6 Session Church-Wide Bible Study
We’re beginning our new series, "Teach Us to Pray," which also serves as the foundation for our church-wide Integrated Bible Study. This is a chance for the entire church, in their small groups, to follow the same study, which starts with Pastor Sam's sermon on a Sunday.
Over the next six weeks, the EBCG community will come together in more than 12 small groups, meeting daily to listen to one another and to God’s Word. Building on insights from our recent Sermon on the Mount series, In the middle of his teaching, Jesus introduces a radical new approach to God. Not only does He claim to be the Son of God, but He encourages us to call God our Father. The Lord’s Prayer is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Luke 11, we read that the disciples, seeing Jesus own prayer life, asked Him,“Lord, teach us to pray.” We too desire to be men and women of prayer.
To support this series, we'll be sending one email each Sunday right after the service with that week's discussion guide. But if you missed a previous session's discussion guide, you will find the guide for each week in the links below.
Over the next six weeks, the EBCG community will come together in more than 12 small groups, meeting daily to listen to one another and to God’s Word. Building on insights from our recent Sermon on the Mount series, In the middle of his teaching, Jesus introduces a radical new approach to God. Not only does He claim to be the Son of God, but He encourages us to call God our Father. The Lord’s Prayer is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Luke 11, we read that the disciples, seeing Jesus own prayer life, asked Him,“Lord, teach us to pray.” We too desire to be men and women of prayer.
To support this series, we'll be sending one email each Sunday right after the service with that week's discussion guide. But if you missed a previous session's discussion guide, you will find the guide for each week in the links below.
Session 1 - Adoration: Our Father
"This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6: 9)
Jesus teaches us that even though we were once distant from God, we have now been adopted into His family as His children. We can freely call on Him for love and care, knowing that while our earthly fathers may be imperfect, our heavenly Father is perfect in every way.
Jesus teaches us that even though we were once distant from God, we have now been adopted into His family as His children. We can freely call on Him for love and care, knowing that while our earthly fathers may be imperfect, our heavenly Father is perfect in every way.
Session 2 - Surrender: Your Kingdom
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6: 10)
This week we will turn our attention, away from ourselves, and on to the “Thy” of Jesus’ prayer. This itself is an act of surrender, shifting our focus on Him.
This week we will turn our attention, away from ourselves, and on to the “Thy” of Jesus’ prayer. This itself is an act of surrender, shifting our focus on Him.
Session 3 - Asking: Give Us Today
"Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6: 11)
We transition to the importance of “asking” in prayer, as we continue our focus on the pattern of the Lord’s prayer. James 4:2 says “You do not have, because you do not ask.” So learning to pray is also about learning to ask.
We transition to the importance of “asking” in prayer, as we continue our focus on the pattern of the Lord’s prayer. James 4:2 says “You do not have, because you do not ask.” So learning to pray is also about learning to ask.
Session 4 - Receiving Mercy: Forgive Us
"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6: 12)
In teaching us to pray, Jesus links our daily needs with our need for mercy, reminding us to ask not only for bread but also for forgiveness. When we confess our sins, God faithfully forgives and purifies us, and receiving His mercy softens our hearts to forgive others with compassion.
In teaching us to pray, Jesus links our daily needs with our need for mercy, reminding us to ask not only for bread but also for forgiveness. When we confess our sins, God faithfully forgives and purifies us, and receiving His mercy softens our hearts to forgive others with compassion.