16 February 2020 - The Lord’s Prayer: Asking

Read: Psalm 121; Matthew 6:11

Here’s what happens…

Jesus teaches us to ask God for what we need. Psalm 121 is an example of this kind of prayer; travelers asked for God’s help as they faced a dangerous journey. The psalmist writes, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”

Questions…..

- Are you a “night owl” or a “morning lark”? What are you most creative hours?

- What is the mood of the pilgrims on a winding road through hills? To what are they vulnerable? How much more after nightfall?

- What comfort does the traveler receive from the journey? When do you feel most vulnerable? How do you protect yourself?

Talk About…

• What’s one thing you need help with this week?

Pray…..

Print out Psalm 121. It’s a traveller's psalm asking for God’s help. Hang it by your door or in your car, and pray the prayer together whenever you go somewhere this week.

Matthew 26:36-46 The Lord’s Prayer: God’s Will

Here’s what happens…

Jesus models how to pray by saying “may your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Later, as Jesus faces death, he prays a similar prayer, asking for God’s will to be done even though it’s not what he wants.

Questions

- What was the longest night of your life?

- What are the various emotions Jesus must have felt in Gethsemane? What does he ask of his disciples? What does he ask of God?

- What has been your “Gethsemane” (a place you have really wrestled with God? What was the issue? What did you learn from Jesus example about praying at those times?

Talk About…

What’s something you feel really strongly about?

Pray…

Do you keep a journal of your prayers? Maybe start this this week, so you can look back in the future and see what you prayed in the past. You may be surprised to see how God answers your prayers.

Praise

Here’s what happens…

Jesus teaches to start a prayer with praise. Psalm 100 is a great example of a prayer of praise, exclaiming that we can shout with joy to the Lord, sing with joy, enter his gates with thanksgiving and praise, and proclaim his unfailing love and goodness.

Questions

What six reasons does the psalmist give to praise God? Do these apply to “all the earth” or just “his people”? Which of the six motivates you more to praise God?

What responsibilities are involved in knowing that the Lord is God? Is any part of God’s creation out of his realm or concern?

What attitude characterises God’s people?

Talk About…

What’s your favourite word to describe God?

Pray

Say or write a Praise Prayer (purple in the rainbow prayer) each day this week. A praise prayer could start with, “Dear God, you are…”