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sunday

What Advice Did Jesus Give About How To Pray?

Prayer was an integral part of Jesus' life, and the twelve men who surrounded him during his three years of ministry were privileged to have Jesus as a model in this area. This intimate connection with the Father, which gave Jesus power to accomplish God's mission, remained a mystery to them until they finally said to Jesus, "Teach us to pray."

Luke 11:1-11 and Matthew 6:5-15

• Matthew and Luke each gave their own unique perspective on Jesus' instructions on prayer, with certain things standing out in importance to each one. What did each one report?

• Which of their instructions are most helpful to improving your daily prayer life?

monday

How Long Do I Need To Keep Praying For Needs And Requests?

God's word teaches that perseverance in prayer yields amazing results. Rather than a grocery list of requests submitted for God's approval, prayer becomes an ongoing conversation with God about God's will for you, the well-being of others, and the fulfillment of God's purpose on Earth. Even back in Old Testament times, Abraham's persevering prayers yielded miraculous results.

Luke 18:1-8 and Genesis 18:16-33

• What in today's Scriptures would encourage a follower of Christ to persevere long term in prayer?

• For what or whom have you let go of praying and need to resume?

tuesday

When I Pray, What Is My Ultimate Goal?

True prayer ultimately brings a close connection with God, through which you submit your mind, heart, and will to God for alignment with God's heart and will. This truly is the most important purpose of prayer (not just asking for protection and blessings!). The night before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed for his followers' alignment with God's will and heart, and then began the journey to the cross with his own time of painfully surrendering himself to God's will and greater purpose.

John 17:1-26 and Matthew 26:36-46

• From John 17, list at least three "alignment" requests Jesus makes to God on behalf of his followers. What request does he make for himself in Matthew 26?

• Some call Jesus' prayer for God's will to be done, not his own (Matthew 26:42), "the prayer that never fails." Why do you think this is—and do you agree?

wednesday

What Is The Value Of Praying With Other Believers?

Following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, his followers gathered together and formed communities that shared all things in common, especially prayer. They continued to grow in their understanding of God's plan and their trust in God to handle all things. Their experiences give followers of Jesus today the assurance that miracles can happen when believers pray together.

Matthew 18:18-20 and Acts 12:1-19

• In Matthew 18, Jesus taught that group accountability in prayer brings miraculous results. What did he say is the supernatural component when believers gather together to pray?

• The people in Acts 12 prayed together for Peter's situation—and God responded with a miracle that surprised them. Have you ever been surprised by a miraculous answer to prayer? How did you and others react?

thursday

What Difference Does Praying Before Making A Decision Really Make?

Within just a few chapters of Scripture (Luke 5–9), four different occasions are described in which Jesus sought God in prayer, either alone or in the company of his disciples. It is clear that going to God in prayer was a regular pattern in Jesus' life and always happened before major decisions, significant ministry, and the working of miracles.

Luke 5:12-16, 6:12-19, and 9:18-36

• In each of today's readings, what God-empowered event happened in conjunction with Jesus' spending time in prayer?

• What decision or life situation are you facing that needs intentional time in prayer with God? After reading today's Scriptures, what result can you expect?

friday

How Confident Can I Be That God Will Always Answer My Prayers?

The Bible clearly teaches that your state of heart and mind have everything to do with your prayer life. It is only when you have asked forgiveness for your wrongs and have brought yourself sincerely and wholly before God that your prayers can become aligned with God's best intentions and miraculous power. Although you do not need certain words or posture for effective prayer, examining your intent and preparing the state of your heart for prayer are vitally important.

Mark 11:12-24 and James 4:2-10

• According to today's Scriptures, what is necessary in order to pray effectively? What can make your prayer life ineffective?

• Which of these most challenge you in your prayer life?

saturday

What Happens If I Don't Pray?

The Old Testament contains a story of a king whose pride prevented him from praying or even paying attention to God. After God's servant Daniel interpreted the king's dream, God allowed painful life experiences to happen that eventually drove the king into true prayer. Without a healthy relationship with God through prayer, your personal welfare and future are at stake.

Daniel 4:19-37 and 2 Chronicles 7:14

• When King Nebuchadnezzar's focus changed to prayer (Daniel 4:34-37), his life changed. How?

• Daniel's advice to King Nebuchadnezzar in 4:27 reflects the priorities of a humble servant of God. How does this advice offer guidance for your prayer life?