Reach4Life- Journey 4: ChangeSample

DAY TEN: PRAYING MORE

“...Pray continually...” 1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV

LISTEN

A father wanted to carry a couch. He could have done it on his own, but asked his five-year-old son to help him. The son carried 5% of the weight, while his dad carried 95%. The boy felt really special, because he and his dad did it together.

God can change our world all by himself, but he has lovingly decided to allow his children to help. We are called God’s fellow-workers (2 Corinthians 6:1). One major way in which we work with God is through prayer…

LOOK

Luke 11:5-13

LEARN

How should we pray for God to change things and people?

Pray with compassion (v6).

The story is told of a man who looks for help in the middle of the night because he cares about his hungry friend.

Pray with boldness (v8).

Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but taking hold of his willingness.

Pray with perseverance (v7-9).

Even though no answer comes at first, we keep on asking, seeking, and knocking. We don’t give up. We’re assured that God will answer.

Pray with trust (v11-12).

We pray to a powerful, good Father who has our best in mind.

Pray for the help of the Spirit (v13).

The Holy Spirit guides us as we pray (Romans 8:26-27). When the thing that we pray for is the same as that which God wants, he gets busy changing situations and hearts (1 John 5:14-15).

LIVE

· Can you name three ways you have experienced God’s answers to your prayers?

· What are some of the situations and people you are praying for?

LINK

For more on Praying More, read:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 

Well done! You have finished the four Journeys of Reach4Life. Now it’s time to read all 27 books that make up the New Testament!