January 11, 2025 - HOW TO PRAY

Pray in Secret

Icebreaker
When you think about prayer, which feels more intimidating to you: praying out loud in a group, or trying to find quiet time alone with God?

Study Questions

1. In Matthew 6:5, what problem does Jesus identify with the way some people pray, and what does that reveal about their motivation?
2. What contrast does Jesus draw between praying “to be seen by others” and praying to the Father who is unseen, and how does that contrast reshape the purpose of prayer?
3. What did Pastor Jim teach about the prayers of the babbling pagans? How does Jesus’ critique of them challenge how we pray today?
4. What do these verses teach us about God’s character as a Father and how He relates to our prayers?

Application

1. In what ways have you ever felt pressure to pray a certain way or sound a certain way—either in public or in private?
2. What might it look like for you personally to “remove the audience” in your prayer life this week?
3. How could simplifying your words in prayer help you grow in honesty and intimacy with God?
4. What would change if you truly believed, before you prayed, that God already knows your needs and welcomes you?

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Prayer
Invite God to help each person release pressure, comparison, or fear connected to prayer, and to grow in trust and intimacy with Him. Take time to share prayer requests, then pray simply and honestly for one another, trusting God’s care.