Praying: More than Requests

When we pray in our small Bible study groups, our usual prayers deal with interceding for the needs of others. We often bring before God the needs of our families and friends. This is all good. We should unite in prayer for our needs and the needs of others. But, if that is the only “group” prayer that the small group uses, then your Bible study members may not develop skills in other kinds of prayers: thanksgiving, praise, and confession. Short prayers are fine, too, but again, sometimes we need to spend extended times in prayer. We will seldom be successful without being taught such skills. The Bible study might not be about prayer but the way we lead and participate in prayer in our groups teaches our groups how to pray. Let’s consider praise.

What would prayers of praise sound like? Praise has the basic purpose of bringing glory to God. Praise and thanksgiving are similar but praise adores God for who He is while thanksgiving expresses gratitude to God for what He does. Praise is often more difficult to do because we do not frequently rehearse who God is. Praise helps us verbalize God’s identity and know Him better.

Why should we praise God? He is worthy of praise. Our praise is our gift and our sacrifice to God. God’s purpose for us is to praise Him. He commands us to bring Him praise. When we praise God, we follow Jesus’ example. Praising God now prepares us for life in heaven, endlessly praising God.

How should we praise God? Use your own natural words that express honor and greatness to God. Use Bible prayers and pray them to God as your own. Paul told us to use psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to praise God. We can play musical instruments to praise God. We can rehearse all the great things He has done in history and in our own lives.

What can we say when we praise God? Read scripture to God, agreeing with the writers and using the words as our own expressions. Use words that express praise: worship, praise, exalt, lift up, honor, magnify, bless, and more. Exclaim God’s greatness with shouts like “Hallelujah!” or “Hosanna!” or “Praise God!”

We teach, not only with the lesson we prepare but by everything we say and do in our Bible study groups. We can teach the wonderful opportunity of prayer every time we gather.

Scripture:
Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
        ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
        worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
                                              Psalm 29:1-2 ESV

Prayer:
Ask God to show teach you the art of praising Him so you can teach others.

Dig Deeper:
Much of today’s material came from the study helps in “Life Helps” in The Disciple’s Study Bible. Study Bibles are helpful tools for the Bible study leader. Consider adding one to your personal library.