TableTalks: Why We Do What We DoSampel

Why We Do What We Do: Prayer

Ask This: Pretend none of us know the answer to this question. What is prayer?

Say This: Prayer is simply a conversation with God where we express respect, gratitude and what’s on our hearts and minds. It helps our relationship with our heavenly Father grow stronger. And it shows Him we know we can’t do much without His help. This TableTalk is about Prayer. More importantly, why we pray. Here’s a guy who was just learning about prayer for the first time.

Ask This:  What is something you prayed for and believe God heard and responded? What is something you have been praying for and God seems to be slow to respond?

Say This: Let’s see what the Bible teaches us about prayer.

Do This: Without your family watching, write the following words on napkins (one word per napkin) and turn them face down. (Commands, Intercede, In-Line, Communicate) Assign the verses below to people at the table. Ask the person with the first verse to read their verse. After the first verse is read, you can turn all of the napkins over. Use the words on the napkins to fill in the missing word below:

Say This: Here are four reasons we should pray every day:

1 Thessalonians 5:17 / God __________________ us to pray. (Commands)

• Does this mean we need to pray for every minute of the day? (No) It means we can pray anytime we need to, want to, or just need someone to talk to during the day. God wants to hear our prayers as often as possible. 
• Ask This: When have you prayed and NOT asked God for something?

Philippians 4:6-7 / Prayer is our way to __________________ to God. (Communicate)

• When we pray, God gets to hear how much we trust Him and appreciate what He is doing in our lives. When we pray, we are telling Him with our words and choices that He is important to us. 
• Ask This: When are some times we can pray other than before meals or before bed?

1 Timothy 2:1-3 / Prayer is our opportunity to __________________ for others. (Intercede)

• When we pray for others, we take the focus off of us and ask God to work in the lives of others.
• Ask This: Who have you prayed for most recently?

Matthew 26:41 / Prayer is how we can get our lives and plans __________________  with God’s. (In-Line)

• When prayer becomes a key part of our lives, God is able to align our plans with His. We are getting in line with things that are important to Him.
• Ask This: What is something that is important to God? How does your life reflect that quality?

Say This: Prayer is a vital part of our Christian faith. It helps us become the person God created us to be. The more we can pray, the more we will be able to see what God is doing in our lives and the lives of others.

Pray This: (Before you pray, let everyone know you want them all to say a one-sentence prayer as part of your closing prayer and they can’t ask for anything for themselves...only thank Him for something or pray for someone else. You start the prayer and then go first with the sentence prayer. Ask everyone at the table to grab the hand of the person beside them on both sides.) Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for the opportunity to pray and speak to You. Please open Your ears to our family prayers as each of us pray now…(Your sentence prayer here.)