Good-bye for now...

Dear fellow students of God's word,
Today we draw our Online Bible Study to a close. The combination of a reorganization of BOCC's Ladies Class on Wednesday mornings and a dwindling response to this online method of outreach made it clear that it was time to take a break.

We have enjoyed learning alongside of you as we made out way through 1 Peter, Ruth and Esther, and our study of prayer. We encourage you to continue your at-home studies and know that you will be blessed as you learn more about our loving and all powerful God.

For and because of Him,
Kay Scott, Megan Drennon and Amanda Pollard

Session IX, Day 3

There are many ways in which we can be tempted…many areas where we need deliverance. In the New Testament, we find lessons encouraging us to pray for deliverance from the temptation of anxiety, marital infidelity, and the temptations that come through persecutions – just to name a few. Today we will begin our study by looking at Paul’s encouragement to pray instead of worry.


ASSIGNMENT:
1. Read Phil. 4:4-7.
Have you ever thought of anxiety as a temptation? Most of us worry – some of us more than others. We may worry over our health, our finances, a possible terrorist attack, etc. Anxiety can grow into chronic worry; and worry can paralyze to the point that we are of little use to our families or God’s kingdom.

2. Paul tells us that, instead of worrying, we should _________.

3. He tells us not to be anxious about _______________, but to pray about ____________ (each blank can be answered with a single word).

4. What does Paul assure will be the outcome of such prayers?


It is interesting that Paul describes God’s peace using military language – as a sentry at his post. Essentially, he is telling us that, instead of worry, we must pray and ask and thank God about/for everything that is on our hearts. Then we are promised God’s peace – a peace we can’t even explain using human reasoning. This peace will stand guard over our hearts and minds. The NIV study notes for verse 7 describe peace as: “Not merely a psychological state of mind, but an inner tranquility based on peace with God; the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven; the opposite of anxiety; and it is the tranquility that comes when believers commit all their cares to God in prayer and no longer worry about them.

Concluding thoughts: Tony Ash believes the last petition of the Lord’s prayer could be understood this way: “Don’t let us get in where the water is over our heads and we can’t swim.” This interpretation allows for the human situation of trials and temptations. However, it also teaches us to depend upon God Who responds to our prayers and delivers us from temptations we are not strong enough to withstand.


Lord, teach us to pray….lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. And all God’s people say Amen!

Session IX, Day 2

Today you will be asked some introspective questions.  I encourage you to write your ideas down on paper and not just keep them milling around in your mind.  For me this helps bring clarity to my thoughts.  Let's get started...

The petition, lead us not into temptation has raised some questions for most of us.  What is one that you can think of?

1.  Whenever we have discussions on trials, temptations, and God’s role in all of this, we usually turn to James 1.

            a.  Read James 1:2-4 and :12.  What do these verses tell us about the purpose of our    trials?

            b.  Read James 1:13-16.  What does James say is the source of man’s temptations?

            c.  What does he say about God’s role in man’s temptations?

Note:  Tony Ash, Pray Always, tells us that the Greek term for temptations in Matt 6:13 can be rendered either “temptations” or “trials.”

            d.  James appears to differentiate between trials and temptations.  According to James, what do you think is the difference?

2.  As we are confronted with the temptation to sin, do we always recognize, right away, that we are being tempted?

3.  Peter says in I Peter 4:12, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

4.  Since trials and temptations are a part of the human experience – why do we ask God not to lead us into temptation?   Do we expect Him to eliminate all trials and temptations?  What are we really asking for?

Something to think about:  could it be that we are actually praying for God to protect us from temptation that would be more than we could bear?

Dr. Warren Wiersbe makes the following interesting comments in The Wiersbe Bible Study Series- on James, pg 47.

“No temptation appears as temptation; it always seems more alluring than it really is.  James used two illustrations from the world of sports to prove his point.  Drawn away (or dragged away - James 1:14) carries with it the idea of the baiting of a trap; and enticed in the original Greek means ‘to bait a hook.’  The hunter and the fisherman have to use bait to attract and catch their prey.  No animal is deliberately going to step into a trap and no fish will knowingly bite at a naked hook.  The idea is to hide the trap and hook.

Temptation always carries some bait that appeals to our natural desires.” 

Session IX, Day 1

One petition at a time, we have worked our way through the Lord’s Prayer.  This week’s focus will be on the final petition:  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matt. 6:13).  Luke 11:4b reads, and lead us not into temptation. 

Take a minute and consider the connection between the petition of Matt. 6:12:  forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors and the prayer’s last petition of 6:13.  As we are blessed with God’s forgiveness and  grow more mature in our willingness to forgive others, the last thing we want - is to be enticed into those same old sins again. 

Do you see any similarities in the petitions, Your kingdom come and deliver us from evil?

In an earlier lesson, we shared some ideas from Andrew Murray’s, With Christ in the School of Prayer regarding God’s kingdom. 

