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I'LL PRAY ABOUT IT -- Praying Right


Icebreaker:
What is your favorite warm-weather day activity?
What is a perfect summer day to you?

Prayer:
During this series on prayer, determine to spend more time in personal prayer each day. As a group, pray before your discussion. Start a prayer log to record requests and answers. Check the church’s weekly email blast for needs to add to your log.

Overview:
Have you ever considered the length of the Lord’s Prayer? It is approximately 60 words depending on the translation you are quoting. The model prayer of our Lord is not a long, wordy one. He instructs us to not speak elaborate prayers that will be admired by others. We have all experienced a well-meaning saint whose prayer went on for several minutes instead of several words. Long, private prayers where our heart is crying out to God are not a bad thing. Jesus prayed all night before His arrest in the garden. God wants to hear from His children. Just like your mom and dad do. Our prayers do not have to be long or elaborate. Sixty heart-felt words are just right.

Discussion:
Read Matthew 6:5-15.

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 ESV

Why did Jesus call the people praying in the synagogues and street corners hypocrites?
How are we supposed to pray?
What about corporate prayer in groups, classes or worship?
Why does Jesus say long prayers are unnecessary?
Where should we pray?
When should we pray?
Why should we pray?

Activity:
Write a sixty-word prayer.

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