After reading a book by Andy Stanley titled 'Deep and Wide', I decided to write my next Sunday School lesson around something less theoretical and more practical. Specifically, prayer. I'd like to do a short lesson on prayer, put up a verse on the white board, then actually practice what we preach and spend quite time talking to God.
I'll start with reviewing the basics - what is prayer? (Answer, talking with God)
Then ask how often people practice this? Note that probably none of us do it enough, so, while guilt can be motivating to move forward, it should not hold us down with shame.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing
Then I'll ask about what happens when you pray? Describe what you talk to God about.
Psalm 95:2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
I'll also include this quote:
“Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.” ~ John Bunyan
Then set a timer and tell everyone to get down on the floor and talk to God for ten minutes. I'll instruct everyone to give thanksgiving, talk about current concerns and simply chat, but try not to make the time a laundry list of requests.
This is a shorter-than-normal Bible Study, but that's because I expect us to spend more time in silent prayer (at least 10 minutes). This is an effort to expand my emphasis from the intellectual to the 'you can do something with this information'.
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