Dear Friends,

We all know people that make talking tedious and complicated. Sadly, one of the reasons people don’t pray very much is we have made talking to God tedious and complicated. I know I have been guilty of making prayer seem more complicated than it is.

This coming Sunday I will try to bring prayer back to its most simple form. I will show you how all the types, places and ways to pray are just ways of showing you how free you are to pray. These ideas about prayer from scripture are not formulas to follow or lists to check off but examples of all the ways we can talk to God.

If possible, please don’t miss gathering together in person. If you can’t come in person, please watch online as you follow this https://www.facebook.com/toledofirstbaptist

I hope to see your face.

Blessings,
Joe

Please read and consider the following scriptures and questions before Sunday.

 

 

What do you find hardest about prayer?

 

 

What hinders you most?

 

 

What does Jesus say about performance prayers?

Matthew 6:5-6 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

 

 

What does Jesus say about praying formula prayers?

Matthew 6:7-8 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your, Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

 

 

What does Jesus teach about people who think God will answer prayer based on how long you ask or how many hours you log in?

 

 

What is the purpose of prayer if God already knows your needs?

 

 

What kinds of things can you talk to God about?

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

 

How realistic is this scripture for living in the age of smartphones?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit;