GROUP QUESTION What do you believe is the best definition for

the word prayer?

I. AN EXAMPLE OF PRAYER

A. Jesus Prays for HIMSELF – He wanted to give glory to God (John 17:1-5)

B. Jesus Prays for his DISCIPLES – (John 17:6-19)C. Jesus prays for all BELIEVERS – (John 17:20-

26)

Group QuestionsA. Does it ever feel awkward when you are

called onto Pray?1. If not awkward, what are some of the other

emotions that are felt?B. What are people afraid of when they are

called onto pray?

I. A SHOULDN’T PRAYER

II. A shouldn’t PrayerA. What we shouldn’t pray for –

1. BABBLING Prayers2. PRIDEFUL Prayers3. FAITHLESS Prayers4. DISHONEST Prayers5. UNFORGIVING prayers

B. These Prayers HINDER your relationship with God

Group QuestionWhat should you pray for?

III.A SHOULD PRAYER A. Ways in Which we can pray

1. Effective Prayers – James 5:16a. What is an Effective Prayer?

• LIKE-MINDED PRAYERS – 1 John 5:14• DESPERATE PRAYERS – 1 Samuel 1:11• ENDURING PRAYERS – Luke 18:1-8

2. SINGING Prayers – Colossians 3:16 - "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

IV. A Reason(s) for PrayerA. The Effects our prayer life – We do not fear evil B. ACTS PRAYER –

1. A Prayer of ADORATION – 2. A Prayer of CONFESSION –3. A Prayer of THANKSGIVING – 4. A Prayer of SUPPLICATION –

TELLING GOD HE IS AWESOMEADMITTING CONVICTIONS

EXPRESSING GRATITUDE REQUEST A WANT OR NEED

ONE LAST THOUGHT“Improving your Prayer life with God is going to

take action, are you willing?”