Week 1 Prayer
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Week 1 Prayer

Rhythms Podcast with Pete Shambrook
 

Quotes

“Simple Prayer involves ordinary people bringing ordinary concerns to a loving and compassionate Father. There is no pretense in Simple Prayer. We do not pretend to be more holy, more pure, or more saintly than we actually are. We do not try to conceal our conflicting and contradictory motives from God—or ourselves. And in this posture we pour out our heart to the God who is greater than our heart and who knows all things.” Richard Foster
 
“We tend to think of prayer as something we do in order to produce the results we believe are needed or, rather, to get God to produce the results…As a result, our prayer tends to be a shopping list of things to be accomplished, an attempt to manipulate the symptoms of our lives without really entering into a deep, vital, transforming relationship with God.” Robert Mulholland
 
“I am convinced, however, that our constant activity is fruitless without first making that humble act of kneeling to pray. I am convinced that prayer is not only our greatest privilege, but also our greatest source of power.” Pete Greig
The key to prayer is simply praying. AW Tozer

Scripture

 
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” Matthew 6:9–13
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:39–44
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 5:16
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen." Matthew 6:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.” Philippians 4:6–7
 

Questions

General Questions

You might want to ask each other some of the following questions:
  • Where have you seen God at work in your life in the past week/month?
  • How did you experience God’s presence through your rhythms?
  • How have you been shaped by the rhythms?
  • What differences did the rhythms make to those around you?
  • What is the Spirit stirring and wanting to grow in you in this season?
  • What unhealthy rhythms or habits have you adopted and what practices will help you refocus on Jesus?

Specific Questions

  • What is one thing you like about prayer and why?
  • What is has been obstacle to your prayer life?
  • What is one thing you learned about prayer? By listening to the rhythm what was new or what changed?
  • How do you think this practice of prayer will help you follow Jesus?

Practice

  • What is a small way this week you can incorporate this rhythm in your life?
  • What way can the group help you practice this rhythm?
 

Further Resources

How To Pray For an Hour
Prayer of Recollection
Cedar House Prayer Material
 
Books on Prayer