Message Big Idea

Adoration is coming to the Father not to get but to give him praise and thanks.

Scripture

Matthew 6:9, Psalm 145

Ice Breaker

How many names can we list for God? If you are using Zoom, type the names in the chat box.

Opening Thought

Prayer is the foundation of our relationship with God and is meant to be relational, not transactional. The disciples knew from watching Jesus pray, how important it was to have that relationship with our Father in heaven, so they asked Jesus to teach them. This is where we get the Lord’s Prayer, and it serves as the basis of the lesson of how to pray to God. Prayer begins with adoration.

Bible Discussion

1. Read Matthew 6:9-13. What emotions does this verse evoke for you?
2. Why do you think adoration is at the beginning of the prayer?
3. Read Psalm 145. How do you picture King David, the man this psalm is dedicated to, as you read this chapter? What images come to your mind?

Life Application

4. How do you usually begin a prayer? Share with the group.
5. If you had to pick one, do you think of God more as “Grumpy God” or “Distant Deity”? Why?
6. Who do you think has influenced your feelings or your relationship with God?
7. If you’ve struggled with God as distant or grumpy, how can we move our relationship closer to that of a child with a loving Father?
8. How have you been able to see the magnificence of God in our current situation? What are you most thankful for today?

Challenge

C.S. Lewis once said, “In worship, God imparts himself to us.” As we go forward this week, be intentional in worshiping the greatness of our God. We have so much that we can be grateful for, including the fact that we serve a loving and mighty God. In our prayers this week, begin by expressing your adoration for him. Be ready to share with the group next week how beginning there may change your whole outlook.