As you begin this study, take some time to prepare your heart to commune with our Holy God.
Read Luke 18.1; Ephesians 6.18-20; 1 Thessalonians 5.17. What do these verses teach us about prayer?
Describe a season when prayer was “compartmentalized.” What was the outcome of that season?
How do you engage the tension of having a regular rhythm of prayer and pray continually?
Read and reflect on the following statement: “One of the gifts of prayer is to learn how to live all of my life and speak all of my words in the joyful awareness of the presence of God.”
Read Luke 1. Where do you see God at work in this chapter? What speaks most personally to you in this chapter?
Describe Mary’s response and posture to the angel’s pronouncement.
Reread Luke 1.46-55. What speaks most profoundly to you in Mary’s prayer? How does Mary’s prayer inspire you and encourage you?
Mary begins by saying her “soul magnifies the Lord.” Reflect on your last week. What would those closest to you say your soul magnified? How might you recenter, even now?
How does this prayer get lived out in the life of Jesus? Can you see any overlap between Mary’s prayer and the way Jesus lives and loves?
Why is it important for you to know and do the will of God?
In your own words, define the prayer of indifference.
Read and reflect on this version of The Lord’s Prayer.
“Dear Father always near us, may your name be treasured and loved, may your rule be completed in us— may your will be done here on earth in just the way it is done in heaven. Give us today the things we need today, and forgive us our sins and impositions on you as we are forgiving all who in any way offend us. Please don’t put us through trials, but deliver us from everything bad. Because you are the one in charge, and you have all the power, and the glory too is all yours—forever— which is just the way we want it!”
Jesus spoke “all of His words in the joyful awareness of the presence of God.” How might you learn to live and love like Jesus in this same way? Who might join you on this journey?
