All Ahead 10 - Prayer

Week 2 – “Prayer”

God calls each of us to have an intimate relationship with Him. He wants us to talk to him throughout the day, not just in the morning or the evening. For some reason, most Christians only carve out one morning of the week to intentionally talk to God. The rest of the week is busy. We run from work, to the gym, back to work, then off to somewhere else. We do not leave room for God. When we are moving at a high speed, all ahead 10, it is easy to justify why we do not spend time daily with our father. 

But the truth is, everything we accomplish throughout the day and the week is from God. He is the reason you wake up in the morning. He is the reason you have a job. He is the reason you are able to workout after a long day. He is the reason you have food on the table. And He is the reason you get to lay your head down at night. 

How can we have an intentional and intimate relationship with God when we are truthfully so busy? I believe we can accomplish this through prayer. 

Philippians 4:6-7  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Why should we pray?

Prayer is demonstrated for us in scripture throughout the early church and by Christ. As we read in Philippians, we pray simply because God commands us to do so. It is written, “in every situation”, not just on Sundays, not just when life is good, not just when life is bad, but every situation we should present to God in prayer. Prayer demonstrates our faith and trust in God’s Word. It is also written, “do not be anxious about anything”. Prayer is a means of obtaining His solution. When we are anxious, pray. When we encounter a major decision, pray. When we need strength, pray. When we need to overcome temptation, pray. Prayer turns us to Jesus, who guards our hearts and our minds. 

How should we pray?

I have wondered, am I praying correctly? Will God only hear me if I say the right words? Will He hear me whether I am sitting or standing up? Do I pray at night, or do I pray during the day? What if I stutter or confuse myself or lose focus while I am praying? 

The truth is amazing in all of this. God hear us! In 1 John 5:14-15, God says to come in confidence knowing that He is listening. It does not matter what position you are in, whether it is day or night, or how much you stutter, God is listening and hears each one of us. He is most concerned about the contents of our hearts, not the words that flow from our mouths. 

Read Philippians 4:6-7 again. It specifically tells us not to be anxious but to be thankful. Thankful hearts are filled with honesty and truth. Be open and intimate with God, He knows what is best for you.

Discussion:

1. How are you most intimate with God?

2. What does prayer look like in your life?

3. Think about ways you can make prayer easier or more natural in your daily routine (a certain chair you spend time with God in, prayer cards, a journal, etc) 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for your love and grace, we desire to have an intimate and intentional relationship with you. Father, we come before you today seeking guidance, strength, and wisdom. Let us not be anxious in the busyness of our lives, but instead come before you in prayer, petition, and thanksgiving, as it is written in Philippians 4:6-7. Amen.