Overview
Are your prayers stuck in a rut? In these eight studies from Lynne M. Baab you'll find new words and new ways to pray through the prayers of Mary, Simeon and Anna, Peter, Paul, John and Jesus himself.
Introduction
Getting the Most Out of Prayers of the New Testament
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.
Part 1: Discovery
Session One
A Prayer of Mary: Praising the Mighty One
In verse 50, Mary's focus shifts to include "those who fear him / from generation to generation." What do you think it means to fear God?
Luke 1:39-56
Session Two
Prayers of Simeon and Anna: Seeing God at Work
The combination of obedience to God's word and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance enabled Mary, Jospeh, Simeon and Anna to experience this amazing moment. How do obedience to God and openness to the Spirit lay a foundation for prayer?
Luke 2:22-38
Session Three
A Prayer of Jesus: Praying for Christian Unity
In these verses, Jesus states directly what he wants. When you pray is it easy or hard for you to state directly what you want from God? Why?
John 17:1-26
Session Four
A Prayer of Jesus: Submitting to God's Will
How does it make you feel to read about the intensity of Jesus' emotions? Note that Jesus prays "with his face to the ground." Why do you think he prays this way?
Matthew 26:36-46
Session Five
A Prayer of Peter: Discussion with God
If an angel appeared to you and asked you to do something totally unexpected, what do you imagine your response would be? Describe Peter's reactions during his vision and immediately after it.
Acts 10:1-33
Session Six
A Prayer of Paul: Becoming Rooted in God's Love
What do you think Paul means by "the unsearchable riches of Christ"? What are some actions we can take in our everyday lives to help us become more aware of these riches that are ours as Christ's followers?
Ephesians 3:7-21
Session Seven
A Prayer of Paul: Asking God for Wisdom
In verses 6 and 10 the metaphor of bearing fruit is used. What characteristics of growing fruit are relevant to the central themes of this prayer?
Colossians 1:1-14
Session Eight
John's Vision: Praying with Our Bodies
When and how have you experienced "the suffering," the "kingdom" and/or "patient endurance" as characteristics of the Christian life?
Revelation 1:9-20
Total number of pages—63 pages
R. Lynne M. Baab (Ph.D., University of Washington) is a Presbyterian minister, currently serving as a lecturer in pastoral theology at the University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand). She is the author of several books and Bible studies, including A Renewed Spirituality, Sabbath Keeping, Personality Type in Congregations, Beating Burnout in Congregations and the LifeGuide® Bible Studies Sabbath andPrayers of the Old Testament.
