Francis and Edith Schaeffer Biography - Appendix II: Study Guide on Prayer

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The Prayer Biography

Appendix II: Study Guide on Prayer

Written by LG Parkhurst Jr

Thursday, 24 January 2008

FOR INDIVIDUALS, CHURCH GROUPS, SUNDAY SCHOOLS, AND HOMES

The five questions keyed to each chapter can be used to personally review your daily reading and guide you in making a personal prayer journal of what you are learning about prayer and how God is answering your prayers. The questions are also designed to be freely discussed by groups. If the book is to be used by a continuing prayer group, you will probably only want to study one chapter at each meeting in order to have plenty of time for individual and group prayer as well as discussion on the application of the principles you are learning. At the end of 31 weeks or the 10 week study, you might want to review and discuss what you believe are the most important points about prayer made in the book. You might also want to discuss any of the prayer principles that are listed in Appendix I: these by no means exhaust all of the principles in each meditation, but are provided for a brief summary of the chapter.

WEEK 1.

Open with praise and thanksgiving to God, and pray for the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds to receive God's truth and encouragement regarding prayer.

1. If The Answer Is No (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

1. Are there any times that you especially remember when you did not receive exactly what you prayed for?

2. Can you think of some reasons why you did not receive your request?

3. What is the difference between the letter and the spirit of our prayer requests?

4. How can we get our hearts right with God?

5. What are some ways God can use afflictions to bring blessings in answer to our prayers?

2. Praying For Unbelievers (Romans 10:1)

1. Why should we have a special concern for unbelievers, and make them a matter of prayer?

2. Before and after we give a Bible to a Jew, what specific things should we pray for God to do in their lives with the Bible?

3. If an unbeliever is not a Jew, what different specific things should we pray about before and after we give them the Bible?

4. When we keep on praying for some unbelievers year after year, what are some specific things the Holy Spirit may show us to add to our prayer requests?

5. What are some other dangers we and others may face as we witness that we need to make a matter of prayer?

3. God Comforts In Many Ways (2 Corinthians 1:3,4,10,11)

1. Are there any people you especially remember who encouraged you by their faith and prayers in their troubles?

2. What might have happened if the Schaeffers had not taken the time to care for, pray for, and encourage others to pray for, the young pastor who knocked on their door?

3. If God anticipates our needs and wants to meet them, why should we pray?

4. Why would Paul write to the Corinthians and tell them how important their prayers were for him, especially since he was an apostle?

5. Can you think of some answers to your prayers that might encourage others to learn more about prayer and pray more?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 2.

Open with praise and thanksgiving to God, and pray for the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds to receive God's truth and encouragement regarding prayer. Share any answers to prayer, and thank God in prayer for these answers.

4. God Has Provided Before We Pray (Matthew 6:6-8)

1. Why does God want us to pray about and do even "small" things; such as spending time preparing for and conducting family prayers, Bible studies and worship?

2. What are some reasons for making our prayers very specific sometimes, but at other times more general?

3. In very specific prayers especially, why should we be careful to pray and insist before God that we want to be submissive to His will whatever it is?

4. What are some reasons for why God wants us to give Him reasons for our prayer requests?

5. Why should we think about "being fair" to others when we pray for specific blessings for ourselves? For example, how could we wisely pray for a heart transplant if we needed one.

5. Learning To Pray (Luke 11:1)

1. Can anyone live and pray in such a way that they will encourage others to pray, or is this only for special people?

2. Why does someone first have to know Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior before they can pray effectively?

3. What are some ways we can use the Bible more effectively to teach others about prayer?

4. What are some things we can say and do to encourage new believers to pray and believe that God will answer their prayers?

5. What are some of the benefits, as well as the dangers, of setting conditions as we pray in total submission to the will of God?

6. Praying For New Things (Deuteronomy 4:7)

1. What are some situations that you have been in where you could only turn to God for help?

2. Why do some people think that they should not bother God with small things?

3. What are some things that "living by faith" has not protected you from, and how can (or has) prayer helped?

4. Do you know of any situations in your life where God has brought good out of evil and blessed you or others in answer to prayer?

5. What are some false promises that some can make when trying to convince others to live by faith?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 3.

7. Living By Faith (Matthew 6:24-26)

1. What does "living by faith" mean?

2. What are some ways every Christian lives by faith as God teaches them how to pray?

3. Why does God teach us about prayer step by step, rather than all at once?

4. What effect can early training have in regard to learning how to pray, and what are some ways this training can be overcome if it has not been helpful?

