Here is a Bible study guide based on the sermon summary:
Bible ReadingLuke 11:1 (KJV)
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Matthew 6:5-13 (KJV)
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
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.
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.
Observation questions- The disciples observed Jesus praying and were so struck by it that they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." What specific aspects of Jesus' prayer life do you think they observed that prompted this request? [47:13]
- Jesus warns against praying "to be seen of men" and using "vain repetitions." What are some modern-day equivalents of these practices that might hinder genuine prayer? [55:15]
- The sermon mentions that Jesus prayed in "a certain place" and that we should "enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door." What is the significance of choosing a specific place and time for prayer? [01:06:28]
- Philippians 4:6-7 suggests that prayer with thanksgiving can lead to the "peace of God." What is the connection between giving thanks in prayer and experiencing peace, even when circumstances don't change? [01:04:03]
Interpretation questions- The disciples' request, "Lord, teach us to pray," implies that prayer is something that can be learned, not just an innate gift. How does this understanding challenge the idea that only certain people are "good at" praying? [50:42]
- Jesus' teaching to pray in secret, to "thy Father which is in secret," suggests that the primary audience for our prayers is God, not other people. What does it mean for prayer to be a private conversation rather than a public performance? [55:15]
- The sermon highlights that prayer is not primarily about informing God of our needs, as "your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." If God already knows, why is the act of asking so important in prayer? [01:01:39]
- The passage in Philippians 4:7 promises that the "peace of God...shall keep your hearts and your minds." How does the act of bringing our requests to God, even if the external situation remains the same, lead to internal peace? [01:04:34]
Application questions- The sermon emphasizes that prayer is learned through practice, even if it's done "torpemente" (clumsily). [53:21] What is one small, consistent step you can take this week to practice praying, even if it feels awkward at first?
- The teaching warns against praying "to be seen of men" and highlights that the true reward is from "thy Father which is in secret." [55:15] How can you be more intentional about the motivation behind your prayers, ensuring they are directed towards God rather than seeking the approval of others?
- The idea of praying in a "closet" or a private place is presented as a way to foster intimacy with God. [01:06:28] What practical steps can you take to create a more consistent and private space for your prayer life this week?
- The sermon suggests that prayer transforms the heart, bringing peace and aligning our desires with God's will, even if circumstances don't immediately change. [01:04:34] In what area of your life are you currently experiencing anxiety or a desire for change, and how might a consistent prayer practice, focusing on God's peace, help you navigate it?
- The teaching encourages us to pray frequently, not just as a last resort. [01:13:44] How can you integrate more moments of prayer throughout your day, making it a more natural part of your life rather than a scheduled event?
- The sermon points out that asking God for things, even when we know He knows our needs, is a way to express trust and dependence, killing pride and self-sufficiency. [01:02:28] What is something you are tempted to handle on your own, and how could bringing it to God in prayer help cultivate humility and dependence on Him?
- The ultimate reward of prayer is described as God's presence and the visible fruit of the Spirit in our lives. [01:20:04] What is one specific fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) that you would like to see more evident in your life, and how can you intentionally pray for its growth this week?