TOPIC - Praying the Jesus Way - Luke 11: 1-13

STARTER: (in pairs) Describe an occasion where you really “Got the bit between your teeth” over a principle or a project and would not give up until you had finished the job or got others stirred into action.

WORSHIP Pray for the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to teach us how to pray. Spend a few minutes just waiting on God

READ PASSAGE ALOUD.

RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY (Reflect on these and the personal focus questions in silence for about 10minuties.)

COMMENTARY

In today’s Gospel, Luke gives us his version of the Lord’s Prayer, slightly different in wording from Matthew’s version. {Matt 6:9-13} It would seem that Jesus taught his disciples HOW to pray without giving them a precise formula. The central request is for the coming of God’s reign. Physical nourishment is necessary as people await the reign, and Luke suggests it will be a long wait by adding the significant “each day”. One attitude is singled out; mutual forgiveness modelled on God’s own forgiveness. One quality of prayer is stressed, perseverance. Eventual success is assured and in the process one stays in touch with God (Baranowski).

PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS

(Initially just reflect on the question that chooses you. It may help to clarify your thinking to make notes in the spaces provided. This will also give you material to reflect on in the future)

1.  What thoughts come into your mind as you read this passage? What might God be saying to you?

2.  From your own experience what keeps you praying or not praying? Through your praying is God’s reign coming in your life?

3.  When have you thought that your prayers have not been answered? What was your response at the time? Do you still believe them to have been unanswered?

4.  Who in your life do you need to forgive? (include yourself)

(When you have reflected alone, share in threes)

LIFE FOCUS QUESTIONS (Discuss together as a whole group)

1. Forgiveness is a precious commodity in our world, the lack of which lies at the heart of international conflicts and estrangement within families. Are there any ways in which we can be involved in or better support those involved in mediation?

2. How can we best encourage one another to be persistent in prayer?

3. Can we make a specific plan for change?

REVIEW TIME: Report back on any action taken or growth experienced since the last meeting.

PRAYER TIME: Listen to a different setting of the Lord’s Prayer paraphrase or musical setting. Spend time praying each line slowly.

P.S Ede Luke 11 a C 2016 Sunday 24th July 2016