The following is a summary of some of his comments:

Our Father is king of His kingdom, we are His children and heirs of all His riches.  However, we are still living in enemy territory.  During time of war and danger, the thing we want most is for His kingdom to come in all its’ glory.  We can think of nothing else.  “Your kingdom come” becomes the battle cry of the redeemed here on earth!  AND… “deliver us from evil” could serve as the second line of that battle cry.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Genesis 3.  It is interesting that the first account in the Bible that describes an actual encounter and conversation between humans (Adam & Eve), and between that first couple and their God …also describes an encounter with ____________,  Why do you think God want us to hear that story so early in creation history?

In Genesis 3, we learn about:

            Temptation

            Sin

            Blaming others

            Sin’s consequences 

2.  There is something else we learn in 3:15, what is it?

It is interesting that God provides Adam and Eve with their first glimpse of the remedy for their (and our) sin before he explains the consequences.  The wording of this verse may be a little confusing – but essentially, God is describing the struggle that will go on between Satan and mankind - all through history.  He also introduces His plan for man’s redemption –that  Jesus Christ would eventually crush the serpent’s head and provide hope for the world. 

3.  Read Deuteronomy 8:1-19.  What does Moses say is the reason that God led the Israelites around in the desert for 40 years? 

4.  Moses is preparing Israel for what lies ahead as they go in and live in the Promised Land.  He issues a warning, what is it?  In what ways is this warning applicable for us today?

5.  What does Moses say Israel can expect if/when they forget and disobey the Lord God?

As we conclude our study today, look at the list below and circle possible areas that you think would most likely cause temptation/sin in your own life.  You may think of others you could add. 

Gossip                                    An unforgiving heart                             

Pride                                       Bitterness                                             

Sexual temptation                  Laziness                                               

Indifference to others            Selfishness 

Discouragement                    Unwholesome talk

Self-pity/worry                        Anger

It can be helpful if we are able to identify our vulnerabilities and ask our Father for courage in resisting Satan’s pull in those areas. 

Lord, teach us to pray…Your kingdom come… deliver us from evil.

Session VIII, Day 3

Today, we will be focusing more on our own sin.  We suggest that the joy that accompanies our acknowledgement, confession, and repentance of sins - and is followed by God’s forgiveness - brings a freedom and peace that are without comparison!  

On the other hand, we can acknowledge, confess, and repent of our sins, be forgiven by our Father…and continue to lug around a ton of guilt.  When we refuse to trust in and accept God’s promised forgiveness we rob ourselves of so many spiritual blessings.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read I John 1:5-10 – notice what John says about walking, purifying, deceiving, confessing, forgiving.

a.  Notice all the if statements in these verses and what they describe.

b.  What are the promises?

c.  What do these verses say about God/Christ Jesus?

2.  Read Hebrews 4:14, 7:25, 10:19-22 and consider the following questions:

a.  Do you think Jesus understands your difficulty in extending and/or accepting forgiveness?

b.  As forgiven children of God, how can we approach His throne?

c.  What occupies our Lord Jesus as He sits at God’s right hand?

d.  Note all the words in these passages which describe those of us who have had our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…  Using these, or similar words, write a 1 or 2 sentence description of yourself.

A personal note from one of the authors:  You and I may have had similar experiences regarding confession and repentance of sins.  In my younger years, I kept the sins of my past locked away – some were too painful to think about.  AND, after all, they were sins that were no longer a problem!  I regularly prayed, Father forgive my sins – but seldom asked forgiveness for specific sins.  When I began praying more and seeking a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father, I began to be more aware of those old sins of days gone by.  I felt my Father was calling me to deal with them.

I believe there is a direct correlation between increased, mindful praying and God’s revelation of sin in our lives.

Now…the good part!  Without a doubt, the acknowledgement and confession of sins (no matter how long ago they occurred), and the acceptance of our Father’s forgiveness bring such blessing!  We may not even have been aware of the weight of our burden of guilt – but I am convinced it is something we lug it around until confession is made.

On the other hand, some of us may have asked for forgiveness umpteen times for the same offense of long ago.  Read I John 1:9 again…especially the part that says our God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

BELIEVE IT, DEAR SISTER!

Sometimes our plea for forgiveness may not be accompanied with feelings of relief and/or forgiveness.  We need to remember that “forgiveness is a thing that takes place in the heart of God – not in our emotions.” (Tony Ash, Pray Always).

Holy Father, Lord God, we praise You for Your gift of forgiveness and eternal life.  We ask that You impress that great truth on each of our hearts and bless us with freedom from our burdensome guilt.

Lord Jesus, teach us to pray…and teach us to forgive.

Session VIII, Day 2

In Monday’s lesson we read one of Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians and were reminded that God’s power (resurrection power) is ours through Jesus.   Refusal/inability to forgive another can take over so much room in our hearts that there is no room for personal spiritual growth. 

An unforgiving heart toward just one individual/event can

 “interrupt the flow of the Spirit.”

• The first step in forgiving another could be to mindfully prayYour will be done and pray for His strength to empower us as we commit our will to His.
•  Then we set about to obey Jesus’ command to forgive others and to trust that He will empower us to do just that.

