week 3: prayer - bAsic Christianity Course

John 15:1-17

Study Questions

• Who is speaking? Who is the gardener?
• Who are we?
• What does bear fruit mean?
• What does "remain in me" mean?
• What command is given to us?

What is prayer?

The main purpose of prayer is ______________________________________________.

John Bunyan wrote, "In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart." God is looking at your heart, what motivates you, and is more interested in a pure and repentant heart than he is in sacrifice or empty words. (See Psalm 51, James 4:1-3)

Read What God says:

• Jeremiah 29:11-14
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Luke 11:9-10
• 1 Peter 3:12

We pray to ___________________________. Matthew 6:6

We pray in the name of _________________________. John 14:13-14

We pray through the power of __________________. Ephesians 6:18

How and what to pray (A.C.T.S.)

• Adoration: Praise God for His love, power and majesty, and His wonderful gift of salvation.
• Confession: Admit your sins to God. Be honest and humble. He loves you.
• Thanksgiving: Tell God how grateful you are for everything He has given and done for you.
• Supplication: Make specific requests, both for yourself and for others

Prayer Essentials

• Pray the Word. Germaine Copeland's website, Prayers that Avail Much, is a good resource.
• Keep a prayer journal.

Memory Verse

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."