Discovery Pathway Classes - Baptism and Spirit-Filled LivingSample

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Luke 5:16

Experiencing the power of prayer is an opportunity to cultivate good soil in your life. Prayer is the chance to talk with God personally. Through prayer, you can connect with him, and build a strong relationship with the one who made you and loves you the most.

Relationships involve both speaking and listening. Through regular conversations in prayer, you will find that God is renewing your mind and allowing you to become more like Him. You will find yourself learning from His example. As you draw closer to Him in prayer, you will begin to think like Jesus: loving what he loves, doing what he does, and disliking what he dislikes. In times of prayer, the Holy Spirit can speak into your life.

Having a balanced prayer life is vital for cultivating good soil in your life. Jesus showed the importance of connecting to the Father through prayer by going away regularly to pray. (Examples: Mark 1:35, Matthew 18: 18-23, Luke 5:15-16).

Throughout history, the Psalms have guided prayer for many Christians. The Psalms are often heartfelt prayers to God. They are raw and real. They include good days and bad days. As we read the Psalms, we can see what a real conversation with God can look like.

As you read Psalm 40 today, think about the honesty and depth of David’s emotions as he is praying to God. Look for a line or phrase that stands out to you. Turn the line into a springboard or starting point for your prayers. For example, you may use verse 5: "Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” To turn this line into a prayer, you could say, “God, you are the name above all names. No one can compare to who you are and what you have done. Your works are good and amazing. You have done wonderful things for me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for the plans you have for my life. Thank you for… (share with him other things you are thankful for in life)”