A Bible lesson by Ivor Jefferies
1. What are some reasons that many Christians find it hard to be devoted to prayer?
Read Matt. 26:40-41, Luke 10:38-42, 18:1, 1 Pet. 4:7.
2. Why must we pray if God already knows our needs (Matt. 6:8)?
Read John 15:5, Rom. 8:15, 1 John 1:3, Jas. 4:2.
3. Why must we pray if He will fulfill his purposes anyway (Isa. 46:10)?
Read 1 Thess. 5:17, Dan. 9:2-3.
4. How does God encourage us to pray more?
Read Ps. 50:15, Prov. 15:8, Matt. 7:7-11.
5. What are some reasons God does not answer our prayers, and what should we do about it?
Read Ps. 66:17-20, Prov. 21:13, Matt. 6:5, 15, 2 Cor. 12:7-9, Jas. 1:6-7, 4:3, 1 Pet. 3:7, 12 and 1 John 1:9.
6. How can we learn to pray better?
Here are some suggestions:
- Ask for the Spirit’s help (Rom. 8:26-27).
- Pray with others, especially with those who are devoted to prayer (Acts 1:14, 2:42).
- Be often in prayer (1 Thess. 5:17). You can only learn to swim by swimming. So it is with prayer.
- Pray the Psalms, Paul’s prayers and other Scriptures.
- Set aside time for fasting and prayer so that you can seek the Lord more earnestly (Dan. 9:3).
7. What should fasting look like in practice?
Read Deut. 9:9, Dan. 10:2-3, Matt. 4:2, 6:16-18, Acts 13:2, Isa. 58:6-7.
8. Is there a matter in your life or congregation you need to fast and pray about? When will you start?