A/G SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 1 (12.01.2025)

 LESSON OUTLINE:

I. PRAYER AS COMMUNION WITH GOD 

II. PRAYER THAT ALIGNS WITH GOD’S WILL 

III.PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE PRAYER LIFE

LESSON TEXT:

Matthew 6:9-13; Philippians 4:6-7  

Matthew 6 9. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10. your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11. Give us today our daily bread. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Philippians 4 6. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Introduction 

Prayer is the believer's means of communicating with God and nurturing a relationship with Him. Throughout Scripture, prayer is depicted as a fundamental aspect of the spiritual life, that brings about divine intervention, guidance, and a deeper intimacy with God. According to Horton (1994) in “What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit”, “Prayer is not just asking God for things, but aligning ourselves with God's purposes and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our petitions.” From the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples to the encouragement given by Paul to pray without anxiety, prayer is presented as an essential discipline for every believer. Through prayer, we enter into communion with God, seek His will, and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. This lesson will explore the essence of prayer, drawing on biblical principles to enrich our understanding and practice of this important spiritual discipline. 

BIBLE EXPOSITION

I. PRAYER AS COMMUNION WITH GOD – (Matthew 6:9-13) 

The model prayer provided by Jesus, often called the Lord's Prayer, serves as a foundational guide for believers. It begins with a recognition of God's holiness and sovereignty—"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (v.9). This introduction sets the tone for prayer as an act of worship and reverence. Prayer is not only about presenting our requests but also about aligning our hearts with God's will. The petition "your kingdom come; your will be done" (v.10) reminds us that true prayer seeks God's purposes above all else. By placing God's agenda before our own, we express our trust in His wisdom and sovereignty. In addition, prayer encompasses our daily needs, forgiveness, and protection from temptation. This comprehensive approach demonstrates that prayer covers every aspect of life—physical, spiritual, and moral. 

INSIGHT 

 In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for prayer is “tefillah,” which means “intercession”, or “supplication”. In the New Testament, the Greek word “proseuchomai” signifies “to make a vow or a petition,” highlighting the relational and petitionary aspects of prayer. Prayer is a deep act of communion with God, where believers align their desires with God's will. It is an opportunity to bring our needs before God, trusting Him to provide, forgive, and protect. As Bounds (1925) explains in “The Necessity of Prayer”, “Prayer makes a godly man, and puts within him the mind of Christ, the mind of humility, of self-surrender, of service, of piety, and of prayer.” 

II. PRAYER THAT ALIGNS WITH GOD’S WILL – (Philippians 4:6-7) 

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, encourages believers not to be anxious but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Prayer is presented as the antidote to anxiety, with the promise that God's peace will guard our hearts and minds. When we pray according to God's will, we can have confidence that He hears us (1 John 5:14). Praying in alignment with God's will means that we seek His guidance and submit our desires to His purposes. This kind of prayer brings peace, even in challenging circumstances, because it is rooted in trust in God's character and plans. “Prayer is the channel through which all good from God is received. When prayer is aligned with God’s will, it becomes a powerful force that transforms the believer and their circumstances” Gee (1972) “The Pentecostal Experience”. 

INSIGHT 

 Effective prayer is characterized by a heart that seeks God’s will. When we pray with a posture of thanksgiving and trust, God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, becomes a reality in our lives. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is a reflection of our confidence in God's sovereign control. 

III.PRACTICAL GUIDE TO AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER LIFE 

1. Establish a Regular Prayer Time Just as Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35), believers need to establish regular times of prayer. Horton (1994) asserts in “Systematic Theology” that “a consistent prayer life is essential for maintaining a vibrant relationship with God.” 

2. Pray with a Thankful Heart 

Thanksgiving should accompany our prayers, as Paul instructs in Philippians 4:6. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God's goodness, fostering a positive and faith-filled attitude. 

3. Use Scripture in Prayer 

Praying the Scriptures is a powerful way to align our prayers with God's will. Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted (Genesis 32:9-11)

“Prayer is most effective when it is grounded in the Word of God, for the Word reveals God’s will and strengthens our faith” Bernard (2010), in “In Search of Holiness” 4. Pray in Faith Faith is a vital component of prayer (James 1:6). Believers must approach God with confidence, trusting that He is able and willing to answer according to His will. “Faith filled prayer taps into the divine power of God, enabling believers to see His hand at work in miraculous ways” Gee (1972) “The Pentecostal Experience”. 

5. Incorporate Fasting with Prayer 

Fasting can intensify prayer, focusing our spiritual attention on God and His purposes. When combined with prayer, fasting becomes a powerful tool for spiritual breakthroughs.

LIFE APPLICATION 

 Prayer is more than a religious practice; it is a means by which we connect with God, understand His will, and receive His guidance and strength. As believers, we are called to develop a robust prayer life that is marked by consistency, faith, and a deep reliance on God's Word. Through prayer, we not only present our needs to God but also experience His peace, direction, and power in our lives. 

1. How can you develop a consistent prayer life that aligns with God's will? 

2. What role does faith play in your prayer life, and how can you strengthen it? 

3. How can you incorporate thanksgiving into your prayers, especially in difficult times?