The Key to Answered Prayer
New Testament Passage
Matthew 5: 1-12
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Discussion Questions
- Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also (Matt 23:26). Do we only look at the outward appearance? Or do we clean the inside (our hearts)?
- To see God means to be admitted to His presence. How often do we spend quality time with the Lord completely undistracted and filled with His love?
- To have a pure heart means to cleanse it from all falsehood and double-mindedness. It is to wholeheartedly, will one thing which is full and total allegiance to God. King David says, “Cleanse me and I shall be whiter than snow” – how do we strive for such purity?
Old Testament Passage
1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to have a double mind? How can we practically keep our minds on the Kingdom and our Father in heaven?
- What obstacles can get in the way of achieving purity? Think of some obstacles in your own life and make a plan of action to overcome them.