Tom is determined to become the fastest 8 year old ever and now he's got the bike to pull it off. He's just missing one thing... the race! Join Tom and his family as he pursues his quest for glory, and along the way he just might learn what it means to glorify God... no matter what speed bumps come along.

Over the course of 4 episodes, Tom will go on a pretty big adventure. Just as he is on the verge of glory, he suffers a pretty devastating loss. Will Tom learn what glory means in time for Christmas? Listen to The Fastest Christmas Ever beginning December 2nd!

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Episode 5 of The Purpose Practice and Power of Prayer series. This is a church small group Bible study series from Buddy Owens at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

CHECKING IN

1. Share something you are thankful for.

2. Did you try using the pattern for prayer we talked about last week? What did you experience?

KEY VERSE

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Matthew 7:7–8 (NIV)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Has there been a time when you had to pray persistently for something? Talk about your experience. What did you learn about God in the process?
2. “The prayer of a man or woman of the Word is energized by the power of God and is a great force capable of extraordinary deeds.” What does this tell you about the relationship between Scripture and prayer?
3. In the Lord’s Prayer, our requests come before our confession. What do you think Jesus is teaching us by putting the prayer in this order?
4. Confession is a part of prayer. Just as we need daily bread, we also need daily forgiveness. And the Bible promises that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV). How does this promise impact your confidence in coming to God in prayer?

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

When you talk to God, it’s not the words but the intent
that counts. God is not looking for eloquence. He just wants honesty. Pray from your heart. This week, continue practicing the way Jesus taught us to pray. Think of the name by which the Lord will be most glorified in answering your prayer.

Do you need him to be your Healer, your Provider, your Counselor or Comforter? Call on him by name, present your request, then surrender yourself to his sovereignty.

• Begin with praise and surrender by saying something like this: “My Father, let your name be glorified in my life . . . or My King, let your name be glorified in this challenge . . . or My Master, let your name be glorified in this decision that I’m about to make. My Provider, my Savior, my Guide, my Deliverer, let your name be glorified in whatever it is I’m facing.”
• Then present your petitions to God. Pour your heart out to God and let him know what you need.
• Finish your prayer with surrender and praise by saying something like, “Having said all of that, Lord, I want your will to be done more than anything else because I want to live my life for your glory.”

PRAYER DIRECTION

If anybody shared any persistent prayers out of the first discussion question, take time as a group to pray for those together.

DIVING DEEPER

Dive deeper this week by watching Doable Discipleship: Episode 70, Buddy Owens and the Practice of Fasting.