We had our first small group session on Dr. Hemphill Prayer of Jesus study. I enjoyed the video and the discussion. We had 10 in attendance (4 others could not make it), and they were quick to share their thoughts.
The key point that Dr. Hemphill made, and probably the key point of the entire study, is that prayer with our Father is in itself our reward and motivation for prayer rather than "getting" thinks through prayer.
His other key point is that the Model Prayer is not just a prayer to say but a model or framework for our prayer life and relationship with God. We can pray without ceasing if have the mindset of an unceasing relationship with God through out the day.
He made an interesting observation that after Jesus gives the Model Prayer in the Sermon on the Mount, He gives 6 "Do Not Worry" commands. Dr. Hemphill concludes that this worry free life is only possible or even partially attained once we implement the prayer lifestyle. Thus, we will likely worry about the very things Jesus told us not to if we don't first establish the relationship with God through prayer.
I am working through the workbook which I have surprisingly enjoyed. I typically don't like workbooks like this, but so far it has been a blessing.
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