We would all do well to heed what Jon Walker wrote in Costly Grace (devotionals inspired by Bonhoeffer’s Cost of Discipleship):  he reminds us of Jesus’ call, Come unto Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden…  Walker says that Jesus (in essence) is calling us to “walk with Him…and watch how He does it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace….Instead of trying harder, let’s trust more.” 

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Mark 11:22-26.  What did Jesus say in this passage about our attitude/actions as they relate to prayer?  To forgiveness?

2.  Read Mark 11:25 again.  It is possible that we can hold bitterness toward another -  without grounds for that bitterness.  An individual could have made an innocent comment, (with no offense intended) that we misconstrued.  When we harbor bitterness toward anyone – this passage calls us to let that go and extend forgiveness (to the individual directly… or in our hearts – whichever is needed) before we go to God in prayer.

3.  Read Luke 17:3-4.  What instructions did Jesus give to His disciples?  There are several different concepts in these verses that we’ve not encountered in our previous readings, what are they?  What would you say is the bottom-line principle here?

4.   Read Matthew 5:23-24 and answer the questions below:

            a.  In your own life, what could be considered an altar gift?

            b.  Can you recall an example when a brother held something against you or another          brother?  Perhaps you/they were innocent of any wrongdoing …or perhaps guilty.

            c.  Consider a possible reconciliation scenario where one asks for forgiveness and   forgiveness is denied.  What then?

When we have difficulty forgiving others, we might envision our Lord and Savior suffering on the cross – a victim of a barbaric execution.  He did this to redeem you and me!  As He suffered, He cried out, Father, forgive them…  He was asking God to forgive you and me!

Our Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done …How can we express our gratitude for the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus?  We praise You for all the provisions You’ve made for our salvation.  We ask that You work in our lives and lead us to forgive others as You have forgiven us.  We praise You through Jesus – the One Who suffered, died, rose again and is now interceding on the throne for us.   Amen 

Session VIII, Day 1

Our study this week will focus on the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:12, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."  One of our greatest physical needs is for daily bread, and one of our greatest spiritual needs is for forgiveness of sins.   As we work our way through the week’s assigned New Testament passages, we will see that our horizontal relationships with each other affect our vertical relationship with God. 

There are 2 aspects of the issue of our own personal forgiveness: 

1)  the initial cleansing of the alien sinner when he comes to Christ and is baptized

2)  the need of the believer for daily forgiveness

In this fifth petition, Jesus is teaching His disciples (and believers on the other side of the cross) to ask for the daily forgiveness we all need.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Matthew 6:12 and Luke 11:4 and compare the language.  How are they similar/different?  What are the two words that appear to be interchangeable?

2.  Read Matthew 6:14-15.  What does Jesus teach in this passage? 

3.  The fifth petition is the only one that comes with “extra instructions” (in 6:14-15).  Why do you think this is necessary? 

• We are called upon to forgive others in simple ways every day; such as: forgiving the driver of the car who pulled out in front of us on the freeway; or forgiving our husbands when they forget to take out the trash.  When we are unable to forgive simple offenses such as these, we are opening ourselves up to unnecessary stress in our lives.  
•  Then there are the more difficult offenses that some must deal with - offenses that leave life-time scars and are not easily forgiven and never forgotten. 
•  Another difficult aspect of forgiveness may be our own inability to accept God’s forgiveness of our personal sins.  We will address that particular issue in our Friday study.

Jesus taught His disciples in Matt 6:14-15 that their own forgiveness by God was related to their forgiveness of others; He did not provide for exclusions.  He didn’t tell us to “forgive when you can.”  

Read Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians in Eph. 1:15-23 and notice what he writes about the incomparably great power for us who believe.  He goes on to say that this power is similar to the power God exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.  Whenever you feel inadequate – in any situation – whether in forgiving another or in accepting God’s forgiveness for yourself, spend some time in this passage and call upon our Father in heaven to empower and equip you for that task.

Lord, teach us to pray…and teach us to forgive.

Session VII, Day 3

Today we want to focus on the implications of the “us” and “our” of the petition, give us today our daily bread.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Malachi 3:6-8.  How does God say a man can rob God? 

2.  Read Proverbs 14:31.  (I read somewhere that the author of Proverbs mentions “the poor” 37 times in 31 chapters.)

3.  What was the second commandment after the first, Love the Lord your God… (Matt. 22:39)?

4.  Read what Paul wrote about the way we are to love and care for each other in Gal. 6:2 and Phil. 2:4.

5.  After Paul reminds his readers that we are all members of one body in Eph. 4:25, he proceeds to tell them that one of the reasons for a person to work is so that he may have something to __________________________ (see Eph. 4:28).

After reading today’s scriptures, and relating them to the give US this day OUR daily bread petition, we realize that this petition is not “all about me.”   We are praying for the needs of others as well as ourselves. 

