Make Disciples (5 mins.) Encourage your Bible student to pray more often (th lesson 8).
Setting: At the end of a Bible study, the publisher revisits a comment the student made the previous week about her habit of praying at night. Through questions and a Bible verse, he helps her understand that Jehovah wants us to pray to him at any time of day, even about everyday matters.
Publisher: Well, [name], today we have learned many wonderful things about how Jehovah cares for us. Before we end our study with a prayer, I would like to revisit something you mentioned to me last week. You said that you usually pray at night before going to sleep. That is very good. But did you know that Jehovah also wants us to talk to him during the day, even about matters that seem small?
Assistant: Yes, but sometimes I think I shouldn't be praying all the time. It seems to me that there are such simple things I should be able to handle myself, without bothering God.
Publisher: I understand, [name]. And it's wonderful that you have so much respect for Jehovah. But let me ask you something: If you have a very close friend, do you only talk to her at the end of the day, or do you also tell her about things that happen to you during the day?
Assistant: Well, if I have time, I'll tell you what happened at work, some good news or something that worries me.
Publisher: Sure. And why do you do it?
Assistant: Because I trust him and I know he's interested in knowing how I am.
Publisher: Exactly. You don't talk to her only when you have a serious problem, but because you value her friendship. Well, think about this: if you enjoy hearing your friend's problems, do you think Jehovah, who loves us much more, would be upset if we told him about our everyday worries?
Assistant: Seeing it that way, I shouldn't think I'm bothering him.
Publisher: That's right. Jehovah wants us to feel comfortable approaching him. Notice what Philippians 4:6 says. Could you please read it?
Assistant: Of course. It says: “Do not be anxious about anything. Rather, in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Publisher: Thank you. What expression catches your attention?
Assistant: “In any situation.”
Publisher: Exactly. That means we can talk to Jehovah when we are worried, when we need wisdom to make a decision, or even when something good happens to us and we want to thank him. We don't have to wait until night to do so.
Assistant: I'd never thought of it that way. Sometimes things happen during the day and I get so worried that I forget to pray.
Publisher: This can happen to any of us. So, you could try something simple this week: when you feel worried, before starting a difficult task, or when you receive good news, take a few moments to talk to Jehovah. It doesn't have to be a long prayer. The important thing is to remember that you can approach him at any time.
Assistant: I like that idea. I think it will help me feel closer to Jehovah.
Publisher: I'm sure it will do you a lot of good. Well, now then, shall we end our study with a prayer?
Assistant: Of course.
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