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Study 30 of 49

Prayer

The breath of the soul and the channel of received grace

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Prayer does not change God's willingness; it opens the channel through which His already-willing grace can flow into a life that has consented to receive it. It is conversation with a Father, and it is the appointed means by which heaven's resources are drawn into human need.

Key points

  • Prayer aligns us with God's will rather than bending His will to ours.
  • The conditions of answered prayer are relational, not magical.
  • Unanswered prayer is often unrecognised answer or unsurrendered request.

Key texts

  • Matthew 6:5-13
  • 1 John 5:14-15
  • James 4:2-3
  • Luke 18:1-8
  1. Comprehension

    1. What does prayer accomplish, and what does it not?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read 1 John 5:14. What is the condition of confident prayer?

  3. Scripture

    3. Read James 4:3. Why are some prayers unanswered?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. How do the model prayer's petitions order our priorities?

  5. Contrast

    5. Contrast persistence in prayer with attempting to wear God down.

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. Read Luke 18:1. What is the parable's stated purpose?

  7. Application

    7. What has your prayer life become — recital, request list, or conversation?

  8. Application

    8. What one change to your prayer habit will you make this week?