Prayer Study-Session Five (2/11/2007)

Study Guide for Chapters 8 & 9: “Partnership” and “What Difference Does It Make?”

Both of these chapters bring together the dual partnerships of God & us and prayer & action. God chooses to do His work by partnering with us. We cannot do God’s work without partnering with Him by prayer. Prayer is the weapon of choice in the fight against evil. We must pray to fight; and we must fight sustained by prayer.

A. A verse to memorize: Prayer & action
James 2:14-17 (NIV)
¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

B. Book / Bible Study

Chapter 8: “Partnership”

1. God working with & through us is an unbalanced partnership. What makes it work?
2. From reading pages 101-106, fill in the blanks: God’s pattern of partnering with us is not as a ___________________, but as a ____________________.
3. List Yancey’s “three stages of prayer”. Do you think they are accurate? Where would you place yourself?
   
4. Your questions and comments.

C. Class Discussion

1. After reading these chapters, describe why prayer makes a difference.