DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever tried praying? How did you get on?

2. What do you think about the idea of God answering prayer?

3. In the talk, various reasons for praying are given. Which of these do you relate to and why?

4. Finish with a short prayer.

WHY AND HOW DO I PRAY?

Prayer is the most important activity of our lives.

‘For through [Jesus] we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.’ (Ephesians 2:18)

To the Father

Through the Son

By the Spirit

Develops a relationship with God

Rewards of prayer (Matthew 6:6)

Results of prayer (Matthew 7:7–11)

‘When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don’t, they don’t’ —WILLIAM TEMPLE, THE FORMER ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

Yes – you receive what you prayed for, sometimes immediately
No – sometimes an obvious reason why not; other times we may not understand straight away why the answer is no
Wait – for the right timing

Thank you – count your blessings, not your problems
Sorry – confess your sins (John 13:6–10)
Please – ‘Give us today our daily bread’ (Matthew 6:11): ask for anything you need

Anywhere, anytime

Alone (Matthew 6:6)

With others

There’s power in praying together
‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.’
(Matthew 18:19)

Three simple tips:

1. Have you ever tried praying? How did you get on?

2. What do you think about the idea of God answering prayer?

3. In the talk, various reasons for praying are given. Which of these do you relate to and why?

4. Finish with a short prayer.