INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

These studies do not tell you what the Bible says. The scriptures given direct you to specific topics. The questions are intended to help you focus on the study. No answers are given. You have to read and search the scriptures for the answers. We encourage you to use Bible helps such as concordances and commentaries. However, scholars and theologians often disagree on interpretation and application. The best study help comes from God. Pray. Allow yourself to be honest with your reactions, but don't jump to conclusions. It takes time to read and meditate on all the Bible says on various topics. Feel free to ask questions in your prayers. You will be amazed to discover that God does answer the sincere seeker. You will also be surprised that the Bible may not say what you might think it does on many subjects. Keep a notebook. A loose leaf one would make it possible to add thoughts and additional information as you learn more about different subjects. Welcome to an exciting search.
 
Print out version.  (This is 5 pages long, without the introduction and with space for answering questions.)

 
Bible Study Guide: 

The Prophetess Anna
Devote Yourselves to Prayer

By Scarlett Stough





To prepare for this study, please read Luke 2:23-38 and the Women in Christ Commentary, The Prophetess Anna.
 
 

Part I Anna’s Example

1. Luke 2:22-24, 27; Exodus 13:2; Leviticus 12:1-8 Why did Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple?

2. Luke 2:25-27 What was Simeon expecting to happen in his lifetime? Why do you think God revealed this to him?

3. Luke 2:28-35; Isaiah 42:6; 49:6 Who did Simeon recognize Jesus to be?

4. Luke 2:36-37 What do Anna’s actions tell you about her faith and devotion?

5. Luke 2:38 How did Anna use the remainder of her life? Examine your own circumstances. Is there a way you can express your faith in God and Christian love for others?
 

Part II Fasting and Prayer

1. Luke 2:37; Matthew 4:2; Acts 13:2-3; 14:23; Matthew 6:16-17; 9:14-15; Luke 5:33-35;
 II Corinthians 11:27(KJV); I Samuel 1:7; II Samuel 12:15-23; Esther 4:16; Ezra 8:21-23 Why do you think fasting often accompanies prayer?

2. Matthew 6:16; Luke 18:12, 14; Isaiah 58:3-12; Jeremiah 14:10-12 What makes some fasts unacceptable to God?

3. Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35 What did Jesus assume or expect his followers would do after he returned to heaven?
 

Part III All Kinds of Prayer and Requests

1. Ephesians 6:18; Romans 8:26-27 Do we have to get the words or the formula just right to be effective, praying people? Explain.

2.Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 1:18-20; Acts 4:24-31; 12:5, 12; Luke 10:2; Colossians 4:2-4; Hebrews 13:18-19; Romans 15:30-32; II Thessalonians 3:1-2 What specific prayers will help those who proclaim the good news about Jesus?

3. I Timothy 2:1-8 Why should we pray for government officials?

4. Matthew 5:22; Luke 6:28; 23:24 Have you tried praying for a person who is making trouble for you? What was the result? If you have not, why not?

5. Romans 10:1 How can you follow Anna’s and Paul’s example of praying for their countrymen?

6. Philippians 1:3-11; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:12; James 5:16 In what ways can you pray for “all the saints” (Christians) that you know?

7. John 17:1-26 How can you follow Jesus’ example when you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ?

8. Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:12; I Thessalonians 5:16-18 How will you incorporate the instructions you have learned from the Scriptures in this Bible study into your daily prayers?
 
 
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