ND 105 Prayer Memory Verse Ephesians 6:18 19a 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints 19 and for me... Outline: 1. Definition of Prayer Man s encountering and fellowship with God in the Holy Spirit 1. Man with God Emphasis is on man s taking the initiative and actively finding time to pray 2. In the Holy Spirit Start with in spirit and truth (John 4:23) and pouring out the soul (1 Samuel 1:15) 3. Encountering God is the audience of our prayer, and meeting God who answers prayers is the greatest goal and blessing of our prayer 4. Fellowship A two way communication 2. The importance of prayer 1. A popular parable Bible reading is like eating, and prayer like breathing 2. Real prayers cause things to happen; lack of prayers will also cause things to happen. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (Exodus 17:11) 3. Reminders of senior Christians (direct translation from Chinese version) i. Unless we have a right prayer life, it is impossible for us to have right life or service W. Nee ii. Whenever we pray, we reach the highest ground ever iii. Unknown Praying is not just asking God to act, praying itself is the greatest act Oswald Chambers
3. The practice of prayer 1. Prayer method and content the example of the Lord s Prayer 2. The method taught by the Lord Jesus 4 reminders: 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. (Matt 6:6) i. Go into your room in spirit and truth/pouring out the soul ii. Pray to your Father who is in the secret with a clear audience: come before God (your Father who sees in secret ) iii. Father will reward you with a living faith, knowing that the Lord will listen and reward (even if not according to our prayer) 3. Other teachings about prayer in faith (James 1:6) and in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20b), in Jesus name (John 16:23 24), according to God s will ( do not ask amiss) (1 John 5:14; James 4:3a), lifting up holy hands (1 Timothy 2:8; Psalm 66:18), anytime ( without ceasing 1 Thess 5:7), everywhere (1 Timothy 2:8), with all prayer and supplication and being watchful (Ephesians 6:18) 4. Two basic practices of personal and corporate prayer the reminder of steadily walking on the heights 1. Prayer of fellowship 2. Intercession
Homework and Discussion I. Review 1. Key Verses Check box after done. Review and meditate Mathew 6:6;James 1:6;1 John 5:14;Matthew 18:18 20 Memorize Ephesians 6:18 19a : 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints 19 and for me... 2. Review of Content a. What is the definition of prayer given in this lesson? Based on the definition, how many elements are there for prayer? And what are they? b. Why Bible reading is like eating, and prayer like breathing? What is the difference between praying and not praying? c. Do you know how to pray? Based on this lesson, what are the things that we need to pay attention to when praying?
II. Introspection 1. Do you believe that Christians can be full of power and authority? Through prayer we can reign for God, change situations and partner with God. Do you desire to be such a Christian? 2. In order to help us build a powerful prayer life, please reflect upon your personal prayer life in the following areas: a. On the average, how many times do you pray every day? b. Most of the time, what is the content of your prayer? For example, thanksgiving, supplication, confession, intercession, drawing near to God, etc. c. Have you ever encountered God in prayer? Please select one: often; seldom; never; don t know d. On the scale of 1 10 (10 being the perfect score), what would be the score of your personal prayer life? 3. After this lesson, in which area do you think that your personal prayer life can grow and be improved? a. Attention to prayer (for example, increase prayer frequency, set aside dedicated time to pray, etc) b. Prayer content
c. The quality of prayer (for example, in faith, with a clear audience, remove distractions, in spirit and truth, encountering God, etc) d. Others (for example, seriously track down God s answers, joining corporate prayer meetings, etc) III. Practice 1 Personal 2-week practice a. Please select one difficult situation in your own personal life, the life of a brother or sister, or our church that you feel the need for God s work. Pray for it every day for the following 2 weeks and pay attention to the prayer method taught by the Lord Jesus that is mentioned in this lesson. Write down the situation that you are going to pray for: b. Are you willing to grow in the area of corporate prayer? The following is a list of opportunities/meetings where you can learn and grow. Please check which meetings you would like to join: Church prayer meeting: Tue 7:30 pm Morning prayer watch: Sat 8:00 am Sunday pre meeting prayer: Sunday 9:00 am Smalll group prayer time: Friday Breaking of Bread meeting: Sun 9:30 am
2 Reflection of personal practice a. Please share with your ND small group members the situation that you have been praying for this week and your thoughts: b. Was there any difference between your prayer life in the past week and before? Please briefly describe the differences. 3 Encouragement for one another Please share with your ND small group what you have learned from your practice. Daily prayer is a necessary discipline for christian growth. Please write down and share with your small group the difficulties, failures or victories that you experienced during your practice so that we can learn and encourage/help one another. Did you receive help to grow from your companions sharing? If yes, please write it down. If you need reminder, encouragement or help from your companions, please also write it down.