Episode 4 of The Purpose Practice and Power of Prayer series. This is a church small group Bible study series from Buddy Owens at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.
CHECKING IN
1. Share something you are thankful for.
2. Your group is now halfway through this study. What is one thing that has stuck with you so far?
KEY VERSE
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
Matthew 6:9–13 (KJV)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This week’s discussion questions center on the seven relationships seen in the Lord’s Prayer. For each statement, discuss what you hear, think, and feel.
1. “You are my father. I am your child. I trust your love.”
2. “You are my king. I am your subject. I trust your authority.”
3. “You are my master. I am your servant. I trust your wisdom.”
4. “You are my provider. I am your dependent. I trust your faithfulness.”
5. “You are my savior. I am a sinner. I trust your mercy.”
6. “You are my guide. I am a pilgrim. I trust your direction.”
7. “You are my deliverer. I am a captive. I trust you to set me free.”
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
This week, practice praying the way Jesus taught us to pray. Think of the name by which the Lord will be most glorified in answering your prayer. Do you need him to be your Healer, your Provider, your Counselor or Comforter? Call on him
by name, present your request, then surrender yourself to his sovereignty.
- Begin with praise and surrender by saying something like this: “My Father, let your name be glorified in my life . . . or My King, let your name be glorified in this challenge . . . or My Master, let your name be glorified in this decision that I’m about to make. My Provider, my Savior, my Guide, my Deliverer, let your name be glorified in whatever it is I’m facing.”
- Then present your petitions to God. Pour your heart out to God and let him know what you need.
- Finally, finish your prayer with surrender and praise by saying, “Having said all of that, Lord, I want your will to be done more than anything else because I want my life to be lived for your glory.”
PRAYER DIRECTION
Begin PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE right now with your group. (See above.) Share your prayer requests. By what name will the Lord be most glorified in answering your prayer today? Call on him by name, present your requests, then surrender yourself to his sovereignty.
DIVING DEEPER
Dive deeper this week by watching Buddy Owens’ message, How to Pray When You Haven’t Got a Prayer.
This series was created for Saddleback Church’s small group curriculum series. For more great Bible studies and small group curriculum, visit pastors.com
And for more great podcasts, visit Lumivoz.com