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The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg

The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. Praying and Confessing Session Three May 3, 2009 . Video Highlights. What is your response to the idea of praying five minutes a day, in the same place and at about the same time?

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The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg

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  1. The Life You’ve Always Wantedby John Ortberg Praying and Confessing Session Three May 3, 2009

  2. Video Highlights • What is your response to the idea of praying five minutes a day, in the same place and at about the same time? • In what ways would it be an effective (or ineffective) way to start building a time of regular prayer?

  3. Video Highlights • What has been your experience with the “monkeys jumping in the banana trees” when it comes to prayer? • Why is it important to take time to settle down the “monkeys,” and why is it important to pay attention if one “monkey” refuses to settle down?

  4. Video Highlights • Why do we have to confess our sins to God?

  5. Large Group Exploration • Read Genesis 18: 20 – 33: • Genesis 18: 20 – 33 presents a most interesting prayer dialogue between God and Abraham. • What difference did Abraham’s persistent requests make? • What do Psalm 34: 15 and James 5: 17 – 18 reveal about the effectiveness of prayer?

  6. Large Group Exploration • Some people believe that if we really love God, powerful prayers will flow out of us without effort or discipline. • What do Psalm 105: 4, Colossians 4: 2, and 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 – 18 reveal that contradict this viewpoint?

  7. Large Group Exploration • How do we know God really wants us to ask Him for help when we are in trouble? • Psalm 10: 17 • Luke 18: 7 – 8 • Philippians 4: 6

  8. Large Group Exploration • How honest do you think we can afford to be in our prayers to God? • Numbers 11: 10 – 15

  9. Large Group Exploration • Many prayers of intercession are recorded in the Bible. • Let’s look at three examples of intercessory prayers and note what makes them powerful and effective. • Nehemiah 1: 4 – 11 • 2 Samuel 5: 17 – 25 • Colossians 1: 9 – 12

  10. Where Sin Begins • Where did our “stain of sin” originate and what can be done about it? • Romans 3: 22 – 24; 5: 12 • Consequences of a sinful nature • Proverbs 5: 22 – 23 • Jeremiah 5: 25 • John 8: 34 • Romans 6: 23 • Romans 8: 7 – 8 • Galatians 5: 19 – 21 • James 1: 13 – 15

  11. Principles for the Journey • Prayer is powerful, and when we pray all of heaven stops to listen. • How pleased are you with your prayer life? • In terms of your heart relationship with God? • In terms of what you talk with Him about? • In terms of how you pray for others? • In terms of what your prayers accomplish?

  12. Principles for the Journey • Prayer doesn’t flow out of us without effort or discipline. • What changes would you like to make in your prayer life, starting today? • The practice of confession opens the door to God’s liberating forgiveness. It not only wipes away your guilt but enables us to become the transformed people we long to be.

  13. Tips on Starting a Regular Prayer Time

  14. Starting a Regular Prayer Time • Keep your prayer time short. • Make your prayer time meaningful. • Prepare ahead for your prayer time. • Pray about what is on your heart, not what you wish was on your heart. • Learn to be fully present when you pray.

  15. The Life You’ve Always Wantedby John Ortberg Praying and Confessing Session Three May 3, 2009

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