Alpha Course, Week 5

Here's a look at tomorrow's Alpha Course worksheet on prayer. Should be a good one!

Alpha Course, Week 5

Why and How Do I Pray?

Key Verse: Ephesians 2:18 “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

1. What is Christian Prayer? (Matthew 6:5-13)

  • It’s the most important activity of our lives (Ephesians 2:18)
  • The whole Trinity is involved

o To the Father (Matthew 6:6, 9)

o Through the Son (Ephesians 2:18)

o By the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26)

2. Why Do We Pray? (Matthew 6:6)

  • Model from Jesus (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12, 9:18, 9:28, 11:1)
  • Developing a relationship with God, for which we are created
  • Rewards of Prayer (Matthew 6:6, John 16:24, Philippians 4:6-7)
  • Results of Prayer (Mathew 7:7-11)

3. Does God Always Answer Prayer? (Matthew 7:7-11)

  • Our Prayers May Not be answered if:

o We have unconfessed sin (Isaiah 59:2)

o We have unforgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15)

o We are disobedient (1 John 3:21-22)

o We pray with the wrong motives (James 4:2-3)

o We have misapprehension of the will of God (Matthew 7:7-11)

  • Sometimes the answer is no.

4. How Do We Pray?

  • ACTS Method

o A — adoration

o C — confession

o T — thanksgiving

o S — supplication (requests)

  • Jesus Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

o Our Father in Heaven (Matthew 6:9)

o Hallowed be your name (Matthew 6:9)

o Your Kingdom Come (Matthew 6:10)

§ God’s rule and reign in our lives

§ The return of Jesus

§ Presence of God’s kingdom in our lives now

o Your Will be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10)

o Give us today our daily bread (Matthew 6:11)

o Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12)

o Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13)

5. When Should We Pray?

  • Always (Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18)
  • Alone (Matthew 6:6)
  • In a regular pattern of the day (Mark 1:35)
  • With Others (Matthew 18:19)

Conclusions:

  • Prayer is part of a relationship with God

o Pray to develop this relationship with God

o Be honest in prayer

  • Pray Always

o ACTS Model

  • Pray alone and with others

Discussion Questions:

1. What does prayer mean to you?

2. What does is look like when you pray? How should we pray?

3. In what ways has your life been changed by prayer? What are the benefits of prayer?

4. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no. Have you experienced that in your life? Why do you think that happens?

5. Why is forgiveness of others an essential part of prayer?

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