This Sunday we’ll be reading Luke 11:1-13, and exploring the model prayer that Jesus provided for us. It’s interesting that guys who grew up in Jewish households would want instruction on how to pray. They grew up with prayers as a major part of their heritage. Why do you think they wanted Jesus to teach them to pray?

As you read Jesus’ guide for prayer, what things strike you about it? What seems to characterize this prayer? If you were to divide it into parts, what part comes first and what comes second (hint: pay attention to the pronouns)?

Jesus gives us a pattern as to what we should pray – then he tells us two stories that guide in how to pray. The first story is one that highlights persistence. Do you think this means that no matter what we pray about, if we are persistent enough, God is obligating Himself to fulfill our requests? What if we want something that is outside of God’s will and intent? If the former isn’t the point, what might his point be concerning persistence?

Jesus drives home the paternal concept of God, not only by inviting us to call God our Father, but then comparing Him to a father giving provision to his children. How might a view of God from standpoint of paternal love affect how we pray?

We need a guide for prayer. Left to ourselves, we tend to make a mess of things as important as this. I hope this Sunday we can gain some insight about the “hows” and “whys” of our communication with God. Hope you can join us!

Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.