Week 2 – Encountering God through Prayer

Theme
I can encounter God through prayer

Prayer
God, let me experience your loving presence and power through prayer.


In today’s busy world, the importance of prayer can be marginalized. And, with so many ways to pray, it’s easy to become frustrated and not pray at all. However, prayer is vital to your relationship with God. If communication is lacking, then the intimacy of the relationship is limited. On your journey with Christ, there are many occasions to pray. Pray for protection, in times of need, suffering, crisis, seeking wisdom, and for physical strength. Prayer is also used in times of praise, thanksgiving and joy. Remember that God wants to know you personally, your thoughts and every struggle.

What does prayer sound like? Jesus sets the best example we can follow. In Matthew 6:5-6, Jesus explains that as we pray, we should not pray seeking public affirmation. Jesus also gives an example in Luke 5:16 and Mark 1:35. Here Jesus withdrawals from others or goes to quiet places in the morning to spend time with the Father. God is always with us and wants to be included in every aspect of our lives.

Through prayer we can encounter the personal, living God who loves each of us individually and desires to know us. The Bible provides us the opportunity to see how Jesus uses prayer and how we can respond to God during our struggles or praises of life. Take time to listen to what God is saying and discover how to apply His words to your life.

Daily
Review:  In your journal, review how you have experienced God since your last journal entry.

Read:  After repeating the theme several times, use the prayer to initiate your time with the passage. Consider reading the passage several times, pausing between each reading. After reading and meditating on the passage, record your summary in Section 2 of your journal.

Respond:  Take time to respond to God. Write your response in Section 3 of your journal.


Day 1
Matthew 6:5-15
When you pray, what thoughts are going through your mind?

Day 2
John 17
This passage speaks many times of the unity or oneness. Ask God how you can be unified with those around you.

Day 3
Romans 8:18-28
Through this passage, how can you fully surrender all that you are to God?

Day 4
Colossians 3:1-17; Colossians 4:2-6
These passages gives us direct ways that we can live out a Christian way of life. What needs to change in your life or what are you struggling with?

Day 5
Matthew 21:21-22; James 4:1-3
What are some of the motives behind some of your recent prayers? Consider praying 'God, not my will, but yours be done!"

Day 6
1 Corinthians 1:3-11; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Timothy 4:1-8
In the good times and in the struggles, how can you rely more upon Jesus?

Day 7
Review all six days by reading your journal. How have you encountered God this week? Write a summary of your experience. Consider sharing your insights with someone else.