Stories of Prayer

Day 1- THROUGH THE ROOF

The passage you are going to read today does not say the word “prayer.” But as you read it, pay attention to the effort one man’s friends took to get him to Jesus.
Read Luke 5:17-20
What was wrong with the man? What were his friends trying to do?
What happened when they couldn’t get him in the door? What did Jesus do for the man when He saw the friend’s faith? Did these friends have servant hearts?

Day 2- I AM IN… FOR YOUR WAY

If you want to see an example of genuine prayer of a servant listen to Jesus pray in the Garden of Gesthemene. This was right before He was arrested.
Read Matthew 26:36-46
What was Jesus’ first prayer to God?
Does Jesus want His will or God’s will to be done?
Jesus is facing the cross. Does He pray for the things He wants or what God wants?
This is a perfect example of someone who surrenders to God’s will. Jesus was human. He was not looking forward to the pain of the cross, but He was 100% willing because it was God’s will. He knew that if He did not die then no one would be saved.
What can you learn from Jesus about submitting to God’s will. Do you believe submitting to God’s will is what is best? How can you pray for God’s will to be done in your life today?

Day 3- PRAYING FOR NON-BELIEVERS

The Israelites back home were worshipped idols and did all kinds of evil. They did not believe in God and were living the lives they wanted to live. Daniel prayed whole-heartedly for his people and asked God to forgive their sin.
Read Daniel 9:4-19. List all the things that Israel was doing wrong.
Fast forward to today. Is our culture struggling with the same things?
What are some ways that people rebel against God in your country?
Re-Read Daniel 9: 15-19. What does Daniel ask those who don’t believe?
Is Daniel servant-hearted? What can you learn from Daniel praying for the evil people?
Spend some time praying for your country today.
Pray for non-believers to find mercy and forgiveness in Jesus today.

Day 4- PRAYING FOR GUIDANCE

King Solomon took the throne after his father (David) died. God came to Solomon and told him that he would be given whatever he wanted. God was testing Solomon’s heart. See what Solomon asked for.
Read 1 Kings 3:5-12. What did Solomon ask of God? Why?
How is Solomon an example of selflessness? How is he servant-hearted to God?
How is he servant-hearted to others? What can you learn from Solomon?
Read James 1:5. Does God give wisdom to Solomon generously when he asked?
Solomon could have had anything, but he asked God for wisdom so he could serve the people better. He understood what God wanted. How can you change your prayers to be about what is best for others?

Day 5- PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING

Hannah was the mother of one of God’s servant’s named Samuel. Hannah couldn’t have children and was being mocked by another women because of it. Hannah prayed and prayed for a child. She prayed so hard that the priest in the temple thought she was drunk! Read 1 Samuel 1:9-16
Why was Hannah praying so hard? Was Hannah grieving?
In verse 15, how did Hannah describe her prayers? Have you ever poured out your soul before the Lord? If so, how did prayer give you peace?
1 Peter 5:7 asks you to cast your cares on the Lord because He cares for you. Hannah was doing this in prayer and God showed her that He cared for her. He gave her a son named Samuel. How does Hannah’s prayer life show she is God’s servant?
What can you learn from Hannah? Do you thank God when He answers prayer?