SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

PRAYER AND GOD'S PRESENCE

Last week we talked about the importance of hanging out with our best friends. We hope that more and more the students will find Jesus to be their best friend. This is developed through regular times of worship, devotions, meditation, and prayer.
When we try to make new friends or hanging around people we don't know well, we usually feel tense or guarded. We're typically polite but reserved, a natural process. It takes time to feel comfortable with others and to be ourselves.
A more comfortable situation is when we're with a best friend. That's when we can be ourselves. Conversation is natural. We don't have to be entertaining, talkative, or even in a good mood. Being together is enough, at least some of the time. Being together is what friends do. Sometimes we take turns talking and listening. Our times together aren't always the same, aren't always perfect.
Spending time with our best friend is what this lesson is all about- learning to enjoy the presence of God and talking to him through prayer. As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, a time will come- maybe it already has- when we feel comfortable being with God, just being who we really are. Prayer will be natural, comfortable, flowing , and a natural outflow of our day to day life.

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not deep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Mt. 6:5-13

Other sources for further study: Philippians 4:6-7, Mark 1:35, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Why would Jesus call the people who love to be recognized for their prayer lives hypocrites? Why aren't they setting a good example of devotion for others to follow?

How have hypocrites received their reward in full? What does Jesus mean?

According to the example Jesus gave, what attitude ought you have toward God?
What are some specific clues from the text that imply this attitude?

Why should you pray for God's will to be done on earth if God is all powerful and always in control?

What is the connection between forgiveness and spiritual maturity?

If God know what you need before you ask it, then why should you pray? What's the biggest hurdle that keeps you from a stronger prayer life?

With your group make a list of five or more ways any of you can serve other people through prayer.

This week and beyond how can you pray for those in your small group?