96 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
Distribute at least two pictures/articles to each group and ask
members to discuss how they might pray for these events, persons,
or situations and how long they would continue to pray for each
one. Each group should be prepared to share with the entire class
at least one of their pictures/articles and the results of their dis-
cussion. Say, Today we will study two stories from the Bible about
prayer. We will see that effective disciples persistently offer faithful
prayers to God.Guide Bible Study
- Read Luke 11:1–4 and mention the ways Jesus taught his disciples
to pray. Give special attention to the following parts of these verses:
(1) The focus on God and expressions of praise for who he is (2)
Intercession for others, and (3) Petition for personal needs. Take
note of the emphasis on daily nourishment (both physical and spir-
itual) and the need to avoid temptation. - Ask someone to read Matthew 6:9–13. Ask the class, What are the
similarities and differences between this passage and Luke 11:1–4?
Write the responses on a whiteboard under two columns (Luke
1:1–4; Matt. 6:9–13). Say, Some have called this the “Model Prayer.”
As you can see these two passages are very similar. Ask, Can you
identify elements or categories we should include in our prayers?
(Thanksgiving, Praise, Petition, Confession, Forgiveness.) Guide
the class in a brief discussion of the meaning of each element. - Divide the class into two groups and ask Group 1 to read Luke
11:5–13 and Group 2 to read Luke 18:1–8, each silently. Ask rep-
resentatives from each group to express in their own words these
two similar parables. You may want to write their responses on
a whiteboard. Discuss the central idea that each story is seeking
to express—the need for persistence in our prayers and that our
loving Father not only hears our prayers but answers them.