The document summarizes key points from a session on the practice of prayer. It addresses questions like the purpose of prayer being relationship with God and others, and that prayer can change external circumstances as God responds though his nature is unchanging. It emphasizes that developing a discipline of prayer requires practice, setting habits and goals, and using time and gifts given. The next week's session will address rediscovering the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. SESSION FIVEThe Practice of Prayer

2. THE SECRET PLACEMatthew 6:1-8 Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. {…} But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “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. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

3. God’s Secret PlaceRediscovering the Practice of PrayerQUESTIONS TO EXPLORE What is the purpose of prayer?

4. Does God answer prayer?

5. Does prayer change external circumstances?

6. How do we develop a discipline of prayer?What is the purpose of prayer?

7. The Purpose of Prayer Relationship

8. Our Relationship with God

9. Our Relationship with Others

10. Supplication

11. Praise & Thanksgiving

12. ConfessionThe Relational Purpose of PrayerMatthew 7:7-12 "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Therefore, in everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

13. The Relational Purpose of PrayerHow much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!-Matthew 7:11Therefore, in everything do to others as you would have them do to you. -Matthew 7:12Our confidence in God is the only thing that makes it possible to treat others as they should be treated. - Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy

14. Does God Answer Prayer?