A Praying Life by Paul Miller
Week 5: Chapters 5–6 — The Life of Prayer and Contemplative Prayer
Read Chapters 5–6 of A Praying Life ("Learning to Pray in the Spirit" and "Bending Your Heart to God")
Previewing Week 5 of A Praying Life
Read 3 of 6 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
These chapters move from why we don't pray to how we actually begin — not through a new program but through learning to let prayer arise naturally from the situations of ordinary life.
Discussion Questions
6 questions1.Miller describes prayer as "talking to God about what we are doing together" rather than a separate religious activity we perform. How does this reframing change the way you think about when and how to pray?
2.He encourages readers to bring the events of their actual day into prayer — to pray about what is actually happening rather than what seems properly spiritual. What happened in your life this week that you have not yet brought to God?
3.Miller talks about the importance of bending your will toward God's rather than simply presenting your wish list. What is the difference between surrender and passivity in prayer? Have you experienced that difference?