Extra Oil Day 2: The Genesis of Prayer

Day 1: Genesis of Prayer Okay, let's go! I want us to hit the ground running. This week, we're looking at our definition of prayer and refining that. INSTRUCTIONS: 1. First things first, let's pray before we start: (pray out loud for today's devotional) 2. Now that we've prayed, let us read the Word: Genesis 3:8-10 Matthew 6:9 Psalm 100:4 3. Let's get into today's discussion Today's Devotional: When doing research on the first prayer in the Bible, I found out that scholars are in disagreement as to whether the first official prayer was when Abram pleaded with God to save Sodom and Gomorrah or when Adam and Even spoke to God from their hiding place after The Fall at the Garden of Eden. Either way, prayer seems to have started from a place of unworthiness (from our side) and grace (from God's side). But, even more importantly, God initiated both these conversations. So it wasn't as much about mankind seeking God's grace but God offering it for mankind to receive. Before we get too carried away, it won't be fair to speak about redefining if we don't have an anchor- which in this case is a common understanding of the current meaning of prayer. Dictionary Definition: a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity. Christian understanding: A conversation with God. Pause and Ponder: What's your definition of prayer? So, if we take the dictionary definition, it makes sense why scholars may assume that the first recorded prayer is on Genesis 18. Whereas, the Christian understanding takes us back to the beginning of mankind's relationship with God at the Garden. For the sake of understanding today's lesson, let us assume the latter is more correct. That prayer was born from God's pursuit of mankind after the very first sin (deliberate disobedience) was committed. Practical Tasks: - Read today's scriptures in context (full passage or chapter) and write down your lessons. If you like, you may also share them with me at [email protected] or DM me @kaydee_mashile on all social media platforms. - Meditate on the prayer prompts listed on the cover image. Optional: - Listen to the song of the day: Out of Hiding by Steffany Gretzinger (https://youtu.be/XFkDqQtfs0w) - Share Today's Podcast with a friend