Women of Grace 2007/2008

The Sermon on the Mount: Being Women of the Kingdom
Homework for Lesson Fourteen
When You Pray

Read Matthew 6:5-18. Memorize Matthew 6:5-8.

1. (a) What are the three kinds of prayer that Jesus condemns in Matthew 6:5-8 and 16-18?

(b) What is the sinful attitude in each of these prayers?

2. (a) Describe the prayer of the Pharisee in Luke 18:11-12.

(b) What would be a modern-day parallel to "standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men" (Matthew 6:5)?

3. What is the principal that Jesus is teaching in Matthew 6:6? Does He mean that we can only pray secretly?

4. (a) Read I Kings 18:18-39. Compare the prayer of Elijah with the prayers of the priests of Baal.

(b) What do you think should determine the length of our prayers?

5. (a) What are the elements of God-honoring fasting according to Isaiah 58:5-8?

(b) In what circumstances might a believer be led to fast as she prayed?

6. (a) What are the actions that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father in Matthew 6:5-8 and 16-18?

(b) What have you personally experienced as the rewards of quiet communion with your Father?

7. How can we keep the proper inner attitude toward our Heavenly Father, whether in private or with the church body?

8. Analyze your prayer time this week. When did you pray? Why did you pray? How do you want your communion with God to be strengthened?