt. 6:11 Profound Kingdom come Matt. 6:10 In private In your room Matt. 6:6 In public Acts 1:14; 4:31; 14:23 Evening, morning, noon Ps. 55:17 Jesus praying in morning Mark 1:35 Praying at midnight Ps. 119:62 God s Heart Luke 11:13 He spares nothing Rom. 8:32 Prayer with confidence Eph. 3:12, Heb. 4:16 Specifics to pray for Government 1 Tim. 2:1,2 Healing James 5:16 Food Prov. 30:8; Matt 6:11 Church John 17:20, Rom. 1:9,10; Eph. 1:16; 6:18 Gospel Eph. 6:19; Col. 4:3 Famous prayers Abraham for Sodom Gen. 18:23 Abraham s servant Gen. 24:12-14 Moses Exo. 32:11; 33:12 Jabez 1 Chron. 4:10 Elijah at Carmel 1 Ki. 18:36-37 Hezekiah 2 Ki. 19:15 Nehemiah Neh. 1:4; 2:4 Daniel s delayed answer Daniel 10:12-13 The Lord s Prayer Matt. 6:9 Jesus intercession John 17 Thief on cross Luke 23:42 Jesus in garden Matt. 26:44 Paul s thorn 2 Cor. 12:8 Hindrances to Effective Prayer Prayerlessness John 16:24 - You have not asked for anything James 4:2 You do not ask. Unrighteousness 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands and wives Malachi 2:13,17 Wearied Lord with words 1 Peter 3:12 Against those who do evil James 5:16 Prayer of righteous powerful Secret sin Ps. 66:18-19 If I had cherished sin Unbelief Matt. 21:22 If you believe, you will receive James 1:5-8 double-minded man Mat. 17:20 Mustard seed (Lk. 17:6) Heb. 11:6 Anyone who comes must believe Luke 18:1-8 Will He find faith? Selfish Motives James 4:3 You ask with wrong motives Matt. 6:5-8 The hypocrites praying for show Duplicity Mark 11:24-25 - Forgive so you can be forgiven Prov. 21:13 Don t shut your ears if you want to be heard Disobedience and Sin Deut. 1:45 He paid no attention 1 Sam. 14:37 Saul s prayer for guidance 1 Sam. 28:6 Saul s prayer for guidance 1 John 3:21-22 If we obey Proverbs 28:9 Detestable prayers Isaiah 59:2 Your sins have separated Isaiah 1:15-17 I will not listen. Micah 3:4 He will hide His face Zec. 7:13 They did not listen; so I would not listen Not his will 1 Jn. 5:14-15 Anything according to His will Guilty conscience James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other Complacency Proverbs 1:28-33 Complacency of fools Jeremiah 14:10-12 - Love to wander Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14 Thanks I m not like others! Discipling the Heart Enjoy: Relationship and Prayer 3
Questions for Personal Study and Reflection Noah and Enoch both walked with God (Genesis 5:22-24 & 6:9). What do you think they did that earned them this praise? Micah 6:8 also uses a similar phrase. What do you think it means to walk humbly with God in our own lives? Read Exodus 34:14. What does it mean that God is a jealous God? Read 1 John 1:7. Some people think that it means that if we walk in the light we will have fellowship with God, and others think it means that if we walk in the light we will have fellowship with other Christians. What do you think? How does it impact the meaning of the verse? How does it affect your relationship with God knowing that Christ is in you (Roman 8:10 7 Colossians 1:27) or that the Spirit is in you (Romans 8:11)? In Acts 13:52 it says that the disciples were filled with joy. Sometimes it seems like our lives are filled with stress, guilt, failure, and pressure. What can we do to experience more joy in our lives, and especially in our walks with God? A line from the classic children s song says, Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Why is this truth which is sung by children so hard for us to grasp even as adults? What verses related to God s love or God s relationship with you are particularly meaningful to you? Why is prayer an important part of our relationship with God? Why do you think Jesus prayed so regularly even though he was God in the flesh? One of the reasons it is so hard to pray is because we have so many prayers that have either gone unanswered or have been answered unfavorably (from our perspective). Why do you think God gives us so many verses encouraging us to pray, and then doesn t do many of the things we ask? How should we interpret those verses that seem to say that we will get whatever we ask for? Prayer is one very important aspect of our walk with God. What are some other practical things that affect our relationship with God? What would you like to do to work on your relationship with God? 4 Enjoy: Relationship and Prayer Discipling the Heart
Enjoying God Discussion Questions We ve all had relationships that we really enjoyed, and other relationships that were challenging. How would you describe your relationship with God? When you think about some of the various aspects of our relationship with God, which is the most meaningful to you? Why? Adopted Jn. 1:12, Rom. 8:15; 8:23; 9:4, Gal. 4:5, 1 Jn. 2:1-2 Child of God Matt. 12:48-50, Jn. 1:12, Rom. 8:14, 2 Cor. 6:18, Eph. 1:4-5; 5:8, Heb. 2:11-17, 1 Jn. 3:1; 5:19 Child of Abba Mark 14:36, Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6 Chosen Gen.: 18:18-19, Deut. 7:7-8; 10:15, Isa. 65:9, Col. 3:12, 1 Pet. 2:9-10 Companion Jn. 14:21-23, 2 Cor. 6:14, Php. 2:1; 3:10, 1 Jn. 1:3-9 Dearly loved Jn. 13:1; 15:9; 16:27; 17:23, Gal. 2:20, Eph. 5:1, Col. 3:12, 1 Th. 1:4, 1 Jn. 4:10-11 Friend Jn. 15:13-15, Jas. 2:23 Heir Acts 20:32, Rom. 8:17, Gal. 4:7, Col. 3:24, Titus 3:7, 1 Pet. 1:4; 3:7 Jesus Siblings Matthew 12:50, Heb. 2:11 One with Lord Jn. 15:1-7; 17:21, 1 Cor. 6:17, Eph. 4:30 How does a person go about spending time with God? Think about some of the times in your life that you ve felt the closest to God. Why do you think those times were so special? Is there anything about those special times that you could recreate now, or were they just unique phases of your relationship with God? What are some things that make it hard to enjoy God? Is there anything you can change to get rid of those things? How is prayer related to our enjoyment of God? How is prayer in relationship with God different that just asking God for things? Or is it? What are two or three things you would like to do to deepen your relationship with God? Discipling the Heart Enjoy: Relationship and Prayer 5
Verses: Matthew 7:7-11 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! John 14:21 The person who has my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him. John 14:23 Jesus replied, If anyone loves me, he will obey my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and take up residence with him. John 15:5-7 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. John 15:11 I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. Romans 8:32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? Ephesians 3:12 in whom we have boldness and confident access to God because of Christ s faithfulness. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. Colossians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. 1 John 1:6-7 If we say we have fellowship with him and yet keep on walking in the darkness, we are lying and not practicing the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 3:1a See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God s children and indeed we are! 1 John 4:16 And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one who resides in love resides in God, and God resides in him. 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. 6 Enjoy: Relationship and Prayer Discipling the Heart