Although the petition is for bread, we know that our Father cares about all our physical needs.  As you conclude your time of study today, read Matthew 6:25-34.  It may be a good time to confess to our Father all the things you are worried about and ask Him for the grace to depend upon His promises to take care of all your needs. 

Lord, teach us to pray

Session VII, Day 2

As we continue our focus on the petition, give us today our daily bread, we should point out that scholars are uncertain of the meaning of the original word that has been translated daily in our English Bibles.  Tony Ash, Pray Always, says that the Greek word translated “daily” in the Matthew 6 and Luke 11 prayers is not found elsewhere in scripture, or in any other Greek writing for several centuries before or after the time of the writing of the New Testament.  Therefore the literal meaning of the original word has remained somewhat of a mystery.  Three of the commentators we consulted, agreed that any of the following 3 interpretations of the original for “daily” are probably reliable:

•  today and each day
•  bread for the morrow
•  one’s necessary bread

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Deut. 8:1-19 and consider the questions that follow:

(This chapter records a sermon Moses delivered to the Israelites in the last month of his life – before Joshua led the people into the Promised Land.)

a.   What does Moses say will be the result of following every command? (:1)

b.  God led them in the desert for 40 years in order to ­­­­­­­­­­__________  them  and ________ them  to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. (:2)

c.  They were humbled and fed manna -  to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.(:3)  What is the underlying principle God wanted them to understand here?

d.   God also wanted them to learn another lesson and that was:  Know then in your heart that as a man ______________ his son, so the Lord your God _____________  you. (:5)

e.   What all did God provide during those 40 years?  (:3-4)

f.    Moses issues a warning in :11-14.  What is it?  How is this warning relevant for us today?

2.  Moses knew the Israelites’ tendency toward pride and a self-sufficient nature (just as God knows our tendencies), and told them they may say to themselves,  My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.  However, Moses reminds them, remember the Lord your God, for it is He who _________________ (:17-18)

As we conclude today’s study, it would be a good time to bow before the throne and express gratitude for the bread He has provided – just for today.  You might want to go through a mental list of the physical blessings you have already enjoyed today. 

Lord, teach us to pray

Session VII, Day 1

As we continue our study of the Lord’s Prayer, it is helpful to be reminded of the context from time to time.  Begin your study today by glancing at some of the lessons Jesus taught in His sermon that began in Matthew 5.  Now look at the immediate context of the prayer in chapter 6.  Jesus warns His disciples about hypocritical giving, praying, and fasting.  He also cautions them about babbling like pagans. 

We have probably all heard certain phrases repeatedly frequently in public prayers over the years.  We need to be on our guard against “babbling”(NIV) or the use of “meaningless repetitions” (NASB).  On the other hand,  even as we recite the familiar and beloved words of the Lord’s Prayer or other familiar prayer phrases - if our intent is to honor and obey our father - we will bring glory to His name.

ASSIGNMENT:

Today we move beyond the first few lines of the prayer  (which addressed our Father, expressed honor for Him, and asked that His will be done) to the first request for us as God’s children:  give us today our daily bread.

1.  Read Exodus 16 and answer the following:

            a.   Why did the Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron? (:1-3)

            b.   What was the Lord’s response (:4)? (Notice  His purpose, as stated in :4.)

            c.   What were the specific instructions for the gathering of the bread-like flakes (:16-19)?             d.   What happened when some did not obey the instructions (:20)?  However, when they     gathered enough on the 6^th day for the Sabbath, it did not spoil (:22-24). 

            e.   What happened when the people tried to gather manna on the Sabbath (:27)?

2.  Read Exodus 16:6 &11 again.  What important lesson did the Lord want the Israelites to learn as He provided for their daily needs?

3.  What lessons are there for us as we pray give us today our daily bread? 

Lord, teach us to pray

Session VI, Day 3

 To pray Your kingdom come, Your will be done… is to pray a prayer of personal surrender and submission.  We may say the words, but are we being completely honest when we pray that way? 

If we cannot answer with an emphatic “yes” to this question (and I imagine that most of us cannot), does that mean we shouldn’t pray this prayer? 

By no means!

We must continue praying His will be done and remember that God understands us perfectly.  Our requests for His will and our personal affirmations of surrender/submission to Him are never completely honest.  But neither are they completely dishonest.  When we pray for God’s will to be done, perhaps God’s answer is to move us a bit closer to the ideal. (Discussion above adapted from Pray Always, Tony Ash).

ASSIGNMENT:

In the time you’ve allotted for study today, we encourage you to spend in prayer.  We suggest you choose a place where you can be alone and, if you are able, get on your knees as you approach your Father.

If you wish to pray the Lord’s Prayer – pray it mindfully.  Pause after each line/petition and enjoy being in the presence of the One who created you in His image.

We pray that our Father will receive glory and that you will be blessed as you spend time before the throne today.

Lord, teach us to pray

Session VI, Day 2

Today we look into the next phrase "Your will be done."  Have there ever been times that you have been reluctant to pray for God’s will in your life or in the life of someone you love?  Probably most of us want God’s will done – to a point.  But there are these little pockets in life we hold on to.  There are just some things we cannot imagine relinquishing.

