Week 2: Our Father in Heaven
Small Group Study Guide: The Lord’s Prayer
This study will explore the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Prayer, guiding participants to deepen their understanding and practice of prayer. Each session includes video teaching from Dr. Timothy Smith, scripture readings, discussion questions, personal application prompts, and a guided prayer to conclude your time together.
Session 2: Our Father in Heaven
Each week bring your Bible, notebook and a pen.
Watch Video: Our Father in Heaven with Dr. Timothy Smith
Read Scripture: Matthew 6:9; Romans 8:14-17
Discussion Questions:
1. What does calling God “Father” teach us about our relationship with Him?
2. How does understanding God as our Father shape the way we pray?
3. What does “in Heaven” remind us about God’s nature?
4. How do you balance seeing God as both loving and holy?
5. How can we encourage one another to approach God as a loving Father?
Application:
Throughout Lent you will be encouraged to pray The Lord’s Prayer three times each day. Here are a few ways that others have found helpful in praying The Lord’s Prayer.
Pray The Lord’s Prayer reciting it slowly line by line. Take time to pause and savor each phrase: “Our Father…who art in heaven…hallowed be your name…”.
Another way of praying The Lord’s Prayer is to follow the Spirit’s prompting to expand on a phrase. For instance, when praying “Your will be done on earth…”, you might sense the Spirit directing you to a specific way God wants His will done in your life. Or, when praying “Forgive us our sins…”, be aware of how the Holy Spirit might be pointing you to a specific sin in your life needing forgiveness.
Experiment with taking a phrase from The Lord’s Prayer and making that phrase your ‘Prayer of the Day’. For example, you might want to take the prayer for our daily bread and throughout the day specifically pray for the many who do not have bread today.
This week, as you pray the Lord’s Prayer daily and reflect on how it shapes your approach to prayer.
During this week listen to the Podcast when you have time.
Guided Prayer:
Close by praying the Lord’s Prayer together ending with this prayer:
“Heavenly Father, as come before You we are acknowledging Your greatness and our identity as Your children. Help us to embrace Your loving nature and trust that as Your children, we are cared for and protected. Guide us in our daily lives to reflect Your love. Amen.”
For added enrichment consider singing the Lord’s Prayer or Listening to some artist singing the Lord’s Prayer.
Suggested Artists:
Charles Billingsley (Acappella)
Daniel Emmet
#740 The Lord’s Prayer in our Hymnal
The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours)—Live Upbeat Version by Matt Maher