1. Chapter 17: Prayer  "Prayer doesn't help your relationship with God, it IS your relationship with God"

2.  I pray because I am a Christian,  And to do what a Christian must do, I need strength.  I pray because there’s confusion in my life,  And to know what is right, I need light.  I pray because I have questions,  And to keep growing in the faith, I need help.  I pray because I must make decisions,  And the choices aren’t always clear, so I need guidance.  I pray because most of what I have has been given to me,  And I ought to give thanks.  I pray because Jesus prayed  And if he considered it important, so should I.

3.  I asked for health that I might do great things;  I was given infirmity that I might do better things.  I asked for riches that I might be happy;  I was given poverty that I might be wise.  I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;  I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.  I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;  I was give life that I might enjoy all things.  I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for.  Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.  I am among all men most richly blessed.

4.  Has anyone ever felt God’s presence. What was it like?  How has God answered some of your prayers?  We are in a hurry (most of the time). We want something NOW. God is not in a hurry. God has a plan that involves every person on earth. Jesus is our best example of how and when to pray.

5. me: God, can I ask You a question? God: Sure Me: Promise You won't get mad... God: I promise Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today? God: What do u mean? Me: Well, I woke up late God: Yes Me: My car took forever to start God: Okay Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait God: Huummm Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call God: All right Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that? God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that Me (humbled): OH GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road. Me: (ashamed) God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work. Me (embarrassed):Okay God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered. Me (softly): I see God God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark. Me: I'm Sorry God God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things, the Good & the bad. Me: I will trust You. God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan. Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today. God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...

6.  Discussion questions:  What do you think of God? How would you describe Him?  Do you believe He created you…and the world?  Do you believe He knows you inside and out? The very best of you and the very worst?  Who are you connected to in this world?  How do you develop these relationships…especially the close ones? What is so special about them?  Do you have a relationship with God? Do you know Him or just about Him? Do you want to know Him? Why or why not?  How can we develop a closer relationship with God?

7.  How many of you have ever prayed alone outside of Mass?  How many of you pray regularly?  Where do you like to pray?  What do you think is the primary reason to pray?  How do you explain the fact that some prayers do not seem to be answered?  Praying in private is the key that unlocks the door to praying with others. If you want to know God, all you have to do is reach out to Him and pray to Him.  Why do you think that praying alone is so important?

8. How do you pray?  http://youtu.be/U_0HMCBQYWEhttp://youtu.be/U_0HMCBQYWE  http://youtu.be/-7pco3TTV5k http://youtu.be/-7pco3TTV5k