Is There a 'Right Way' to Pray?

We’re in Week Two of our What Matters Most series, and Pastor Julie taught us how to overcome obstacles to prayer so we can connect with the One who matters most. Use this guide to keep talking about how to make prayer a priority in your life. 

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS

• The quality of our conversation will determine the quality of our relationship. 
• “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Martin Luther King Jr. 
• “History belongs to the intercessors, those who believe and pray the future into being.” Walter Wink
• Prayer is what turns ordinary parents into prophets. 
• We’re not changed and formed by what we know—we’re changed and formed by what we do. 
• Prayer is not a formula to follow; it’s a relationship to experience.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• Luke 11:1-4
• Psalms 115:15-16
• Matthew 7:7-11
• Psalms 55:16-17

START TALKING 

• This message taught us that prayer isn’t as difficult as we often assume. It’s simply a two-way conversation between us and God. Who do you talk to the most each week (e.g., your best friend, spouse, parent, co-worker, etc.)? 
  

KEEP TALKING

• Pastor Julie said, “Once you commit, you have to stay connected.” What are some ways you try to stay connected to God?
• What are some things that keep you from praying? 
• A.W. Tozer said, “What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What comes to your mind when you think about God? How does that view shape the way you pray? 
• Read Matthew 7:7-11. What is it that God might want to give you that you just haven’t asked for yet? Or, what have you stopped asking God for because He didn’t answer right away? How do these verses in Matthew 7 encourage you to persevere in your prayers?
• Pastor Julie told us to pray as we can, pray when we can, and pray when we think we can’t. How can you commit to pray this week? When can you make time for prayer? And how can you continue praying, even in seasons that feel discouraging? 

KEEP IT GOING

• Take some time to consider this: If you got everything you prayed for last week, what would be different? With that question in mind, what do you feel led to pray for specifically this week? Don’t just think about it—write it down and then pray as you can! 
• If the thought of praying intimidates you, you’re not alone! Check out this video from one of our pastors to learn how to create prayer practices in your daily life! Remember, God doesn’t want our cleaned-up version of prayer — He wants our rough draft

PRAYER

Father, thank you for the gift of prayer—for allowing us to converse with you. What a divine privilege to call you “Father.” Open our eyes to the things that keep us from talking to you. We want to experience you and all you have for us. Speak to us this week. Amen.