1. Men’s Journey Group Spring 2019
Enjoy your prayer life by
Michael Reeves

2. What do I do with the ‘Prayer Passages’
Week #
Meeting Date
Chapter
Memorize
Prayer Passage 1
January 22nd
1-2 2
Psalm 1 3
February 5th
3-5
2 Chronicles 7:14
Psalm 107 4
Psalm 130 5
February 19th
6-7
Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 103 6
Psalm 89 7
March 5th
8-9
Colossians 3:17
Psalm 136 8
Psalm 6 9
March 19th
10-11
Romans 8:15
Psalm 139 10
Psalm 13 11
April 2nd
12-14
Hebrews 4:16
Psalm 145
What do I do with the ‘Prayer Passages’
During the week, take the Psalm listed as a prompt for prayer.

3. Suggested Further Reading
Same Author
Going Deeper
Same Topic
Further Reading

4. Recap of Reading Chapter 1 The ‘problem’
Definition: most people are not good at prayer
From leaders to new Christians
The ‘problem’ exposes our self-love and self-dependence
‘Prayerlessness always goes hand in hand with a lack of Christian integrity.’
Chapter 2
What is prayer?
It is not primarily: a thing ‘to do’ in need of a better method.
It is not: a pragmatic way to get what you want
It is not: a magic ‘spell’
It is: ‘the primary way true faith expresses itself’ or ‘the chief exercise of faith’

5. Recap of Reading Chapter 3 Reality: you naturally lack faith
Your prayer life reveals the state of your faith
Your faith’s enemies – world, flesh devil
Your faith’s friend - Jesus
Chapter 4
Good News: you’re in good company
‘spiritual giants’ still were human like you
You have not managed to invent the problem of prayer being hard
Chapter 5
What is going to fuel our faith to pray?
The Word (Rom 10:17)
Grace of Christ revealed
Hear/sing/speak it
Awakens your faith
The Response: Prayer

6. Recap of Reading Chapter 6 Jesus and Prayer He best understand prayer
He has constantly been in prayer (communion) with God and still is
Prayer: you are invited by Jesus to now enjoy his communion with the Father
‘Prayer is learning to enjoy what Jesus has always enjoyed’
Chapter 7
The ‘first lesson’ / command
Praying to God as ‘Father’
Father - kind
Open-armed, friendly, desired
Invitation into the relationship and fellowship – and then his blessing
Pleading for God to act as he does
Father – acceptance
Fixed, attentive
adopted
What do we learn as well look toward Jesus and the bible – as we look in faith?
We see that prayer is an invitation (by faith) into the communion with God that Jesus has.
-we share in his kind acceptance
-we share in it by faith, and we enjoy this fellowship by faith (=prayer)

7. Discussion Questions Recite the Memory Verse.
What are some ways we can ‘pray at all times’?
How would fixating on who God is help you in your prayer life?
Is it possible to be a mature believer in Christ and remain independent? Why or why not?
Are there areas of self-dependence you need to confess in prayer tonight?
Col 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.

8. Recap of Reading Chapter 8 Communion with God
‘All Times’ (many different forms)
All throughout the day
Not primarily a separate thing, but it has separate times
Extension of existing communion
Has (not always) focused time
Focus of communion is the person
Distraction guard, changes prayer
Chapter 9
You’ve been brought into a relationship of giving and needing (father/son)
Asking
Thanking
Receiving
Growing as a needy receiver
Enjoying his care and love in faith

9. Prayer
Read: Psalm 136:1-9
Pray (let each member of your group pray)

10. On your way out- Grab a copy of the schedule
Sign up for the Men’s Breakfast March 23rd
Get a book ($5)