5. If some we know are troubled by unbelieving children, parents, husband, or wife, what can we say that will encourage them to keep on living by faith and praying for them?

8. Passing On Our Faith (Philemon 1:6)

1. If we have passed on some sinful habits to others, what are some things we can do and specifically pray about to help them overcome these habits?

2. Why is it possible for some in every generation to turn from the Christian faith of their parents, and what can parents do to make this less likely to happen?

3. Why can God bless people united in prayer "more easily" than sincere believers who are not praying with one heart and mind for specific blessings, and how can we promote unity among sincere Christians and families?

4. How old do people need to be before they can witness for Christ, and how can parents encourage their children to be faithful in prayer and witnessing?

5. Why is Christian joy so important, and how can we maintain our joy (see Romans 14:17)?

9. God Saves Through The Truth (1 Samuel 12:23)

1. Why do you think God designed for both prayer and truth to be needed to lead others to salvation, rather than just one or the other?

2. Why can't we just give everybody the same three or four truths in a formula and be successful in evangelism with everyone we talk to?

3. What are some traits that people have when they witness with a wrong spirit or attitude, and what are the dangers of witnessing in the wrong spirit?

4. What does it mean to have an "obligation" to pray for others, and what dangers can come from our failing to intercede for others?

5. Over the last three weeks, what are some of the things you have learned about the Holy Spirit and His work?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 4.

10. When God Moves Slowly (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

1. Rather than just ignore those who express a disinterest in Christianity, what specific things can we do and what specific things can we ask God to do in their behalf?

2. Why is it so important for us to let others see our good works in addition to our praying for them and teaching them the truth (see Matthew 5:13-16)?

3. Should we seek the type of experience in prayer that God gave Edith regarding Dr. Otten; if so, what are the dangers as well as the rewards of doing so?

4. What are some good reasons for God delaying in answering our prayers, and how can we pray differently as God delays?

5. Why do you think God led Fran to write his first book on the Bible, but delayed its publication for 20 years, until after he had written and published some other books?

11. God Gives More Than We Ask (Ephesians 3:20,21)

1. What are the practical implications of God reigning as Lord over the whole of life, and how does this affect the scope of our prayers?

2. If Christ is Lord over the whole of life, should we distinguish between "spiritual things" and other things as we pray; if so, why?

3. How can our knowing that God always has wise and loving reasons for all that He does affect what we pray for, who to pray for, and how to pray?

4. What difference would it make in our praise to God, if we always looked for the manifold blessings that follow from His answers to our prayers for only one need?

5. Can you see, and share with others, some of the ways God has been using to develop your thinking ability and expand your circle of concern in your prayers?

12. The Battle In Prayer And Satan (2 Thessalonians 3:2)

1. What difference will it make in our life of prayer when we realize that we have a satanic adversary?

2. What are some of the reasons God allows Satan to attack us from time to time, and not just tempt us?

3. Since we do not seek a hayloft to duplicate Fran's spiritual reawakening, what do we need to do to revive our spirits?

4. What are some ways God can use material provisions or their lack to manifest His will to us through prayer?

5. What reasons could you give a person who did not believe in prayer for God's delaying His answers to prayer sometimes?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 5.

13. The Battle In Prayer And The Bible (Daniel 9:2,3)

1. Can you think of other situations when you could apply God's promise in Proverbs 21:1 when you pray?

2. List some things we can pray about from both the Old and New Testament commands, as well as the Bible's promises and the examples of others in the Bible?

3. Why do you think Daniel prayed, pleaded, and fasted in deep humility for God to do what He had promised to do already?

4. Are there some Bible verses, promises, or predictions that you use often when you pray; such as, Romans 8:28.

5. Why is daily Bible reading in the context of prayer so important?

14. Praying Through The Promises Of God (Isaiah 2:2,3)

1. What can we tell others if they say our troubles are from our lack of faith or obedience?

2. What are some things that will help us distinguish between Satan's attacks and God's leading in a different direction through difficult circumstances?

3. What can our troubles influence us to do so Satan will be disappointed or defeated by our attitude and response toward them?

4. What are some things we can do in continually changing circumstances, especially when these afflict us?

5. What would a prayer of total commitment or dedication include?

15. My Father's House (Mark 11:17)

1. Why can dedicating ourselves to a life of prayer lead to further hardship and more affliction?

2. Why will some unbelievers come to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior only after they have watched some believers suffer tribulations?

