Prayer Study-Session 12 (4/1/07)

Study Guide for Chapter 19: “What To Pray For” in Philip Yancey’s book, “Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference?”

When you are at a loss about what to pray for, remember these suggestions. For this week, write out a sentence prayer for each of the sections of Chapter 19.

A. A verse to memorize: Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

B. Book/Bible Study

1. Heart’s Desire: “God invites us to ask plainly for what we need”. It’s OK to pray for what you really want, instead of just praying for what you think you should want. What do you want to ask of God today?
   
   
2. Lament: There is a time to grieve and weep.
   
   
3. Confession: Self explanatory.
   
   
4. Peace: John 15 suggests we can only produce spiritual fruit when we rest (abide) in Christ, not when we go it alone apart from the vine. What burden are you carrying?
   
   
5. God’s Presence: Don’t pray for God to be with you. Pray thankfully that He is with you and trust that He is.
   
   
6. Compassion: Pray that God will enlarge your heart and expand your circle of His love as you pray for others.
   
   
7. Gratitude: What are you grateful for today?
   
   
8. Faith: Ask for faith (fidelity), not just “bold childlike faith” that some desired change will occur. Ephesians 2:8,9 says even faith is a gift from God.
   
   
9. Grace: In this sense, ask for God’s gift of strength to live victoriously in whatever situation you find yourself.
   
   
10. Preparations: Are you ready for death? Pray for help in living life in preparation for your inevitable death.