What do these verses teach about Jesus’ view of prayer? (Matthew 6:5–7, 9; Luke 11:9, 18:1)

How might you apply Colossians 4:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in the midst of your busy schedule?

There is a sense in which prayer needs to be taught to a child of God no more than a baby needs to be taught to cry. But crying for basic needs is minimal communication, and we must soon grow beyond that infancy. The Bible says we must pray for the glory of God, in His will, in faith, in the name of Jesus, with persistence, and more. A child of God gradually learns to pray like this in the same way that a growing child learns to talk. To pray as expected, to pray as a maturing Christian, and to pray effectively, we must say with the disciples in Luke 11:1, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

What role, according to John 16:13, does the Holy Spirit play in your prayer life?

16. Read Matthew 7:7–8 again. Discuss the following phrases:

• Ask—and it will be given to you.

• Seek—and you will find.

• Knock—and the door will be opened to you.

• Everyone who asks—receives.

• He who seeks—finds.

• To him who knocks—the door will be opened.

The great fault of the children of God is, they do not continue in prayer; they do not go on praying; they do not persevere. If they desire anything for God’s glory, they should pray until they get it. Oh, how good, and kind, and gracious, and condescending is the One with Whom we have to do! He has given me, unworthy as I am, immeasurably above all I had asked or thought!

Describe a time when God answered your specific prayer