Episode 64 - Prayer of Rest

In this episode, Brooklyn and Karen discuss a form of prayer that you may have never considered, the prayer of rest. In this form of prayer, we enter into the stillness of God’s presence and learn to be with Him. It is a prayer of entering into Sabbath rest by letting go of distractions and becoming increasingly aware of God’s presence. This form of prayer strips us of our need to be productive and teaches us a new trust in God. After listening to this podcast, find a friend or small group and use these questions to continue the discussion:

1. Prior to this spring, what “forms” of prayer were you familiar with? What type of prayers were you most apt to pray?
2. Are there certain types of prayer that feel more or less comfortable to you? (like love languages)
3. Have you ever prayed “genie” prayers, expecting God to grant your wishes? What is the faulty view of God that underlies these prayers?
4. Have you ever prayed “vending machine” prayers, trying to figure out the “exact change” needed to get the object of your desire? What is the faulty view of God underlying these prayers? 
5. How does the prayer of rest begin to free us from bondage to wrong views of God and thus change our prayers?
6. Read Psalm 40:1, 4 How does the prayer of rest build trust?
7. Why are we prone to activity instead of waiting on God?
8. Have you been able to achieve a place of stillness and focus and listening in prayer? What has been helpful to you? What have the benefits of that time been in your life?
9. Make a commitment to attempt the prayer of rest each day this week. If you have never done this before, start small (a few minutes). Tell your group what you are committing to.  Keep trying, even if you struggle to stay still or quiet.