Session #1- Introduction to Prayer
Obstacles to Prayer
1. Our Culture
“American culture is probably the hardest place in the world to learn to pray. We are so busy that when we slow down to pray, we find it uncomfortable. We prize accomplishments, production. But prayer is nothing but talking to God. It feels useless, as if we are wasting time. Every bone in our bodies screams, “Get to work.” When we aren’t working, we are used to being entertained. Television, the Internet, video games, and cell phones make free time as busy as work. When we do slow down, we slip into a stupor. Exhausted by the pace of life, we veg out in front of a screen [...] One of the subtlest hindrances to prayer is probably the most pervasive. In the broader culture and in our churches, we prize intellect, competency, and wealth. Because we can do life without God, praying seems nice but unnecessary. Money can do what prayer does, and it is quicker and less time-consuming. Our trust in ourselves and in our talents makes us structurally independent of God. As a result, exhortations to pray don’t stick.” - A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World, Paul Miller.
What is your reaction to this quote? Where do you see these obstacles in your own life?
2. Our Fears
It is common for fears and doubts to come to the surface when people attempt to pray. “What if God doesn’t answer my prayer?” “What if he is not listening?” “What if I am not asking with genuine faith?” “Am I just talking to the air?
“The most common frustration is the activity of praying itself. We last for about fifteen seconds, and then out of nowhere the day’s to-do list pops up and our minds are off on a tangent. We catch ourselves and, by sheer force of the will, go back to praying. Before we know it, it has happened again. Instead of praying, we are doing a confusing mix of wandering and worrying. Then the guilt sets in. Something must be wrong with me. Other Christians don’t seem to have this trouble praying. After five minutes we give up, saying, “I am no good at this. I might as well get some work done.” - A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World, Paul Miller
Do you identify with this experience? What fears or doubts emerge when you attempt to pray?
3. Our View of God
There are many distorted views of God that can directly affect our prayer lives. Some may hold God as:
- Divine Slot-Machine –A God we give our requests in hopes of a favorable answer.
- The Distant Other – A God who is too transcendent and exalted to care about our prayers.
- The Abusive God- A God who is easily angered and demanding and is ready to punish.
- The Disappointed Parent- A God who is looking at our failure and sin with disappointment and disapproval.
As we will see in Jesus’ prayer, all these views of God are insufficient to inspire a relationship. We must be aware of how our view of God can dramatically shape our confidence and passion in prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer- “Our Father”
Read Luke 11:1-4 Together and Discuss
What are the implications of speaking to God as Father in Prayer?
Note: We must recognize that our relationships with our dads can make viewing God as Father easier for some, and incredibly difficult for others. Yet it is critical that we overcome any difficulties that are presented by our relationships with our earthly fathers if we ever hope to fully experience the love and acceptance of our Heavenly Father.
What does this reveal about the type of relationship God desires for us to have with him?
Prayer is Personal
"Oddly enough, many people struggle to learn how to pray because they are focusing on praying, not on God. Making prayer the center is like making conversation the center of a family mealtime. In prayer, focusing on the conversation is like trying to drive while looking at the windshield instead of through it. It freezes us, making us unsure of where to go. Conversation is only the vehicle through which we experience one another. Consequently, prayer is not the center of this book. Getting to know a person, God, is the center." – A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World, Paul Miller.
What are your reactions to this idea? Do you ever feel like "finding the right words" in prayer actually interferes with praying?
Do you tend to think about prayer primarily as building a relationship with a person? Why or Why Not?
Definition of Prayer
"Prayer is simply the medium through which we experience and connect with God."
This Week’s Practice
With your community, set a personal goal for regular prayer time before your next meeting.
Daily is ideal but aim for at least 3-5 times a week if that is more attainable.
Don't worry so much about what to pray for or how long to pray. We simply want to begin the process of establishing a regular time to connect with and experience God's love and presence.