We have gone to the Garden of Gethsemane in previous lessons as we’ve studied about prayer and we will do so again now.  There are so many lessons we can learn as we envision our Lord praying through His tears and not obtaining the answers He requested.

ASSIGNMENT: 

2.  By reading Luke 22:39-46, what lessons can we learn about the following?

            a.  suffering

            b.  praying for God’s will

            c.  obedience

            d.  getting a “no” answer for a prayer request

3.  As we linger in the garden with our Lord, it would be a good time to recall His “I am the vine, you are the branches” lesson in John 15.  As we consider that Jesus taught we must abide, trust in, and draw our very life from Him, and as we envision His suffering in the garden -  we recognize that our abiding will include suffering and also must include giving up our own will for the will of our Father.

4.  What are your thoughts on the following statement?  “We cannot participate in the blessings of resurrection without also participating in the agony of Gethsemane and Calvary.”

As you prepare to conclude your time of study today, be mindful of what our Lord Jesus has accomplished for you personally and offer up a prayer of praise and gratitude.

Session VI, Day 1

This week we begin focusing on Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  We will spend our study today looking into the phrase Your kingdom come.  Unfortunately because of the nature of this online study, all the questions you may have regarding the kingdom cannot be addressed.  Hopefully, the passages offered here will help you go deeper, if you are so inclined

 ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13.  What is different in the first three petitions (Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done) and the last three?

2.  Do you consider the sequence of the petitions significant?  Why?

We read in Matthew 3:1 that John the Baptist’s message was:  Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  John’s preaching attracted great crowds of Jews.  These Jews were familiar with Old Testament prophecy that promised the Messiah would usher in an everlasting kingdom with a king like David who would rule from the throne in Jerusalem.  They asked John what they should do.  They were ready for a return to the former glory days of Israel.

In Matthew 4:17, we learn that early in Jesus’ teaching ministry He preached:  Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

In Acts 1:1-3, we read of Jesus’ last meeting (or one of His last meetings) with the disciples shortly before His ascension into heaven.  Luke tells us that He spoke about the things concerning the kingdom of God.

3.  The kingdom the Jews expected was ____________ in nature.  However, the kingdom Jesus spoke of was _______________ in nature. 

4.  Consider the following passages (notice that some indicate the kingdom’s presence in Jesus’ personal ministry and others speak of the “consummated” kingdom in terms of the future):

            a.  Luke 11:20 – interprets Jesus’ casting out the demons as a sign that the kingdom       was present.

            b.  Luke 17:20-21 – indicates the kingdom was present as Jesus was personally present.

            c.  Luke 22:18 – Jesus speaks of the kingdom in terms of the future.

            d.  I Corinthians 15 – Paul addresses questions regarding future resurrection of the saints           when Jesus hands over the kingdom       to…God…(:12-24). Paul then moves on to teaching    about the spiritual nature of the resurrected body (:40-58); in :50 – flesh and blood           cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

5.  How would you describe the kingdom? 

6.  As you pray the petition, Your kingdom come, what are you praying for?

Tony Ash says “the kingdom might best be defined as the rule or reign of God.”  (Pray Always, pg 88).

Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer, wrote this:  “The Father is a king who has a kingdom.  The children and heirs of a king have no higher ambition than the glory of their father’s kingdom; in time of war or danger, this becomes their passion, they can think of nothing else.  The children of the Father are here in the enemy’s territory, where the kingdom that is in heaven has not yet been fully manifested.  What is more natural than when they learn to hallow the Father’s name, they cry with deep enthusiasm, “Your kingdom come!”

In closing, read Matthew 6:25-34.  Consider the promises of Jesus regarding provision for our physical needs.  “Camp” on verses 33-34 for a time.  What lessons/implications are here for you, personally?

Session V, Day 3

As we continue our focus on keeping God’s name holy, we will consider two other related phrases.
1. The first one is for His name’s sake. I “Googled” that phrase and printed three pages of scriptures that contain this and/or similar expressions.

Today our reading assignment is lengthy – but there are blessings in that reading as you hear what God says to Ezekiel – and to us.

ASSIGNMENT:
Read Ezekiel 20 (yes, the entire chapter!).
Notice especially the following statements (we found it helpful to underline):
For My names’ sake
You will know that I am the Lord
I did what I did…(to keep My name from being profaned in the eyes of the nation); this sentiment is expressed several times – not always with the same wording.


In the first section – verses 1 – 39 – God describes Israel’s rebellion as He “poured out His wrath on them …. for the sake of His name.” Notice verse 33 and following as God says that He will gather you from the nations… Everything God did/does: the initial call to be His people, the blessings, the discipline, the re-gathering is all ___ ____ _______ ________ and so that all people will know that ____ ____ _____ ______ (since translations vary, you may not find the precise phrase that fits in these blanks; therefore feel free to use your own words as you complete these thoughts.)


