LOOK - BOOK - TOOK

sorry to post these all together . . . but I'm going to be away from my computer on a bit of a vacation (riding the MS Ride on the Big Island, more on that via Twitter and FB)

Teach us to pray –

LOOK

Wanting something and not being able to get it can end up being either mildly irritating or bitterly disappointing –to the point of disruption in your life.  However, sometimes what you think you want is not necessarily the best thing for you!

1.      When you were a child, what happened when you didn’t get what you wanted?  Has that changed since you’ve grown to adulthood?

2.      If you have/had little ones in your life (nieces/nephews/children) and have had to say “no” to them, how did they react – AND how did you react to their reaction?

3.      Have you seen examples of:  “be careful what you wish for”?  Share one.

BOOK – Luke 11:1-13

Jesus teaches us to pray.

1.   What does this prayer mean to you?

2.   Does this prayer help you pray other prayers?  How? 

3.   What do you make of the discussion regarding persistence in prayer?

TOOK

Knowing what to ask for in prayer can be a tricky proposition!

1.      How can you let your prayers be guided by God’s will vs. your own wants and desires?

2.      What happens when a prayer is answered, but not in the way you wanted – first off, do you even recognize the prayer was answered?  Then, do you get mad at God?  Blame Him?  Have you ever praised him instead?  If not, could you see yourself doing so?  What do you think would happen if you did praise Him instead of getting upset? 

3.      How can your faith community (covenant group, small group, ministry team, congregation) help you in your prayers?  How can you help others with their prayers? 

Luke 11:1-13

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.

And do not bring us to the time of trial."

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"