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Week Nine

Chapter Ten: Earnest Prayers Warm the Heart

Read Chapter 10 of Encouraging Hands, Encouraging Hearts prior to study.

1. Read Phillipians 4:6-7 aloud, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

What is prayer? Why does it make a difference?

2. Jack was not a man of prayer, yet, he was grateful when Janie prayed for him. Why? Why do you think prayer is welcomed by non-believers during times of crisis?

3. Why did prayer calm Annie, the mother of the handicapped girl?

4. According to First Thessalonians 5:17, we are to pray _________________________. How can we do that?

5. Prayer is actual ___________________________________ with a God who cares. Should we expect God to answer our prayers? Why or why not?

6. Does God always answer our prayers the way we ask? Why does he sometimes say no? Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12 aloud, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (NIV)

What does this mean?

7. What advice was Karen given about her son? Why should we turn our problems over to God? How can we do that?

8. Why is it important to let go of bitterness, jealousy, anger, and unforgiveness?

9. Take this opportunity to stop and pray for yourself. Ask for help, strength, mercy, forgiveness, and the power to let go of hurt, bitterness, unforgiveness, and regrets. You may also want to say something like: "Lord, I give you my burden of ______________________. I lay it at your feet. Give me the power to trust you with this situation. In Jesus name. Amen."

Don’t forget to pray for yourself everyday.

10. Read the poem, I Said a Prayer for You Today. Make a list of all the people for whom you need to pray. As a group, share prayer requests and pray.

 

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© 1999 Linda Evans Shepherd

 

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