2. The second phrase we will consider is in Jesus’ name we pray (a traditional closing for many of our prayers).
We do not find this exact phrase in the New Testament, but the truth it expresses is evident in many passages, as in:
Acts 4:30, Rom. 1:8, and Rom. 16:27, and others.


Paul told the Colossians (in 3:17): And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. I believe Paul is referring to more than a perfunctory “In Jesus’ name we pray.”


We need to be careful about tacking on any memorized phrase to our prayers out of habit. As we learn to be more mindful in our praying, we may find that changing up the wording of our usual closing in our prayers may help us be more mindful of the blessing Jesus secured for us as He gave Himself on the cross. It would certainly be appropriate to include an expression of gratitude at the beginning of our prayers – as we recognize that it is only through the blood of Jesus that we have access to our Father.
It would be good to remind ourselves of the temple curtain that was torn as Jesus died. For generations that temple veil had been a symbolic reminder to every praying Jew that his sin separated him from God. The tearing of that curtain ushered in a new era – now we can enter the presence of our Heavenly Father with confidence because of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus.


Recently in our ladies’ class that meets at the building, one of our sisters read the final verse of Paul’s letter to the Romans as she closed our time of intercessory prayer. Rom. 16:27 reads:
…. to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen


As we close our study on Our Father, hallowed be Your name, we want to leave you with the following thoughts to consider:
We have read several passages over the last couple weeks that have described God’s longing for His children. When we distance ourselves from God and are not mindful of the blessing of our Father/child relationship … consider how He must long for us also.


As we attempt to better understand how we can hallow our Father’s name (when we pray and as we live), consider this: Everything is subordinate to His name, His kingdom, His will. As it becomes more and more our desire to honor Our Father, we will grow to the point that we will go to any length to protect the holiness of His name – even to the point of bringing reproach on our own name and reputation (see what David says about his attitude in Ps. 69:6-9)


May we practice coming into His presence mindfully, pause for a moment and with all our hearts, say to Him, Our Father, hallowed be Your name!


Lord, teach us to pray!

Session V, Day 2

This is the day that the Lord, our Father, has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

ASSIGNMENT:

The following is taken from Hosea 11:1 ff (some portions have been eliminated for the purpose of our discussion):  When Israel was a youth, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son.  But the more I called, the further they went from me…I taught Ephraim(Israel) to walk, taking them by the arms, I healed them, bent down to feed them … My people are determined to turn from Me.  How will I give you up Ephraim, How can I hand you over Israel?(adapted from the New American Standard translation)

 We who are parents may be able to identify with the longing God expresses here in Hosea (especially if our children no longer need us as they once did – or if our relationship is strained in some way).  As our children grow up (and perhaps away from us), we remember earlier and perhaps better days.  We remember when they were dependant on us; we remember feeding them as babies, teaching them to walk, to ride a bicycle; we remember how they came to us with all their hurts.

In this passage from Hosea, we get a glimpse into our Heavenly Father’s heart – and we can hear His anguish as He says, How can I possibly give you up?

As you spend some time today with Our Father,  meditate on what His name means to you personally.  Consider the longing He has expressed for His children.  Allow Him to comfort you as a loving Father comforts His children.

Hallowed be Your name

We now turn our attention to the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6.  The word hallowed means “to make or declare holy.” 

1.  What do you think is implied here?  How do we make God holy (hallowed)? 

Tony Ash, Pray Always, says there is a request implied here.  As Christians pray, we are asking God to help us live His holiness through our lives.

Read Exodus 20:1-7.   As God delivered His laws to Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai, He first addressed the matter of His honor in the first 3 commandments.  As Jesus taught the disciples how to pray, the very first petition was about honoring God.

2.  There are many ways we may dishonor God’s name.  In our culture’s speech, His name is commonly misused (taken in vain).  Even those of us who revere God’s name and wish to keep it holy, must guard against the language of the world slipping into our vocabulary.  As we pray, hallowed be Your name, we might ask our Father to keep us from taking His name in vain.

Psalm 141:3 reads:  Set a guard over my mouth O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

(We probably all need to memorize this verse!)

3.  Can you think of ways we dishonor God and misuse His name other than by cursing, swearing, etc?

As you pray today,  “be still (cease striving)” and allow yourself to be a child in your Heavenly Father’s arms.  After that time of stillness, envision Him in all His glory, this may be a good time to kneel (or remove your shoes as Moses did at the bush) and hallow His great and glorious name.

Suggested reading:  Psalm 36:5-9

Blessed be the name of our Lord!

Session V, Day 1

Welcome back this beautiful Lord's day.  We will begin our study this week focusing on the preface (Our Father) and individual petitions of the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew’s Gospel.

ASSIGNMENT:

Read Matthew 6:9-13.  (note:  some later manuscripts add: “for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen” at the end of :13).

This prayer has six petitions – beginning with Hallowed be Your name through Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. 

1.  Which petitions would you identify as spiritual and which would you call physical?

2.  Notice the order of the prayer:  Your name, Your kingdom, Your will.  The petitions that follow are       give    us, __________ us,  _________ us and ___________ us (the last two are usually counted as one - for the 6^th petition). 

