Prayer and Bible

Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer & Bible Study

Intro

Icebreaker: "What comes to mind when you hear 'prayer' or 'Bible study'?"

Big idea: Prayer and Bible Study… these aren't religious chores — they're how we stay connected to God.

Philippians 3:7–10 NLT

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead…

Prayer

What it is: Honest conversation with God, not a performance (Matthew 6:6–8)

A simple framework — the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13):

Matthew 6:9–13 NKJV

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Praise — praise God for who He is

Repentance & Forgiveness — clear the air

Surrender — align your will with His

True Worship — now that you’re right with Him

Petition — bring your needs honestly

Protection — ask for help against temptation

Thanks and Praise — close with thanksgiving

Practical tips:

Pick a consistent time and place.

Start with just 15 minutes.

Look for times throughout the day to pray shortly.

Pray out loud or write it down.

Talk to God as you would a friend. Be totally transparent.

Be at Tuesday Prayer (6:30 PM).

Don’t pray to feel like you’ve prayed enough. Pray to know Him!

Bible

What it is: Getting to know God through His Word — not just reading, but engaging (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

A simple method — OIA:

Observe — What does it say? Read slowly and notice details

Interpret — What does it mean? Consider the context

Apply — What does this mean for me? Make it specific and personal

Practical tips:

Start with the Gospel of Mark or James.

Or use a reading plan to stay consistent.

Pick a translation that is good for you (recommended: NKJV, ESV, NLT).

Get a physical Bible that you can become familiar with.

Mark up what you find!

Don’t read to feel like you’ve read enough. Read to know Him!

Conclusion

Prayer and Bible study fuel each other — you pray through what you read, and you read to know who you're praying to.

Discussion: What's one small step you could take this week in either discipline?

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