TeACH US TO PRAY
Eugene Peterson writes, “a life of prayer is the connective tissue between holy day proclamation and weekday discipleship.” Prayer is the glue between the times we are FILLED UP and those when we’re POURED OUT. Jesus’ invitation to come–to follow–is an invitation to know Him. We learn about others by talking, sharing, and listening.
“Teach Us to Pray” is two-way conversation about prayer…about knowing God. Our talks will include the “what” and the “why” of prayer, the importance of intercession, and how to talk with God and not just at Him. During this series you are also invited to join us in 30 days of prayer and fasting…intentionally creating capacity for us to know God more!
30 Days of Prayer Guide
WEEK 4 – FRIDAY
What’s Love got to do with it?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus’ call to reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24 is challenging. Jesus indicates our relationship with God is reflected in our relationship with others. As you read and pray today, you are invited to explore the command to leave our ‘gift at the altar’ to mend broken relationships. The urgency to reconcile speaks volumes about how God values love and unity among His people.
- Is there someone you need to seek reconciliation with?
- How might resolving interpersonal conflicts radically change your relationship with God?
- What prevents you from reaching out to someone in conflict?
Prayer: Pray for the courage to take the first step towards reconciliation. Ask God to heal any wounds from past conflicts with others. How does the possibility of reconciliation impact your relationship with God?
Reconciliation is at the heart of the commands found in Matthew 22:37-40. The essence of our faith is message in Jesus’ response in Matthew 22. Loving God and our neighbors is our response to God’s grace. The call to “love your neighbor as yourself” challenges us to examine how love is shown through our daily interactions. As you read and pray today allow the Holy Spirit to take you deeper into what it means to love genuinely and sacrificially.
- In what ways can you love someone difficult in your life?
- Have you placed conditions on your love for others? What would it look like to let go of those conditions?
Prayer: Ask God to show you specific ways to love others genuinely. Pray for God to reveal any barriers in your life that prevent you from loving others, then ask for strength to overcome barriers to love.
Reconciliation with God and others removes barriers to relationship with God. By removing these barriers we better position and posture ourselves to pray in ways that align our will with God, and help us to see our burdens and needs through God’s eyes.
WEEK 4 – MONDAY
Acknowledging Our Need for Forgiveness
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-12; Romans 3:23-24
Reflection: My apologies for the late posting this week! As we continue to reflect on Jesus’ words “Pray like this…”, let us begin by honestly and transparently dwell on the concept of sin as a debt that we cannot pay on our own. We are reminded that sin separates us from God. Acknowledging this separation is the first necessary step we take when we seek intimacy and restoration with Him. This posture allows us to receive the grace offered through Jesus Christ, who justifies us through his death on the cross and resurrection from the grave!
Prayer Focus:
- Confess any sins or burdens you are holding onto or hiding. Be honest with God about areas where you need His forgiveness.
- Ask God to help you forgive others as you have been forgiven (receive and respond!). Are there any relationships that need reconciliation.
- Pray for a heart that responds to God’s grace by extending it to others.
Action Step: Identify one person you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from. Take a step towards reconciliation through prayer, a conversation, a letter, or coffee or lunch.
WEEK 3 – FRIDAY
Trusting in God’s Provision
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-11; Exodus 16:4-21; Numbers 21:4-9; John 6:35
Have you ever given thought that our “daily bread” Jesus shares in his prayer model for his disciples could refer back to manna given to the Israelites during the Exodus?
Exodus 16 tells us when first receiving manna from heaven the Israelites gathered “as much as was needed.” God’s provision was more than enough…but it was daily to teach trust in God’s provision.
Meditate on “Give us today our daily bread.” Reflect on God’s provision and how He meets our needs. Consider how trusting in God’s provision can change your perspective on your needs and desires.
Each part of the Lord’s Prayer is practical and spiritual. We typically have little problem understanding our dependence upon God for the physical provision He supplies. However, to recognize the spiritual implications of the daily grace a right relation with Jesus provides more readily aligns our lives with His kingdom and our will with the will of God.
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for His daily provision and the ways He meets your needs.
- Pray for a heart that trusts in God’s timing and provision, even when it doesn’t align with your expectations.
- Have you ever “detested” God’s provision?
- Ask for the grace to recognize and appreciate God’s blessings in your life.
- In what ways can you express gratitude for God’s provision today?
This weekend spend a few moments in silence each day, allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede and guide your thoughts and prayers. Remember that prayer is a progressive journey, with each step preparing you for a deeper relationship with God.
WEEK 3 – WEDNESDAY
Realigning Your Will
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:10; Matthew 26:39
When our car is out of alignment it becomes difficult to steer in a straight line. However, we can “adjust” how we steer and even convince ourselves that the problem is not that significant, or that there is no alignment problem at all. If left uncorrected over time the tires wear unevenly, impacting mileage, traction, and performance. When our will is not aligned with God’s will, we run the same risks. We can convince ourselves that the problem is not that significant, that God wants for us what we want for ourselves. Uncorrected over time leads to a life of compromise, of justification, of rationalization. And our prayers reflect the kingdom and will we are striving to fulfill!
When we begin our prayers by hallowing God’s name, we position ourselves to truly pray “Your kingdom come, your will be done.” Reflect of God’s kingdom…what does that mean to you? What are you doing FOR the Kingdom of God? Next consider the challenge of aligning your will with God’s will. Think about the areas in your life where you struggle to surrender your desires to God.
Even Christ struggled with the uncomfortable aspects of God’s will, yet surrendered himself fully, even to the cross so that God’s will could be done!
Prayer Focus:
- Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you need to let go of control.
- What are some specific areas where you find it difficult to surrender to God’s will?
- Pray for the strength and humility to submit your will to God’s will.
- How can you actively seek God’s kingdom in your daily life?
WEEK 3 – MONDAY
Refocusing on God
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-10, Isaiah 6:1-8
Jesus’ disciples notice something different in how Jesus prays. “Teach us” they ask.
“This, then, is how you should pray” Jesus responds as he invites his disciples into a transformative conversation with God.
Begin by meditating on the opening of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Pause to take time to think about and absorb the holiness and majesty of God. Consider what it means to approach a holy God and how this understanding shapes your prayer life.
Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Isaiah shares his vision of God. Isaiah vividly paints a picture of the holiness of God, of worship, and Isaiah’s humble response. It is important to note Isaiah’s later response to God’s question “whom shall I send?” How might Isaiah’s boldness be attributed to his posture, to his earlier humility?
Prayer Focus and Reflection:
- Spend time in adoration, sitting with God, praising Him for His holiness and faithfulness.
- How does recognizing God’s holiness change the way you approach Him in prayer?
- Ask God to help you see Him as He truly is, free from sin and profane things.
- What aspects of God’s character does He reveal to you as you meditate on His holiness? Does this change how you pray?
WEEK 2 – FRIDAY
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-39
Elijah faces off against the 450 prophets of Baal. It is an epic scene…the 450 prophets of Baal dance and cry out all morning and afternoon for Baal to answer with fire. There is no response. Elijah taunts and “trash talks”, which only implores the prophets to “slash themselves with swords.” But verse 29 tells us “there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.
In our own seasons of “why” we may be tempted to wonder if God hears us, if He is paying attention. Those who know (yada) God, know that He always hears AND answers us! Elijah had spent the previous three years in the Kerith Ravine – three years with no one to talk to but God and the birds. When it is Elijah’s turn to call upon God, he does not wonder whether or not God will answer. So sure Elijah has the sacrifice doused in water for added emphasis!
His prayer in verse 36 was simple, “Lord, let it be known today that you are God…”
What if “why” to our prayers were more about “let it be known”…”so that these will know that you are God”?
Read Philippians 4:6-7: Consider the peace that comes from presenting your requests to God with thanksgiving, and with the confidence He hears and knows.
