Foundations

Episode 1

Defining Prayer

What we believe about prayer matters.

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SERIES: FOUNDATIONS

Episode 1 of 7

These companion notes are designed to help you continue the conversation with God beyond the episode.

SCRIPTURE

What We Studied for this Episode

These are some of the Scriptures we used to prepare and share in this episode. Click the triangle to see the passages.

Psalm 3:1-4 – David testifies to God hearing his cry

¹O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
²many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah^[a]

³But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
⁴I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

English Standard Version (ESV)

Psalm 34:15-18 – God is attentive to our prayer

¹⁵The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
    and his ears toward their cry.
¹⁶The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
    to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
¹⁷When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
¹⁸The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Psalm 142:1-2 – Crying aloud to God

¹With my voice I cry out to the Lord;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
²I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.

English Standard Version (ESV)

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS

As Mentioned on this Episode

These are the books, articles, podcasts, and other resources referenced during this conversation.

E.M. Bounds on Prayer

“Prayer is the outstretched arms of the child for the Father’s help. Prayer is the child’s cry calling to the Father’s ear…Prayer is the seeking of God’s greatest good, which will not come if we do not pray.”
– E.M. Bounds

REFLECT

Slow down and consider what God may be showing you.

Read slowly through the Scriptures and think back to the conversation. Don’t rush to the “right” answer. What draws your heart?

Notice

What is the main goal of your prayers? How would you describe the general content of your prayers?

Are there types of prayer that you are not famaliar with or have never practiced?

Consider

What is your definition of prayer? How does it compare to your habits of prayer?

How did you feel about the description of crying as the heart of prayer?

Respond

Take some time to ask God to teach you more about prayer. Ask Him to grow your definition of prayer and to build stronger habits around this new definition.

PRACTICE

This Week

One simple invitation

Before asking God for anything, spend two or three minutes simply acknowledging who He is.

Notice whether beginning with God changes the rest of your conversation.

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Share what God is Teaching You

We would love to hear what God. is teaching you through these conversations. Come and share your story, your questions, your reflections, and even your ideas for future episodes.

Email us at unpolishedprayer@gmail.com

If this conversation encouraged you, consider sharing this episode with someone who may be encouraged as well.

A Note About Our Resources

The resources shared on this page are intended to support the conversations on Unpolished Prayer and encourage continued growth in prayer and a deeper understanding of Scripture. While we carefully select resources we believe are faithful and helpful, we encourage every listener to test what they read and hear against the truth of God’s Word.