Week 2 | Pray Like This | Our Father
SUMMARY
Many struggle with prayer due to confusion, perceived lack of necessity, and skepticism about its efficacy. Yet, the Scriptures show that prayer is a teachable and learnable practice, demonstrated by Jesus’ instructions to his disciples on prayer.
Understanding prayer is crucial because it reflects one’s view of God. People may approach God as a transactional figure (like a vendor or an employer), a distant authority figure (like a king), or a casual friend, each reflecting a different level of intimacy and reverence. Oftentimes, our view of God shows up when we endure trial or difficulty.
The fundamental shift in perspective lies in seeing God as a father, as exemplified by Jesus’ teaching to address God as “our Father.” This relational shift, from a transactional to a familial approach, transforms the nature of prayer. Just as a child’s behavior does not determine their status in a family, but rather their adoption, Christians are invited into a similar relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Prayer, then, becomes an expression of this familial relationship. Rather than a mechanical exchange or a performance-based interaction, it is rooted in the assurance of being accepted and loved as a child of God.
The invitation is extended to those who may have approached God transactionally, based on religious performance or personal righteousness, to embrace the reality of adoption into God’s family. This transformation, from viewing God as a landlord to recognizing Him as a loving father, marks the essence of becoming a Christian and fundamentally shapes one’s approach to prayer and relationship with God.
TALK IT OUT
•How has your understanding of prayer evolved over time, and do you resonate with the struggles mentioned in the material regarding prayer?
•Reflect on your current approach to prayer. Do you view it more as a transactional exchange, a formal duty, or a relational interaction with God?
•Share about a personal experience where your perception of God influenced how you dealt with difficulty or suffering in your life.
•What does it mean to you to address God as “our Father” in prayer? How does this relational perspective change the way you approach prayer?
•Discuss the difference between a transactional view of prayer (e.g., expecting to be heard based on religious performance) and a relational view (recognizing oneself as a beloved child of God). Which perspective do you find more natural to adopt, and why?
•Reflect on times when your prayers weren’t answered as expected. How did you react, and what do you think this reveals about your view of God and your relationship with Him?
•Consider the concept of adoption into God’s family as a foundational aspect of Christianity. How does this perspective influence your understanding of grace, acceptance, and the nature of your relationship with God?