Prayer: Finding the Rhythm

SE Online Prayer Study

Week Three: Finding the Rhythm 

1.        Who has been your greatest example when it comes to prayer and praying? What made their prayer life so memorable? What rhythms and practices did they have when it came to making prayer a priority? What’s one thing you wish you could copy from the way they pray?  

2.        Read Philippians 4:4-9. What commands does Paul give us about prayer in these verses? In what ways can consistent rhythms of prayer help us to find peace and joy in our everyday life? More than that, how can regular rhythms of prayer help us to keep Paul’s command to “fix our thoughts” on things that draw us closer to God? 

3.        Matt talked about four postures of prayer (Eyes Open, Knees Bowed, Hands Extended, Voices Raised). Which of these prayer postures comes the easiest to you? Which is the most difficult? As you think about your own prayer life, what are some of the rhythms and postures that help you connect with God?  

4.        What are some of the obstacles that keep you from being more consistent in your prayer life? Why do these things serve as such distractions in your prayer life? What are some steps you can take to overcome some of these obstacles and distractions? What’s a simple step you can take this week to build a more consistent prayer rhythm? 

5.        Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. How does this verse tell us we should pray? What would that look like in your own life? What are some practical steps you can take to help you remember to “pray continually,” no matter what’s going on around you?  

As you close, read Psalm 84. This psalm is a prayer of expectation, as David anticipates all God is going to do. What would it look like for you to pray a prayer like this? What expectations do you have when you go to God in prayer? Spend some time praying that God will show you what He has for you as you commit yourself to a regular rhythm of prayer.