Daily Readings (Page 216)

There is a time for prayer and there is a time when crisis overtakes us and we lose the opportunity to pray.  How does prayer or lack of prayer influence times of crisis?  What relevance does Philippians 4:6,7 have concerning this?  

Jesus rebuked Simon and the disciples for falling asleep.  Do you feel like sleeping when you pray?  Why do you think this is the case?  What can we do to stop falling asleep when we pray?  

Jesus encouraged the disciples to watch and pray that they would not fall into temptation.  What particular temptations were they about to face?  

Jesus made a prayer request to remove “the cup”, ie the experience of suffering and dying on the Cross.  But He also acknowledged the Father’s ultimate authority.  What does this teach us about prayer?    

Jesus prayed intensely, wrestling with the necessity of having to die such a horrific death.  What does this reveal about his humanity?

What is your first response when you read about Jesus’ distress?  How would you counsel someone who says “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”?  

Who runs after “all these things”?  Who knows our needs?  What is the advice Jesus gives to his disciples about priorities?  What are your life priorities?  

Why did Jesus highlight the birds and the lilies?  What is there about each of these which Jesus wants us to learn from?

What 2 examples from creation does Jesus give to show God’s provision?  

Why does Jesus say “do not worry”?  What is the difference between worrying, considering and planning?  What effect does each have on us?  According to the passage, what do we worry about? (see v 25).