All things are subordinate to His Name, His Kingdom, His will!!  As we abide in Christ, our desire to honor and submit to Him will take precedence in our prayers and in our lives.

The prayer begins with Our Father who is in heaven.

Andrew Murray, author of With Christ in the School of Prayer, wrote, “a knowledge of God’s Father-love is the first and simplest, but also the last and highest lesson in the school of prayer.”

3.  What do you think Mr. Murray meant by that?

4.  As you think of God – especially as you pray to Him – do you tend to envision Him as a great and mighty King on some far-away throne… or do you have a more intimate picture of a father-figure?

Tony Ash, Pray Always, wrote that the way Jesus referred to God as Father was not customary in Israel at this time.  It is interesting to compare the entries of  Father/father in a concordance.  By far, in the majority of entries in the Old Testament, the “f” is not capitalized and refers to earthly fathers.  However, in the New Testament the majority of entries is spelled with a capital and refers to God, the Father.

5.  Read Jeremiah 3:19-20 and note what this passage says about God’s longing.

 ________________________________________

As you complete your study for today, read I John 3:1-3 and then spend some quiet time with God, focusing especially on the blessing of your Father/child relationship. 

Session IV, Day 3

As we come to the end of another week, may the Lord bless your study of His word.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  As we continue to focus on John 15:1-17, read :7 and :16 again.  What are the “conditions” placed on the granting of our prayer wishes or requests? 

3.  As we abide in Christ (and continue to grow spiritually), we should catch His vision and our prayers will reflect that vision.  In one sentence, what would you say is (not “was”) the mission of Christ Jesus?

2.  So far this week we have limited our study to John 15.  For you, personally, what does it mean to abide/remain in Christ?  (Feel free to think “outside the box”)

3.  Read Romans 8:28-29.  Can you make the same statement (with confidence and from a personal perspective) that Paul makes here?  Notice that he says we know… (not “we hope”).  Rewrite those verses – use your own words – as you form a personal statement of your faith and trust in God, our Father.

Lord, teach us to pray

Session IV, Day 2

As we continue our study of prayer today, we'll continue our focus on the gospel of John.

ASSIGNMENT:

Read John 15:1-17 again today.

1.  In your notebook copy the following list of metaphors.  Out to the side of each pair, list the attributes they have in common.

God/gardener

Jesus/vine

Christ’s followers/branches

2.  What is/are the fruit(s) described in :7 and :8?

*Discussion Question*

(Please click the "Let's Discuss" link on the right to share your ideas on the discussion board and read the thoughts of the fellow studiers.  This discussion thread will be under the title "Wishes")

3.  As we abide (NASB)/remain(NIV) in Christ, what do you think would be the focus of our wish(es) (:7)?

The following quote has been adapted from a commentary on John’s Gospel by B.F. Westcott: 

“The blessings of union with Christ are shown in prayer fulfilled and fruit borne.

 ‘Ask whatever you wish’ is related to ‘abide in my words…’

The petitions of the true disciple are echoes of Christ’s words, so to speak.

Their prayer is His teaching transformed into a supplication which will be heard.

It is important to notice how the promise of the absolute fulfillments of prayer

is connected with the personal fellowship of the believer with Christ.”

4.  Using your own words, how would you summarize Mr. Westcott’s statement?

Session IV, Day 1

Our plans were to begin focusing today on each line/petition of the Lord’s Prayer.  However, before we do that, let’s revisit John 15.  On Wednesday, 9/29, we read John 15:1-11 and discussed :7 and :8 briefly.  Today we want to go a little deeper.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ John 15:1-17

1.  Thumb through the chapters before and after John 15.  What is the timeframe?

 2.  How might the timing influence what Jesus is saying to His disciples?

 Jesus begins this discourse in John 15:1 by saying I am the true vine…

Throughout the Old Testament, the vine has been a symbol of Israel. 

Psalms 80:8ff describe Israel as a vine which was brought out of Egypt and planted in Cannan.

In Old Testament prophecy, the metaphor of the vine is most often used in a negative way.  In Isaiah 5, a vineyard that only produces bad fruit is likened to Israel; and in Ezekiel 15, the vine is described as useless.

3.  As Jesus says that He is the true vine, what are the implications here?

4.  Read through these seventeen verses again and write down what you see as key words.  Which one of these occurs the most?

Session III, Day 3

Pray to your Father

Last week (on Monday, Sept. 27) we looked at some warnings Jesus gave His disciples immediately before and after He gave them the Lord’s prayer in Matt 6.  He warned them about giving, praying, and fasting in order to impress others.  He warned them about praying on the street corners and in the synagogues as the hypocrites did; instead, He advised that they go into a room (NASB: inner room), close the door and pray to your Father.

Today we want to consider what it means to pray to our Father.  You might ask, “Aren’t all Christian prayers offered to God?  Probably most are – but as we pray out loud before others, our praying may be more for others than to God.  We must always be mindful that our prayers are offered to God – whether in our closets or before others. 

