1. Is God really apporachable?
Often Wonder ___ Sometimes Wonder ___ Never Wonder ___
Like Dorothy and her ragamuffin band on their way to Oz, we may need to find courage to come near God. I am amazed at how many people say they do not feel "good enough" to pray. They suspect God won't like them, let alone love them. We need to know, Will God greet me when I come?

2. Does God listen carefully?
Often Wonder ___ Sometimes Wonder ___ Never Wonder ___
For prayer to seem real, we want to know God will pay attention.

3. What do I say when I pray?
Often Wonder ___ Sometimes Wonder ___ Never Wonder ___
Are there certain words or phrases we need to use in prayer to get it "right"? Prayer sometimes seems like a complicated enterprise reserved for mystics.

4. I used to feel closer to God; can I get that feeling back?
Often Wonder ___ Sometimes Wonder ___ Never Wonder ___
If you were raised in a practicing religioius household, the problem may not be lack of words or belief so much as a loss of spiritual energy. As hurried and harried as your schedule is, you realize that nothing less than heartfelt faith will keep you going in the practice of prayer.

5. Will God respond to my prayers?
Often Wonder ___ Sometimes Wonder ___ Never Wonder ___
We have all sincerely, desperately pleaded for some release from a prison of pain or illness, some hoped-for promotion or reprieve, only to experience disappointment with God's response. What if God seems to turn a deaf ear?

Our not knowing exactly how prayer works need not keep us from its delights. That we fumble for words does not disqualify us. Prayer is for nonexperts. It is possible—and important—for the person with the slightest stirring of spiritual interest to begin to pray. We can use simple words from the heart. "In the morning, O Lord," penned a psalm writer centuries ago, "you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Ps 5:3).

1. Which of these questions has been most common in your spiritual journey? What has helped you wrestle with that question?
2. What Scripture passages speak to each of these questions?
3. What might God be trying to teach you through your experience with prayer?

Building Church Leaders Notebook Pastors have asked for leadership training materials that they can fit into their regular meetings—and here it is! Not only that, but Building Church Leaders is designed for you to copy, hand out, and discuss with your team.

From Building Church Leaders, published by Leadership Journal
Copyright © 2000 Christianity Today International