GARDENS Part 2: P for Pause

Psalm 46:11, Genesis 2:5-9, 15-17, 3:1-9, 1 Peter 5:6-11, Psalm 92:12-15

May 1–Half-Million Mobilization Prayer

Put it on your calendar to pray with Nazarenes around the USA/Canada Region from May 1-June 5 (Pentecost).

Over the next four weeks we’ll be breaking down prayer with the acronym P.R.A.Y.

P for Pause

R for Rejoice and Reflect

A for Ask

Y for Yield (or Yes)

When a Christian develops the prayer habit of pausing they 

1. Remember the creative power and care of God

2. Remember the destructive power and deception of the enemy

3. Remember their sacred purpose of flourishing and bearing fruit
   

If you want to develop the habit of pausing, here are two recommendations…

• Check out “How to Have a Quiet Time” in the Toolshed of “The Prayer Course”: https://prayercourse.org/toolshed/

• Check out “The Relentless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer

Message Reflection Questions

1. Begin with silence.

2. What is your biggest struggle when it comes to prayer? Biggest joy?

3. What are your current prayer habits for your growth plan? (it’s okay if you don’t have a formal growth plan!)

4. Psalm 46:10 and Exodus 14:14 call us to “be still.” How easy is it for you to “be still” with God?

5. Read Genesis 2:5-9, 15-17, 3:1-9. What does this reveal about God’s relationship with humanity? How does that help us understand prayer?

6. Read 1 Peter 5:6-11. What does this teach us about prayer?

7. Read Psalm 92:12-15. What do you think is a fruitful and flourishing life of the righteous in old age? How does developing a posture of “being still” help produce that character?

8. What is one way that you add or strengthen the habit of pausing in your life?

9. Close in prayer and read 1 Peter 5:10-11 as the benediction.
   

EASTER READINGS 

We have ended the Lenten season and begun the Easter Season. For the next two weeks we’ll read the “post-resurrection appearances” of Jesus.

April 18-23

Monday: John 20:1-18

Tuesday: John 20:19-31

Wednesday: John 21:1-14

Thursday: John 21:15-25

Friday: Matthew 28:1-10

Saturday: Matthew 28:11-20

April 25-30

Monday: Mark 16:1-8

Tuesday: Mark 16:9-20

Wednesday: Luke 24:1-12

Thursday: Luke 24:13-35

Friday: Luke 24:36-53

Saturday: Acts 1:1-11

Helpful Instructions for reading

1. Start with silence. Recognize that the Jesus in scripture is the Jesus with you where you are.

2. Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.

3. Read the text. Take note of phrases and images that encourage you or raise questions. Ask God to seal the truth in your heart.

4. Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.