DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY
STAGE THREE: HOW TO PRAY
DEVOTIONAL
Luke 11:1 “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
Communication is at the core of every healthy relationship. The level of trust determines the depth of the relationship (Psalm 62:8).
Prayer includes both listening and talking with God.
An acronym, TACOS, can provide a helpful framework as you pray: “Thanksgiving” for what God has done, “Adoration” and praise for who God is, “Confession” of sins with repentance, “Others” are lifted up in prayer, and “Self,” as you bring your personal requests. Prayer is relational and invitational (Matthew 7:7-8). We come to Father God’s throne of grace, with Jesus interceding at His right hand, and the Holy Spirit helping us when we don’t know what to pray. Prayer is not a checklist or a performance. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Closeness with God is our desire as we seek God together.
DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS
1. Why did Jesus start the day in prayer? (Luke 5:16)
2. What do we bring to God, and what do we receive in prayer? (Philippians 4:4-7)
3. How do you listen to Jesus and be still before God? (John 10:27-28)
4. What blessings do we miss if we skip prayer? (James 4:2-3)
5. Why pray out loud with each other, not just for each other? (Matthew 6:9-13)
6. How does prayer lead us to forgive everyone fully? (Luke 23:34)
7. How can you pray more at home? (Numbers 6:24-26)
DISCIPLESHIP MILESTONES
1. Intentionally begin your day with prayer, Scripture, and listen to God.
2. Pray out loud with people, not just for people. Start at home.
3. Make a list of people and requests that you pray for regularly.
This week, be intentional about devoting more time to prayer, and pray out loud with others. You can write down prayer requests and be consistent, starting in the mornings.
