1. Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 6:5-15. What are all or some of the instructions Jesus gave his disciples about prayer? How can you apply these instructions in your own prayers?

2. Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:5-7; Hebrews 4:14-16. What encouragement do you find for bringing your concerns to God? Do you think there is anything you can't take to him? Why or why not?

3. Psalm 145. The entire collection of psalms gives us examples of “all kinds of prayers.” There are laments, complaints, cries for deliverance—every possible human emotion is expressed in them. The most beautiful of them contain praise to God for his compassion and care. What do you learn about God from this psalm which will inspire your own praises?

4. Luke 18:1-8. What lesson does Jesus teach us through this parable? What are the reasons it is sometimes difficult to keep coming to God when prayers seem to be ignored?

5. Revelation 8:3-5. What encourages you to continue to bring your prayers to God?