Spend time with God today using the following four expressions:
- Express gratitude and thanksgiving to God.
- Praise God for His faithfulness and power.
- Pray for a heart that seeks His kingdom first and trusts in His provision.
- Ask for the peace of God to guard your heart and mind as you bring your concerns to Him.
As you pray remember that prayer is about knowing God, understanding His will, and aligning your heart with His.
WEEK 2 – WEDNESDAY
Scripture: Genesis 32:24-30
In Genesis 32 Jacob is returning home after fleeing from his brother, Esau, 20 years earlier. What awaits him is unknown. Jacob is fearful of how Esau will receive him. Jacob is anxious, desperate. The night before Jacob confronts his past and his brother he is alone. God himself enters Jacob’s camp and wrestles with Jacob all night.
To this point Jacob has spent his life looking for “blessing.” His idea and understanding of blessing was found in comfort, in provision, in getting what he thought he wanted. As Jacob wrestles with God is realizes his conversations have been one-sided. Genesis 32:26 says, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” To which Jacob responds, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
Dr. David Busic writes, “Those things that matter most in life are not gained without a struggle.” How often do you struggle in prayer? In the wrestling Jacob is actually praying. Do you hold on throughout the night, determined not to let go until God responds? Or do you give up, resign yourself to the fears, anxiety, and unknowns represent?
May you be encouraged to hold on! Keep wrestling…even without words. Do not let go! On Sunday Pastor Brian discussed the “WHY” we pray. Jacob shows us why.
“(Wrestling with God) is holding fast to the character of God in the face of every contradictory emotion or situation” (Busic) and believing in the wrestling we come to know Him more.
Pray and wrestle with God today. Bring God your fears, your anxious thoughts, and the unknowns. Sit with God. Listen. And don’t let go!
WEEK 2 – MONDAY
Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-30
How are you doing with your fast? Perhaps you have experienced a few setbacks already. Do not give up, keep “showing up.”
Next week we will talk more specifically about some of the prayers Jesus prayed, but today our reflection will help us connect the WHAT and WHY of prayer. As you read Matthew 11:25-30, what theme or words are you first drawn towards? What sticks out? Does anything feel out of place?
Read the passage a second time. Do you notice anything different after the second reading? Did you hear something new? Spend 1-2 minutes silently listening to what the Holy Spirit is telling you.
Read the passage again, this time in this order: Verses 28-30. Verse 27. Verse 25-26. What correlation do you see between rest, knowing, and childlike faith?
When we acknowledge the WHAT behind our prayers, the WHY adds depth and strength to our faith.
Pray for the rest that comes from knowing, for God to show the “hidden things” we miss when we are not yoked to Jesus.
WEEK 1 – FRIDAY
Scripture Reading: Psalm 139
In this psalm of David, yâda‘ is used six times. In verses 23 -24, David prays six dangerous prayers. David recognizes how intimately God knows him and in the same way he wants to yâda‘ God. He boldly prays for God to show David the gap, the differences between God and David. Knowing God begins when we see the gap – the difference between God’s heart, thoughts, actions and our own. Are you bold enough to pray for God to search, break, stretch, lead, show, and use you?
Pray Psalm 139:23-24. Give God time and space to answer. Respond to what God reveals.
WEEK 1 – WEDNESDAY
Scripture Reading: Psalm 73:21-28
In Psalm 63 we learn that prayer is a response of praise, knowing where prayer begins–with God. Today’s reading of Psalm 73 shows us prayer is a response of love…and trust. God loves us and desires for us to love Him, to know Him. In the knowing we learn to trust. Trust is not easy. Trust speaks of “letting go” of our burdens, or surrendering our will to God’s will.
In Psalm 73 we see God is shown as holding our hand and always with us. A relationship that is trusting allows us to be ourselves, transparent, honest. When we trust that God holds our hand we can begin to understand 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray continually.”
Pray in private today–in a closet, a room with the door closed–just you and God. Remember the times God has been trustworthy. What is preventing you from drawing near to God?