This week will seek to provide a definition of prayer as conversation with God. Then we will explore the first movement of prayer: praying upward. We will explore praying “up” as praying praise, praying God’s character, and praying God’s promises. Silence before the greatness of God may also factor in.
(Matthew 16:13-19)
Sermon Outline
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
Conversation with God: Prayer is talking and listening to God about the things we’re doing together.
- Who we understand God to be impacts how we relate to God, ourselves, and our circumstances.
- Who we understand God to be is often influenced by our past experiences and relationships.
Praying the promises and character of God is a powerful way to find clarity and connection with:
- God
- Ourselves
- Our circumstances
Praying the promises and character of God provides
- Comfort
- Courage
- Direction
- Forgiveness
- Growth
- And More
Discussion Questions
- What is true of your favorite conversations?
- How do those same elements show up in our conversations with God?
- What do you talk to God about most?
- Dallas Willard defines prayer as “Talking to God about the things we’re doing together.” What things are you doing with God, and do you talk about those things with Him?
- How have your past relationships and experiences influenced your assumptions about God?
- How do our assumptions about God influence our prayers?
- What are your favorite promises from God that are revealed in scripture?
- What are your favorite aspects of God’s character?
- What is the most important insight for you from today’s sermon?
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6
- Search for 3-5 “promises of God” and take time to speak them out loud, reflect on them, and thank God for them in prayer.
- Search for 3-5 references to God’s character and speak them out loud, reflect on them, and thank God for them in prayer.
- Take time to reflect on how your past relationships and experiences have shaped how you see God. And compare your assumptions about God with the promises and character of God that you see in scripture.