Studies on Prayer: Vol. 1Sample

Most of us pray more often when there is a pressing need or concern in our lives. There are times when we know only God has the help we need. We should pray at those times, asking God to deliver us from our trials.

Interestingly, the bulk of Scripture tells us that we should feel that way all of the time. Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). It is sobering to realize that in addition to all the trials of living in a fallen world, as God’s children – we have an enemy. We also have an advocate, God’s Holy Spirit. Our prayers keep us in constant communication with the One who can deliver us.

The simple outline for the book of Jonah is as follows: Chapter 1 is running from God. Chapter 2 is running to God. Chapter 3 is running with God and Chapter 4 is running ahead of God. Interestingly, all of us can chart our own spiritual journeys—past, present and future— in each of those four chapters as well. It is encouraging to know that God was present with Jonah in each chapter of his journey, working to deliver him from his wrong choices and redeeming his life to a place of blessing.

Every Christian, at some point in his or her life, will pray for deliverance. Sometimes our circumstances are a result of our choices, other times we are impacted by the choices of others. Additionally, God can allow or even cause circumstances in our lives to guide or teach us. All of us will pray for deliverance, but it is important to pray honestly acknowledging that God sometimes removes our trials, but often He chooses to redeem our circumstances for a greater good, if we will submit to His good purpose in our lives (Romans 8:28).

1. What was Jonah’s calling from God? (Jonah 1:1–3)

2. Why should we pray about God’s calling or purpose for our lives? What hinders those prayers?

3. Jonah did not want to obey God’s calling, so he ran from it. When the storm arose, Jonah knew that God was responding to his disobedience. What should we expect God to do, when we disobey?

4. Consider your own circumstances. Pray and ask God to apply this lesson to your own spiritual journey. Which chapter of Jonah would you place yourself in today? How does that impact/direct your prayers?

“He can only keep those who have handed themselves over to him.” —Watchman Nee