From the Inside Out
A Grace Filled Life
Grace to pray (3|3)
Pages 202-209
Psalm 4:8 (NIV) In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV) In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV) “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 5:7 (NIV) During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
How does the idea of “practicing the presence of God” align with Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing”? How might your perspective or attitude change if you viewed every task (from work to daily chores) as an opportunity to connect with God?
Why do you think Jesus’ teaching on prayer has remained so timeless and adaptable for believers across cultures and generations? What does that tell us about the heart of prayer itself?
What prayer posture, method, or rhythm helps you feel most connected to God?
How does viewing the Lord’s Prayer as a framework rather than a formula change the way we approach prayer?
Why is it important that Jesus teaches us to begin with God’s identity and purposes before our personal needs or failures? How might following the order of the Lord’s Prayer help you cultivate a deeper relationship with God?