Bible Study

Have children read the scriptures and then lead a discussion using the questions below.

1. Luke 11:9–10:

⁹ “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

• Does this passage say that God doesn’t always hear us, or is too busy? Why or why not?
• What do the verses tell us about patience and determination in prayer? To not give up; keep praying; and wait on God's timing.
• What happens when we don’t give up? God answers our prayer.

2. 1 John 5:14–15:

¹⁴ And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. ¹⁵ And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.

• In verse 14, what kind of prayer does God hear? One that pleases Him, that is according to His will and desire.
• When we pray in a way that please God, what happens? He hears and gives us what we ask for.
• Can you think of some prayer requests that would not please God? Selfish prayers, praying for things that may harm us. Prayers that ask for things that might lead us to sin, lead us away from Him, or take our time from Him.

3. Psalm 34:15:

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; His ears are open to their cries for help.

• According to this verse, when we need help, who is always there?
• Does this verse give us a time that God hears our prayer? Do you think it is ever too early or too late for Him to hear us?
• How does that make you feel at times you are afraid or alone?

4. Psalm 139:2:

You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.

• How does it make you feel to think that God knows what we are doing—all the time?
• According to this verse, do you have to speak for God to hear you? Why or why not?
• Can you think of any places where you cannot pray?
• How is it comforting to know that God hears prayers that are not spoken?

Close with prayer: God, You know when we sit and stand. You even hear our thoughts and unspoken prayers. There is nowhere we can go that You won’t hear or see us. Thank You for Your love, and for being our faithful heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.