Our intent as we pray should never be to impress others, to teach a lesson, or remind God of things He already knows.  (notice what Jesus says about what our Father knows – Mt. 6:8). 

As we pray publicly, we recognize that it is hard NOT to consider the impression/impact our prayers make on others.  Nevertheless, we must always be mindful we are praying to our Father.

We may have experienced times of praying when God seemed far away.  We may not sense His presence each time we pray, but we need to remember that God listens and answers our prayers because of who we are through Jesus and not because of our eloquence or depth of feeling.  

On the other hand, we may have times when we are acutely aware of our Father’s presence – however, the emotional intensity of our prayers does not cause God to listen more intently nor cause Him to be more inclined to answer.  We cannot measure the validity of our prayers or our spiritual maturity based on any kind of personal “high” that we do or do not experience as we worship or pray.

As we come before the throne, let’s try to “come mindfully” and enjoy being in God’s presence.  Psalms 16:11 says that He will fill me with joy in His presence.  Occasionally as you pray, be content to just be in His presence and refrain from asking for anything specific other than a time of quietness and calm in His presence.  Always remember that you are praying to, and in the presence of our Father.

ASSIGNMENT:

Be Still and Know that I Am God

Turn to Psalm 46.  Before you read this passage, consider the following:

1)  Many translations include the word, selah, after verses 3, 7, and 11 in Psalm 46.  The Bible Dictionary says this about selah:  it is “a word of unknown origin and meaning found in certain psalms.”

Some believe selah could have been a notation for a musical rest when chanting the psalm; or a reminder for the reader to pause and reflect on what preceded a selah. 

2)  Notice verse 10:  Be still and know that I am God.  That verse may have challenged some of us with ADD-type tendencies!  However, a look at the Hebrew may clarify the meaning of “Be still”.

Be still from the Hebrew, raphah, has several shades of meaning in the Old Testament.  Among those, we find raphah can mean:

that which is slack;

or to let drop;

or to be disheartened or weak. 

In this verse, Be still is referring to a “spiritual disposition of divine dependence.”  It is NOT about being still, physically, but about dependence upon God who is the I AM.  The NASB translates it as cease striving and know that I am God.  In other words, “chill and depend upon God!”

Now you are ready to READ PSALM 46!!  Observe the selahs, consider what it means to have God as your refuge and strength; your ever-present help in trouble in times of calamity.  As you read verse10, take a deep breath and be mindful of being in God’s presence, ask Him to quiet your soul as you commit to placing your trust in Him.  Cease Striving!!

Today as you conclude your time of study, turn your eyes upon your Lord.  Enter His presence mindfully.  Forget your “lists of needs.”  Remember what Jesus said about that in Matt 6:9. 

                         

You may discover that the most precious times of prayer are those times in which you say very little – but times when you have a clear sense of God’s presence and Who He Is!

Lord, teach us to pray.

Session III, Day 2

Today we continue with our overview of the Lord’s Prayer.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ Matt. 6:9-13

Our Daily Bread

Some have suggested that the bread here may be spiritual bread, after all Jesus identified Himself as the bread of life in John 6.  Tony Ash, Pray Always, disagrees.  He reasons that the Lord’s Prayer is meant to include the entire scope of human needs.  In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus frequently deals with human needs – and often those needs relate to food. 

This petition for daily bread could be understood to cover all human needs; such as those related to safety, health, jobs, family relationships, etc.

1.  Read Luke 9:23-24.  What is similar in this passage and in Matt. 6:11?

2.  What is at least one of the lessons here?

3.  Read Matt. 6:25-34.  What message did you take away from that reading for yourself for today?

Forgive our Sins

3.  Although Jesus does not specifically say in His prayer that we ask for forgiveness daily – this would be a good thing.  Why?

As we Forgive

4.  On the other hand, what is the advantage of extending forgiveness daily? 

Fred Hartley (Lord, Teach us to Pray, pg 27) says this about daily forgiveness:  “This part of the (prayer) pattern helps us to pull the weeds of bitterness and resentment from the garden of our hearts every day – before they have the opportunity to grow into life-destroying bushes or trees.”

Lead us not into Temptation

5.  The last petition,  Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one, has prompted many questions – especially in light of what scripture teaches about God tempting man (James1:13-15 is just one example).  

*Discussion Question*

(Please click the "Let's Discuss" link on the right to share your ideas on the discussion board and read the thoughts of the fellow studiers.  This discussion thread will be under the title "Temptation")

What are your thoughts on this last petition?

Today as you conclude your study, pray the Lord’s prayer and focus on your needs – especially in light of some of your daily needs (you might want to thank God for specific provisions).  Also consider what God’s forgiveness and the sacrifice of Jesus mean in your life.  It might be a good time to specifically name people whom you need to forgive in this prayer.  You may commit before God that you are forgiving them or you may need to ask for the love and courage you lack in extending forgiveness to them.