8. “Lessons in discipleship” Mark 9:14-32

LEARNING TO PRAY

Note the situation: A father with his boy, deaf, dumb, with epileptic symptoms, but in fact, possessed by an evil spirit.

- Disciples can’t bring release

- Jesus says: You need to pray

So we get a lesson about prayer:

1. Real prayer is related to faith

a) I must believe that God exists in order to pray meaningfully - Heb. 11:6

b) I must believe that God hears and answers prayer - Heb. 11:6c

c) Where did disciples fail? Self confidence?

Lesson I learn: Self confidence must never replace God confidence

d) Jesus certainly underlined their need for faith (Mk. 11:24)

e) The boy’s father was learning the lesson (22b, 23, 24)

Lesson I learn: Faith as small as a mustard seed can move obstacles (Lk. 17:6)

2. Real prayer looks for the right results

a) We can pray with wrong motives (Jas. 4:3)

b) An unforgiving attitude blocks prayer (11:25) cf. Jas. 5:16

c) We ask, but it’s not God’s will (1 Jn. 5:14; Mk. 14:36, 39)

God does know best

3. Real prayer is a way of life

a) It was Jesus’ practice (1:35; 6:46)

b) It’s not easy (14:38)

c) It’s a habit to cultivate (Eph. 6:18) cf. 1 Thess. 5:17

TALKING POINTS

8. LEARNING TO PRAY Mark 9:14-32

1. How would you describe what prayer is? Think about it’s various facets and characteristics. Take Philippians 4:6 as a starting point.

2. Why is faith important when we pray? What does the incident in Matthew 9:27-31 indicate? What can we learn from Mark 2:1-5?

3. Obviously, faith is not the only factor governing whether or not our prayers will be answered. Look again at the three points made under the second section on the outline.

a. What wrong motives can influence our praying?

b. Why should wrong attitudes or sin in our lives block our prayers?

c. We know that it’s important to pray in line with God’s will for us. How can we set about discovering or recognising God’s will?

4. Read the `Lord’s Prayer’ in Matthew 6:9-13. What guidelines for praying does this set out for us?

5. Many of us find that praying isn’t easy. What things make it difficult? Try to suggest ways in which our prayer times could be improved.

6. Share details of prayers which weren’t or haven’t yet been answered (remembering that `No’ can be a definite and right answer). Try to think through reasons for delay in God’s answering your request.

Share, too, answers to prayers. What have you learned from them?