Foundations
Episode 3
Navigating Our Beliefs
Where we get our beliefs about prayer matters.
SERIES: FOUNDATIONS
Episode 3 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.
Matthew 6:5-7 – Jesus teaching on prayer practices
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hebrews 5:7-10 – Jesus prays loudly, with cries to God
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus[a] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Psalm 34:4-7 – God hears our cries and delivers us
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS
As Mentioned on this Episode
These are the books, articles, podcasts, and other resources referenced during this conversation.
Praying the Bible
Guided by the Word, our lives of prayer begin to change. This quick read will teach you to pray God’s word back to Him and grow your confidence in God’s promises.
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
How often do you pray aloud? Do you have strong feelings about speaking out loud when you pray alone? Do you feel differently praying in front of others?
Consider
Some of the power of using Scriptures as prayers is the impact that the Word has on your own heart. Are there particular Bible verses that stir your heart towards the Lord?
Respond
The familiar passages of Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer can be comforting to know, but in prayer they can become so familiar that your heart is slow to engage. Try speaking the words of these passages with modern language, or as though God is standing right beside you when you say them. See if your heart posture shifts.
PRACTICE
This Week
One simple invitation
Choose a Psalm and read it aloud. If it’s a bit longer (like Psalm 34) just read a few verses, then take each verse and make it a prayer to God.
Notice whether your expectancy and faith shift after several days of repeating this practice.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
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.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.