Prepare for Session 5: Learning to Prayer
Our next gathering of The Dialogue begins a new part of our formation journey as we turn from Scripture to the practice of prayer.
In Sessions 3 and 4, we focused on receiving God’s Word and practicing Scripture in daily life. In Session 5, we will begin exploring how believers learn to pray and grow in a life of prayer.
Main Scripture
Luke 11:1, NKJV
“Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.’”
Session 5 Outline
Prayer is one of the most familiar practices of the Christian life, but familiarity does not necessarily mean depth.
The disciples had seen prayer practiced in their religious community. Yet after watching Jesus pray, one of them said:
“Lord, teach us to pray.”
That request will guide our session.
We will consider questions such as:
- What is prayer?
- Why did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray?
- What does Jesus show us about communion with God?
- How do we move beyond prayer as simply asking God for things?
- How can prayer become a regular part of our life with God?
Prayer is more than speaking words toward God. It is personal communion with the living God. As we grow in prayer, God not only hears us and responds to us; he also forms us more deeply into the likeness of Christ.
Recommended Teaching Video
Basic Principles of Prayer
Before our session, I encourage you to watch Basic Principles of Prayer.
This previously recorded teaching provides a broad introduction to prayer as personal communication with God in worship. It explores prayer as relationship, communication, worship, listening, surrender, and fellowship with the Triune God. Pasted text Pasted text
One of the central ideas in the teaching is that the purpose of prayer is personal living fellowship or communion with God, through which God also works to form Christlike character in us. Pasted text
As You Read Luke 11:1
Read the verse slowly several times.
Consider:
What do you notice about Jesus?
What do you notice about the disciples?
Why do you think the disciple asked Jesus to teach them to pray?
What do you most want Jesus to teach you about prayer?
Come ready to reflect, ask questions, and learn with others.
A Simple Preparation Practice
Before our session, set aside a few quiet minutes with God.
Begin with the disciples’ own words:
“Lord, teach me to pray.”
Then spend a few minutes simply being with God.
You might:
- thank him for who he is and what he has done,
- speak honestly about something on your heart,
- bring a need or concern before him,
- spend a few moments with Scripture,
- or remain quietly before him.
Do not worry about making the prayer impressive or lengthy. The purpose is simply to come before God with honesty and openness.
Reflection Question
What would you most like to understand or strengthen in your own life of prayer?
Bring that question with you to the session.
Prayer Before We Gather
Pray this simple prayer before Session 5:
Lord, teach us to pray.
Draw us into deeper fellowship with you.
Teach us to come before you with reverence, honesty, faith, and trust. Help us move beyond hurried words and routine habits. Teach us to worship, to speak honestly, to listen with Scripture as our guide, and to respond faithfully to you.
When we do not know how to pray, help us depend upon the Holy Spirit.
As we gather for The Dialogue, deepen our communion with you and continue forming us into the likeness of Christ.
In Jesus’ name, amen.