Transformative Prayer
Talking to God is a simple practice that can feel difficult and complicated. Many people see prayer as a “Break in Case of Emergency” box – they only pray in those moments when nothing else is working. Others see it as a shopping list for life, only talking with God when they need something. For others it is a therapeutic habit, processing their life with an external Presence. These are just a few of the many ways people see prayer.
In Matthew 6 the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. They are not asking what words to say or what the correct structure should be. They are good Jewish boys who know ‘what’ to pray. They are asking Jesus to teach them to pray like he does, from an intimate and powerful relationship with the Father. They want to experience transformative prayer. And so do we. We want to build a foundational prayer life, emulating Jesus’ continuous dialogue with his Father.
You can download the Practice Guide for this series here.
4/8 Geoff – Transformative Prayer: “Thank you, you’re amazing!”
Read and reflect on Matthew 6:5-13, Psalm 100, Romans 11:33-36, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Are you more likely to pray when life is good, or when life is bad?
What types of things did Jesus pray in the Lord’s Prayer?
How does your prayer life differ from Jesus’ prayer life?
List some things that you can express gratitude and praise to God for.
Personal challenge: Before you begin praying, ask God to help you pray.
11/8 Laura – Transformative Prayer: “I’m sorry, forgive me.”
Read and reflect on Matthew 6:9-13, 1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:10
We spent 4 weeks talking about repentance in April. What do you remember from that series, or what stands out in your mind when you think about repentance?
What do these verses tell you about repentance?
What do you like and dislike about the practice of repentance?
When is it appropriate to confess and repent to other people, and when should it just be between us and God?
Personal challenge: Make time this week to reflect and repent before God.
18/8 Kate – Transformative Prayer: “Would you, please?”
Read and reflect on Matthew 6:9-13, Hebrews 7:25, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 John 5:14–15
What things do you ask God for?
Can you recall a time in your life, or a story you’ve heard, of someone receiving what they’ve asked God for?
Looking at the Lord’s Prayer, what things did Jesus ask for?
How often do you pray for others’ best interests?
Personal challenge: Pray for someone else every day this week.
25/8 Geoff – Transformative Prayer: “Here I am, send me.”
Read and reflect on Matthew 6:9-13, Isaiah 6:8, Acts 9:17-19, Matthew 26:39
What have you learnt about how Jesus prayed in these verses?
What do you think it means to pray ‘Your will be done’?
What is scary or uncomfortable about praying for God’s will?
When was the last time you surrendered yourself before God, willing to do whatever he wants?
What do you do when God’s will isn’t clear?
Personal challenge: Pray that God’s will would be done in your life, as it is in heaven.
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