Week of March 12, 2017
Week of March 12, 2017
Learning to Pray: Unceasing Prayer
Learning to Pray: Unceasing Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Getting Started
Getting Started
As you think over the events of the past week, what were the one or two
biggest blessings in your life?
As you think over the events of the past week, what were the one or two
biggest blessings in your life?
Word
Word
Read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
1. The Apostle Paul often included a list of exhortations to his readers
at the end of his letters. Our verses this week are part of his closing
words to the Thessalonians. Our focus is on 5:17. Talk about the different translations you have of this verse represented in your small
group. The most popular are, “pray without ceasing” and “pray continually.” What do you suppose it means to pray in this way?
1. The Apostle Paul often included a list of exhortations to his readers
at the end of his letters. Our verses this week are part of his closing
words to the Thessalonians. Our focus is on 5:17. Talk about the different translations you have of this verse represented in your small
group. The most popular are, “pray without ceasing” and “pray continually.” What do you suppose it means to pray in this way?
2. Look up Romans 12:12 and Ephesians 6:18 for similar verses in
two of Paul’s other letters. Why do you think exhortations like
“persevere in prayer” and “pray in the Spirit at all times” and “pray
without ceasing” are given by Paul to his readers?
2. Look up Romans 12:12 and Ephesians 6:18 for similar verses in two
of Paul’s other letters. Why do you think exhortations like “persevere
in prayer” and “pray in the Spirit at all times” and “pray without ceasing” are given by Paul to his readers?
3. One way to move toward unceasing prayer is the practice of
“Breath Prayer.” Talk about the quote on the backside of this handout
from Ruth Haley Barton. What do you understand Breath Prayer to
be?
3. One way to move toward unceasing prayer is the practice of “Breath
Prayer.” Talk about the quote on the backside of this handout from
Ruth Haley Barton. What do you understand Breath Prayer to be?
4. What’s the difference between a “gut prayer” and a prayer that
comes primarily from the mind?
4. What’s the difference between a “gut prayer” and a prayer that
comes primarily from the mind?
5. One example of a breath prayer is, “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me,
a sinner,” which is often called, “The Jesus Prayer.” Why do you think
a simple prayer like this, prayed many times through the day, is helpful?
5. One example of a breath prayer is, “Lord Jesus, have mercy on
me, a sinner,” which is often called, “The Jesus Prayer.” Why do you
think a simple prayer like this, prayed many times through the day,
is helpful?
Share
Invite the people in your group to share any blessings or
concerns they have from the past week.
Prayer
Pray for each other in sentence prayers. Please include these
prayers of the New Hope family:
1. Continued healing for Carl and Bonnie Kesling
2. Jennifer Lipinski’s upcoming ordination, March 26
www.newhopefishers.org
317-842-5171
Read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Share
Invite the people in your group to share any blessings or
concerns they have from the past week.
Prayer
Pray for each other in sentence prayers. Please include these
prayers of the New Hope family:
1. Continued healing for Carl and Bonnie Kesling
2. Jennifer Lipinski’s upcoming ordination, March 26
www.newhopefishers.org
Learning to Pray: Unceasing Prayer
Learning to Pray: Unceasing Prayer
March 12, 2017
March 12, 2017
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Sermon Notes
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Sermon Notes
3. How does a person come up with a Breath Prayer?
3. How does a person come up with a Breath Prayer?
2. What is the fruit of a Breath Prayer that is prayed often throughout
the day?
2. What is the fruit of a Breath Prayer that is prayed often throughout
the day?
1. What is “Breath Prayer”?
1. What is “Breath Prayer”?
“This prayer does not come primarily from the mind, which is where most of
our words come from; the breath prayer arises from the depths of our desire
and need. In fact, it could more accurately be called a ‘gut prayer,’ because it
comes from a deep gut level. This prayer is so simple that it requires no
thought to remember it once we really know it is ours. It is so short (usually
only six to eight syllables) that we can pray it rhythmically with the inhalation
and exhalation of our breathing.”
“This prayer does not come primarily from the mind, which is where most of
our words come from; the breath prayer arises from the depths of our desire
and need. In fact, it could more accurately be called a ‘gut prayer,’ because it
comes from a deep gut level. This prayer is so simple that it requires no
thought to remember it once we really know it is ours. It is so short (usually
only six to eight syllables) that we can pray it rhythmically with the inhalation
and exhalation of our breathing.”
“Breath Prayer”
“Breath Prayer”
Prayer Quote:
Prayer Quote:
from Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms
from Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms
Announcements you want to remember:
Announcements you want to remember:
People you want to pray for:
People you want to pray for: