When we read the way Jesus teaches about prayer in this passage, we might be tempted to picture God a bit like a magical genie. All we have to do is ask, and we’ll be given whatever we want, right? Whatever door we knock on, God will open it, and whatever we seek, it will be given to us.
This would be a very dangerous proposition, but of course, it isn’t what Jesus was teaching. Notice that Jesus refers to God as Father here. And just like a father, God sometimes has to tell His children “no” when they make a request. Like pouting two-year-olds or petulant teens, we may not always like the answer that God gives us, but the point Jesus was driving home is that God will answer. Because of His love for us, we can trust whatever His answer might be.
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Jasmine Holmes. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 23, Session 3 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.
