Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 6:5-8
Other Scripture References: Psalm 42:1-2; Exodus 33:18; Acts 2:1, 15; Matthew 14:22-23; John 15:15; II Kings 20:1-6; I John 5:14-15; I Thessalonians 5:16-17; James 1:5-6; James 5:16

INTRO–‘Our Greatest Need’Read Psalm 42:1-2 & Exodus 33:18

The greatest need that every human being has and feels is the need to know God in a deep and intimate relationship. It is important to recognize this desire, this thirst, because if you don’t know what it is you will try to fill it with other things that ultimately don’t satisfy this desire. Even though Moses served God, experienced many great miracles of God, and carried out God’s purposes and plans, Moses greatest desire was to see the very face of God. For you prayer is the key to having and maintaining an intimate relationship with God. It is the only way to fill this great desire and God shaped hole you have in your heart.

• What are the ways this culture incorrectly seeks to satisfy this longing to know God in an intimate way?


• When is the best time of the day for you to pray?

PRAYER–‘Where?’Read Matthew 6:5-8 & Acts 2:1, 15

When Jesus instructs about prayer he is already assuming that you are praying as a person who is trying to be a follower of God. It is not if you pray but when. The tradition of praying at least three times a day was strong in Jesus’ day and on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit comes upon the church the disciples of Jesus were praying at the traditional time of 9:00 a.m. just as they did everyday. For the disciples the issue was not if they prayed, but for many followers of Jesus today that needs to become a much higher priority. One of the issues that might be keeping you from an intimate prayer life with God is your picture of God. If you picture God as a overlord and angry dictator you are less likely to engage in prayer. But if you view God as a loving Father who is trustworthy and safe, you will find yourself in private places engaging in intimate conversation with the one who created you and desires to be with you

• What is your picture of God? When you pray do you find yourself praying to a loving heavenly father or a somewhat angry judge?


• Name some of the places in which you normally find yourself praying? Where is the best place for you to pray without distractions? How often do you find yourself there?

PRAYER–‘Why?’Read Matthew 14:22-23; John 15:15; & II Kings 20:1-6

Prayer is more than just a daily ritual as well. Prayer is primary if you want to really grow in your relationship with God. Jesus, even after a very long day of ministering to the twenty thousand people in the wilderness, made it a point to spend quality time with God at the end of the day. The main reason was not to fulfill a duty but to continue closeness in his vital relationship with God. God is a god of relationships and God created you for himself, and the only way to grow in this intimate relationship is to spend time in intentional and intimate communication.

• Describe what you do to maintain a close relationship with your best friend or spouse? How can you convert that into purposely growing your intimacy with God?


• much time will you commit to spending with God on a daily basis? Who will help you do this?

PRAYER–‘How?’Read I John 5:14-15; I Thessalonians 5:16-17; James 1:5-6; & James 5:16

How then do you pray to build this relationship with God, and what should you pray about? The first thing to understand is that repetition and formality is not necessary. God knows what you need and hears you when you pray. God also promises to answer you and provide for you for your good at all times if you will allow God to do that. The other things to communicate with God include thanksgiving, seeking direction and needs of others.

• What can you share with God today for which you are grateful? What about a concern or deep need?


• Name one way hearing from God could clarify your life direction?