Key Thought : There is power in prayer. Through prayer we develop like minds and learn to live and do according to His will.

[Teaching plan for Discipleship and Prayer January 13, 2014]

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 14:22-23.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Why is it important to have a quiet separate place to pray?
c. Personal Application: What aspects of your prayer life are affected by frequency, location, and circumstances? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Why didn’t Jesus pray in public with all those people around? Does that mean public church prayer is not as effective as praying alone at home?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 6:7-15.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What are examples of vain repetition in prayer? Can the Lord’s Prayer be a vain repetition? Can using God’s name in prayer over and over be vain repetition?
c. Personal Application: Since we are not forgiven because we forgive, but as we forgive; what happens if we find it hard to forgive because we are angry at someone? Do we have to forgive them even if they don’t ask us to or care what we think? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Is it wrong to keep asking God to answer a specific prayer over and over until it’s answered? Some people think we should ask once and believe He will answer. Asking more than once shows a lack of faith.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read John 17:9-20.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What makes the difference in intercessory prayer being successful or ineffective according to the Scriptures?
c. Personal Application: How can we build up relationships with our relatives, coworkers, and neighbors who we are praying for in a spiritually meaningful way? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I’ve been praying for that couple the pastor is giving Bible studies to, but I can’t fellowship with them because they smoke and drink and aren’t married. We can’t fellowship with or encourage sinful behavior. Hopefully the pastor can get them on the right track.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read James 5:13-16.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How does praying for one another bring healing? Is this spiritual, physical, or both? How can we know our prayers are effective?
c. Personal Application: How much time do you spend in praying for others? How much time should you spend in this new year in praying for others? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

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