1. What are some of the enemy’s strategies for weakening our prayer lives?

2. Read Mark 14:32-41. Why did Jesus go to spend time to pray on this occasion? What kinds of things did he pray about/for? Why did He want His disciples to be praying? What purpose would their praying serve?

3. Read the following passages. What kinds of things did the Apostle Paul pray for & ask for prayer for? 2 Cor. 13:7-9; Colossians 1:1-11; Colossians 4:2-4; 2 Thess. 1:11-12; 2 Thess. 3:1-2; Philemon 1:6; Eph. 1:15-20

Group Questions…

“the Christian’s struggle against otherworldly forces”

(Millard Erickson)

Spiritual Warfare

Prayer is communication with the commander-in-chief during the battle. Our

awareness of the battle heightens our sense of need to stay in constant touch with our superior officer, who can resupply us and

provide us with our orders.

Clinton Arnold

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you…

First Samuel 12:23

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

2nd Corinthians 10:3-4

1. Entice us with sin & then accuse us2. Bring to mind doubts3. Distract our attention from God4. Lure us into complacency5. Keep us busy6. Boost our pride & self-sufficiency

Satan’s Strategies…

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

James 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:13

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

John 17:15

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Luke 22:31-32

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:23-25

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one

2nd Thessalonians 3:3

Though many foes beset you round,And feeble is your arm,Your life is hid with Christ in GodBeyond the realm of harm.

Weak as you are you shall not fade,Or fainting shall not die;Jesus the strength of every saintWill aid you from on high.

John Newton

Though unperceived by mortal sense,Faith sees Him always near,A guide, a glory, a defense,What have you to fear?

As surely as He overcame,And triumphed once for you,So surely you that love His nameShall in Him triumph too.

John Newton