Story II: The Lord’s Prayer Dialogue
1. What struck you in the scene? Were there any new or surprising insights?
We grow in faith when we stay in daily communication with God.
2. Read Matthew 6:7-14
7 “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.
8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;
15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
3. What is God saying to you right now?
Suggested Task: Write a dialogue with God.
Instructions: Find some private space with a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. (You can you the blank page after this one as your paper if you wish.) Take a deep breath, pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and then—at the top of the page—write one sentence to God about how you are feeling in this moment. After you’ve written your sentence, take another breath, listen carefully, and then write a sentence or two that you imagine God might say to you in response. Once again, pause, and then write a line you might say to God in response. Continue down the page, creating a written dialogue between yourself and God.
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