Episode Praying with God
If God already knows everything and knows what you need, why pray? If God is in control of history and the world, why pray? If God is already going to accomplish his work, in his timing, and in his way, why pray? And what is prayer, anyway? Let's explore these questions together, and see how the Bible not only defines but also models prayer. And together, we can discover the invitation from God to not pray to him, but to pray with him as we go through the ups and downs of our everyday lives.
Chapter 1
Do you pray? My guess is you do. A surprisingly high percentage of people, when asked, say “yes, I pray.” Well, join the Bible study this week on Discover the Word for a series called Praying with God. Daniel Ryan Day leads Bill Crowder, Elisa Morgan, and Vivian Mabuni in discussing the opportunity we have through prayer to interact with God. Discover how prayer represents two-way communication with God and begin to explore the prayer guide Jesus gave His followers in the Sermon on the Mount.
Chapter 2
Can you think of anyone who prays the way you’d like to pray? In this conversation, the Discover the Word group discusses the blueprint for prayer that Jesus gave His followers in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s amazing to think that this model prayer has guided Christians for over 2,000 years! Discover how The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray and the invitation it offers.
Chapter 3
It seems like there’s a lot to worry about in the world today, and that a lot of us are having a real struggle with anxiety. What do you do when you’re worried? Wouldn’t it be great if there was an antidote? Well, join Discover the Word hosts Daniel, Bill, Elisa, and Vivian as they discuss how people have struggled with worry throughout history, but God has given a way to get us through anxiety that threatens our peace of mind. So, what’s the antidote for worry? That’s what we’ll discover.
Chapter 4
When you pray, can you always put into words what you want to express to God? Do you think that prayer always requires the right words? Or even words at all? I think we’d all admit that sometimes we’re left speechless, wondering what to even say to God. In this conversation, the Discover the Word team explores what the Bible says about praying without words. Join us to discover what can happen when we trust the Holy Spirit to speak for us.
Chapter 5
What is the difference between a prayer life and a praying life? Is there a difference? Well, join the group for the conclusion of this Discover the Word series called Praying with God. Discover how prayer can deepen our relationship with God—and how it can become as natural as breathing.
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
If God already knows everything and knows what you need, why pray? If God is in control of history and the world, why pray? If God is already going to accomplish His work, in His timing, and in His way, why pray? And what is prayer, anyway? Maybe you’re asking one or several of these questions today?! The good news is the Bible not only defines prayer for us but also models it. As you listen to this episode, accept God’s invitation to pray with Him rather than to Him as you go through the ups and downs of everyday life.
Reflect
- Read Matthew 6, Philippians 4, Romans 8, Psalm 38, and 1 Thessalonians 5. As you read and reflect on the scripture passages for this episode, what stands out to you?
- How does Jesus’ model for prayer change or influence the way you pray?
- What are you worrying about? Turn one of your worries or anxieties into a two-way conversation with God.
- Do you remember that you have access to a divine help sent to you by Jesus Himself? It’s the Holy Spirit! Practice letting the Holy Spirit pray for you. Take some time to silently rest in God’s presence, trusting He is aware of your heart.
- You can pray with God all throughout the day. When your mind wanders, direct it towards God asking Him to guide and lead you on the right path.
Respond
Join us in practicing to pray with God!
“Jesus, teach me to pray with you. Help me to listen for your response as I tell you what’s on my heart. Lead me to share my worries and anxieties with you in prayer, and help me to know that you are listening—even when I’m without words. Amen.”
Keep Discovering what God’s Word says about Prayer with these Resources
- Listen to Lord, Teach Us To Pray (from the Discover the Word Archive)
- Get your copy of The Prayer Coin: Daring to Pray with Honest Abandon by Elisa Morgan.
- Begin reading The Urgency of Slowing Down (4-Day Reading Plan) from Our Daily Bread Ministries.
- Explore books on prayer for the whole family from Our Daily Bread Publishing.
This Week's Featured Resource
Praying The Prayers Of The Bible
In Praying the Prayers of the Bible, you’ll find a collection of Scriptural prayers for everyday living, intimate talks with God that will engage your spirit. Taken straight from the Word, these topically-arranged petitions help you tell the Lord how much you appreciate Him, ask Him for wisdom and guidance, and so much more.