Prayer is one of the most important spiritual disciplines. Without it, we can have no relationship with God. In some ways, it's the most basic and simple way to get to know our Master and Creator. But all of us would like to learn to connect with God in even more intimate ways. These five studies are the ones you found most useful.
5. When God Says No
Single-Session Bible Study
How do Christians reconcile the pain and confusion of unanswered prayer with our belief in an all-powerful God of love? God, who created us and is not bound by time, knows what is best for us; we have to remember that we are God's servants, and he is not ours. Suffering does not mean the absence of God or the certain presence of failure. This study looks at a struggle common to all Christians who have prayed fervently and felt bewildered by the results.
4. Prayer: The Ultimate Lifestyle
6-Session Bible Study
Prayer is one of the most important components of the Christian life. We simply can't know God without it. This Bible study covers some of the essentials of prayer. It looks at the fact that we pray to a Father who always honors his name, and that prayer, by nature, is surrender. It also looks at practical aspects of prayer, such as developing a prayer lifestyle, examining the guidelines God has given us for prayer, and learning how to pray for ourselves and others.
3. The Power of Prayer
Single-Session Bible Study
It's the first response to news of a sick or hurting friend—"I'll pray for you." The Bible tells us that prayer has the power to heal. So what are we to think when scientific studies seem to suggest that prayer may actually hurt patients rather than help them? It is important to understand the nature of prayer, and how it prepares us to receive and accept God's answers—whatever they may be.
2. Expectant Prayer
Single-Session Bible Study
Sometimes prayer can feel like a quiet affair. We say the words alone, then try to divine the significance of each event in our personal lives. This study includes the article "My Conversation with God," by a skeptical professor who begs God to use him in the life of a young student and receives a more powerful and challenging response than he had ever experienced before. The study asks: What should we expect when we pray? What should we pray about? What responsibilities remain on us?
1. Going Deeper in Prayer
Spiritual Formation e-Booklet
if you've ever struggled with your prayer life, know that you're in good company. As you seek to grow in this area, this download will help guide you. In it, you'll find articles that will challenge and grow your understanding of prayer. You'll find insights to help you evaluate this aspect of your leadership, as well as advice for strengthening and revitalizing it. We've also packed plenty of other resources inside to help you go even farther in finding the prayer life you've always wanted. Remember, doubts and uncertainties may come and go, but as we press on we'll experience abundance—for the righteous find life by faith (Rom. 1:17).
To see all the studies and resources we offer on prayer, click here.
JoHannah Reardon is the managing editor for ChristianBibleStudies.com. She has written seven novels and a family devotional guide, and blogs at johannahreardon.com.
