Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” —Luke 11:1

PRAY – Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. ³⁴And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” ³⁵And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” —Mark 14:32-36

Pause

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” Mark 14:32

Rejoice

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you… Mark 14:36

Ask

…Remove this cup from me… Mark 14:36

Yield

…Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

The prayer God always says, “Yes” to

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul offers us a challenge: Pray without ceasing. This is an invitation to live in constant connection with God through prayer—a way to root ourselves in Christ, regardless of what we face. We draw near to God in prayer when we PRAY: pause, rejoice, ask, and yield. When we tap into the transformative power of prayer it reshapes our thinking, deepens our faith, and strengthens us to face life’s challenges.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9-13; Mark 14:32-36; John 15:4-5

Discussion questions:

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
• Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. What does it look like to pray without ceasing?
• Read Mark 14:32-36. Jesus asked God to change his circumstances but ultimately yielded to the will of God. What is something you’re asking God for? What would it look like to yield the answer to the Lord?
• What are some practical ways to cultivate your prayer life, even when you don’t feel like it? How might the PRAY acronym help you? Why is it important to begin by pausing and rejoicing?
• How have you seen prayer change your heart for people, grow your compassion and break your heart for the lost?

Take a Step

Practice praying the PRAY acronym. If there is something you’re asking God to do, finish your request by yielding and surrendering the response to the Lord.

Here’s My Prayer

Lord, when I feel overwhelmed, help me to follow Jesus’ example of surrender and trust. Teach me to come to You honestly, to take time to pause and quiet my heart, to rejoice in who You are, to lay my requests and burdens before You, yet yielding to Your will. Make “Not what I will, but what You will,” the prayer of my heart. Strengthen me to trust Your plan, knowing that Your will is always good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.