3. Today, what would a "House of Prayer" be like?

4. Why do some people seem to withdraw from involvement in the world, as salt and light, the more they pray?

5. Why does God sometimes work so closely to the deadline when meeting our needs?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 6.

16. My Father's Plans (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

1. How would you define or describe true faith?

2. Does the definition of true faith in the chapter include too much or too little?

3. What are some reasons for insisting that our faith and prayer requests rest on good and sufficient evidence?

4. What are the means God uses to lead us to pray according to His will?

5. What are some reasons God will not often show us His plans all at once?

17. My Father's Provisions (Isaiah 56:6,7)

1. What are some things you could do to make your own home or church a house of prayer?

2. Why does the Bible put so much emphasis on loving God in addition to serving and worshiping God: why isn't serving God sufficient?

3. What four aspects of their work did the Schaeffers commit to prayer, and is there a way for churches or others to commit themselves to similar vows without trying to duplicate or copy L'Abri?

4. What does it mean to make a vow to God, and what are the implications of this in the spiritual battle?

5. How is real choice involved in prayer and making vows?

18. My Father's People (Isaiah 45:20)

1. How was God's honor involved in the Schaeffers' prayers for money to buy their home and stay in Switzerland?

2. What would you say to someone who says we should only pray for spiritual blessings and never for material things?

3. Why do you think God would prefer to involve a large number of people giving small gifts to start L'Abri instead of a few people giving large gifts, and why has this been a pattern most of the time through the years?

4. Why do you think God leads us to the point of desperation sometimes when we are praying for Him to take care of us?

5. What are some of the ways that living by faith and prayer can involve more work than we have ever done before?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 7.

19. Living Before Others (1 Timothy 2:8)

1. Name some reasons and explain why must we allow God to develop our Christian character and lead us to moral and spiritual maturity?

2. What does it mean to bow metaphysically and morally?

3. What are some of the things that will supernaturally flow forth from our lives after we accept the finished work of Christ personally?

4. Why should we pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us to live exemplary Christian lives?

5. Why and how does God use both the Truth of His Word and the Holy Spirit to sanctify us or help us live with true spirituality?

20. Hearing The Prayers Of Unbelievers (Hebrews 11:6)

1. Why should we emphasize that God loves His enemies as well as His friends, yet not everyone will be saved?

2. How does God manifest His love, and what can we do to be overflowing vessels of His love, especially for His enemies, and lead some to salvation?

3. Why do we need to pray daily for God's love to flow from our lives for His or our enemies?

4. What are some of the ways the prayers of the righteous differ from the cries of the wicked, and how helpful is this distinction?

5. What must we do to have assurance or confidence that God will hear our prayers every time we pray?

21. Days Of Fasting And Prayer (Luke 5:35)

1. Of what importance can definite set aside "days of prayer" be to God, others, and us, and should we do this too?

2. What are some things we can do to assure that our prayers are more intercessory and not so self-centered?

3. What are some reasons God wants to bless united prayer and answer the requests of prayer groups?

4. Why shouldn't we force everyone to fast when a day of fasting is called for, and why should we be considerate of those who cannot or do not want to fast?

5. What are some reasons for fasting in a time of crisis?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 8.

22. Confidence In Prayer And Our Conscience (1 John 3:21,22)

1. Why is it so important for Christians to remember that they are adopted sons and daughters of their Heavenly Father and not just servants of the Most High God?

2. When praying to God, how can we be sure that we love the Giver more than the gifts He gives, and what are some of the indications that this is true for us?

3. Why is confession and repentance of sin so important when coming to God in prayer?

4. How can we have a clean conscience and keep it clean?

5. Why do some say that almost any concern to be holy is being legalistic, and how can we respond to them?

23. Prayer And Righteousness (James 5:13-16)

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement, and why or why not: "Only the prayers of righteous people are powerful and effective"?

2. What does it mean to be righteous in Christ, and how can we be?

3. How would you define or describe a "new creature in Christ," and how should that make a difference in our life of prayer from those who do not know Christ?

4. What are some things we must do to demonstrate the righteous acts of Jesus Christ to both believers and unbelievers?

5. Why must the Holy Spirit play such a prominent role in our righteousness and in teaching us how to pray effectively?

24. Prayer And Self-Examination (2 Thessalonians 1:11,12)

1. What are some of the wrong ideas we need to avoid with regard to prayer and why God answers prayer?

2. When we spend time in self-evaluation, how can we avoid becoming too introspective and harming our prayer life?

3. What are some of the real benefits from God delaying to answer our prayers as quickly as we expect?

4. What are some possible reasons for our prayers not being answered quickly?

5. What are some reasons for keeping on and praising and glorifying God when He seems to be delaying His answer to our prayers day after day?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 9.

25. Prayer And Hard Work (Matthew 9:36-38)

1. Why must we be so careful not to manipulate people by the way we pray, even if we think our intentions are worthy?

2. What are some things that can be gained from praying only for those of the Lord's choice to come to us for help, to join our church, to work in ministry with us?

3. Why will some of God's answers to our prayers lead to our working harder than we have ever worked before?

4. Why will living by faith and prayer teach us to appreciate the little things and the little people, as much as the big things and great people?

5. What would life be like if prayer could replace hard work?

26. Prayer And Sacrifice (Colossians 1:10; 4:3,4)

1. Did those who followed Jesus in New Testament times live for themselves supremely or for Him?

2. Can our willingness to sacrifice for God and His work be an indication of whether or not we truly accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord?

3. How can we avoid the trap of trying to obligate God to us so He will hear our prayers as we try to fulfill the conditions He has set forth to answer our prayers?

4. What can happen if we try to get others to sacrifice to promote our work, rather than pray for God to move us and others to make any needed sacrifices to promote His work?

5. Why must we continually remind people that God will not require us to "make bricks without straw," as Pharaoh required of the Jews in Egypt, but will provide us with all we need and more to do His work in His way in answer to prayer?

27. Prayer And Growth (Acts 2:42)

1. Describe some of the differences between the world's and God's ideas of success and how this can relate to what things people pray for God to give them?

2. What problems can we anticipate and pray about if God grants us His idea of success?

3. What do we mean by prayer becoming "a state of mind," and how do we attain that state?

4. What are some indicators that we are being faithful as we pray and work?

5. What can the difference be between devotion in our prayers and doing our devotions, and how would you teach a new believer the difference?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

WEEK 10.

28. Asking Great Things From God (1 Chronicles 17:25)

1. How can we use the promises of God in His Word to give us the courage to pray for great things without falling into the temptation of praying from the worldly view of success?

2. What must we do in our prayer life to keep from pride if God blesses us with great answers to prayer and does great things publicly through us?

3. Why must we always pray from a loving intention whenever we ask great things from God?

4. How can we determine what is worthy of our labors if so many more requests than we can possibly meet come to us in answer to prayer?

5. How can we maintain the attitude of wanting to be used by God rather than falling to the temptation of wanting to use God through prayer?

29. Our Work Or God's Work (Job 1:21,22)

1. What must we do to be worthy to ask great things from God?

2. What are some indications that we are a friend of God, and how will this understanding affect the way we approach God in prayer from other ways?

3. What does this means to you: "we will honor God the most when we allow His character to shine forth from our lives," and what do we need to pray for in order to do this in the troubled and evil world in which we live?

4. What must we guard against, and what will our prayers need to include, if God gives us a "celebrity ministry"?

5. How can God's testing of our ministry or work influence the way we pray, especially if we discover that our success in work or ministry has led us to change our motives for what we do?

30. Jesus' Prayer And God's Work In Us (John 17:14-18)

1. What can we pray for God to do in our lives if we find our Christian beliefs leading us to withdraw from the world rather than engage the world and challenge it with the truths of God?

2. What can we say to people if they say our faith or our prayers are too militant, or too much like the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers."

3. What is the most important type of protection for believers to ask God to give them, and why?

4. What role does medicine and faith have to play in our healing?

5. What does it mean to say that true revival will always lead to praying for and working for a reformation of church and society, and how can we respond to those who say such interest is not "being spiritual"?

31. Life After Death (Psalm 32:6)

1. What can we say to those who present Christianity as the way to avoid all troubles or as the means to get whatever we want through prayer if we just have enough faith?

2. Why can facing death be so difficult, and what can we say to others and pray to God as they face death or the death of a loved one?

3. How can we use Edith Schaeffer's prayer life as an example to encourage single people and senior citizens to pray and seek God's leading in their lives and not give up?

4. What are some things we can pray and do so each person will be special to us and feel special when we talk with them?

5. What should I do next, now that I have completed this study of prayer?

Write down some personal and group prayer requests with the date. When an answer is received, write down the date of God's answer. Be prepared to share, discuss, and praise God for any answers.

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