Introduction:

As you get started, catch up on how y’all are doing since you last met. Celebrate how God has been at work in your lives. Ask how have the 40 Days of Devotion gone so far. Share something meaningful from your times with the Lord.

Biblical Foundations:

A third building block in a lifestyle of devotion and friendship with Jesus is prayer. The early disciples were known for their devotion to prayer and answers to prayer: 

Acts 2.41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually _____________ to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and ________________.

Ephesians 6.18 And __________ in the Spirit on _____________ with ___________ of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on __________ for all the Lord’s people.

John 15.7-8 & 16 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ____________, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples....16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that __________ you ask in my name the Father ____________. 

Questions for Discussion: Which aspect of prayer resonates most with you right now? Why? What tends to hinder your prayer life?

Modeling:

For the Leader: Share your own experience with prayer. Describe how you approach prayer, what methods you've found helpful, and how prayer has impacted your life.

Together: Walk through each section of the Lord's Prayer, and pray it together taking turns going through each line. 

• "Our Father in heaven" - Connect with God as your loving Father

• "Hallowed be Your name" - Worship God for specific attributes

• "Your kingdom come, Your will be done" - Surrender specific areas of life to God's control

• "Give us today our daily bread" - Present specific needs to God

• "Forgive us our debts" - Confess specific sins

• "Lead us not into temptation" - Ask for protection in areas of vulnerability

• "For Yours is the kingdom..." - End with praise and declaration of God's sovereignty

Practice:

We want to develop a rich prayer life that deepens our relationship with God. As part of the 40 Days of Devotion, you'll be guided through various prayer practices to strengthen your communion with God.