Never Stop Praying

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PRESENTED BY FIRE & FRAGRANCE

NEVER STOP PRAYING with Andy Byrd

Lesson 1

PARADIGM SHIFT #1

Prayer is like hospitality. You have to create space that feels like home for Jesus.

When you are hosting a special guest you work hard to make sure the house is clean, the kids are on good behavior, and the meal is on point. The same with prayer.

Prayer is not merely shooting words up to heaven. God isn’t a vending machine.

Prayer is about becoming a person who hosts God’s presence. It is about creating a deep friendship with God, understanding how He feels and partnering with Him to see His desires fulfilled.

Discussion/Journal Question

1. Are there areas of your life that need to be cleaned up to make Jesus feel more at home when He is with you?

2. Describe the ways this paradigm shift will change the way you spend time in prayer.

FF

2

PARADIGM SHIFT #2

Giving Jesus control of your life will unlock powerful and enjoyable prayer.

Prayer hero, Rees Howells, speaks about prayer as not just hosting Jesus...but giving Jesus the deed to the house. Giving Jesus full possession.

Just like the commitment of marriage unlocks new levels of intimacy for a couple, our level of commitment with Jesus is directly proportional to the amount of intimacy we have with him. As we grow in friendship we can experience more of his thoughts and feelings.

Discussion/Journal Question

1. Describe what it looks like to give Jesus full possession?

2. Think about the people and issues you pray for. How would your prayers change if you knew exactly how Jesus thinks and feels about these things?

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PRACTICAL PRAYER

When creating your prayer list and schedule, make commitments that you can succeed in. Start small, stay committed and increase as God fills you with passion for it.

List 3 things for each prayer topic:

1. Family members

2. Nations or cities

3. Governments or justice issues

4. Schools or businesses

5. Yourself (Mike Bickle’s FELLOWSHIP prayer)

Practical ideas:

1. Set a consistent time and place to pray.

2. Ask God to share his heart or burden for the topic and listen.

3. Use Bible verses to help you pray for your topic (Mike Bickle’s Pray-Read the Word)

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FF

PARADIGM SHIFT #3

Prayer is a conversation with Jesus throughout the entire day.

Having an hour of prayer in the morning is invaluable. But we shouldn’t just be praying once a day.

Prayer