Taking the Next Step in Our Prayer Life 1 John 5:15-16 Dr. Grant Hodges Review from last week: explain why it's better that God only answers prayers "in His will". What kind of prayers might be answered if God just answered anything? I. God Heard Christ Praying verse 15, Matthew 26:39, John 11 Discuss the implications of omniscience for prayer in general. Does Psalm 66:18 contradict verse 15? Why not? Discuss how submission to God helps our overall feeling about whether God has "heard" us. Did God hear Christ praying in Matthew 26:39? Discuss Christ's attitude toward how God will respond. If we were to imitate Christ in this, how would that change our lives? II. "Dear Heavenly Father, I Want My Own Way" verse 15 Discuss the role of pouting in our relationship with God. Give Bible verses to justify it. Who were important pouters in Scripture? How did God respond to them? Why can't every service of the church be about me? Why can't every answer of prayer be about me? III. What Was John's Reason For Encouraging Us to Pray At This Point In His Letter? verses 15-16a Why might we think that Jesus raised Lazarus out of sympathy for Lazarus and his sisters? Skim John 11 for reasons why we know this is not the case. Explain how Lazarus would need to understand his resurrection and its purposes. What was the main purpose of this miracle? Relate this to our own lives and our setbacks, sicknesses, and achievements. Discuss why praying for the spiritual life of our friends and neighbors is more important than praying for their health and prosperity. Can we expect complete submission to this principle from the general populace? Should we alter our opinion so they'll like us?

Dr. Grant Hodges

The mission of Grace Church is to share the love of Jesus Christ through Worship, Discipleship, and Evangelism.