B. DEVELOPING CONVICTIONS

“I can’t seem to get my prayer life going.” A woman in our group told the group that she had set aside time and then she said, “I try to pray but it feels like my prayers are just hitting the ceiling.” She sadly said, “I have not experienced many results from prayer. I feel frustrated because I hear about other people praying and getting results. She asked, “What do I do?” It was clarified that when it comes to prayer, it must be a relationship in which God speaks to us through His Word, and then the response is in words of thankfulness, love, and worship. It was important for her to grasp that prayer is not a list of requests but a heart connection in which God speaks, and in response to his Word and promises, we find our confidence he hears our prayers. She needed to develop some actions in her calendar to help that process. That requires some discipline.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Be joyful always. Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

1. What did you discover are the key components in these prayer instructions?

2. How can you be joyful always?

3. How do you think you pray continually?

4. What helps you give thanks in all circumstances?

5. Which one of these three instructions do you have the most trouble with?

1. What would help you make this area more real in your life?

2. What steps can you take to start working on this?”

3. When would you see yourself working on the other areas?

4. How will you make progress in this area of your life so that it is a conviction?

5. When will you get started, and how will you have accountability?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?