Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
Week 8: Chapter 7 — Discipline of Prayer
Read Chapter 7 of Disciplines of a Godly Man. Primary Scripture: Luke 11:1–13; Romans 8:26–27; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Previewing Week 8 of Disciplines of a Godly Man
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 20-week guide when you’re ready.
Hughes devotes a full chapter specifically to prayer — not just as part of devotion, but as a distinct discipline that must be learned, practiced, and fought for. Come ready to be honest about the prayer life you actually have versus the one you know you should have.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Hughes observes that prayer is the discipline most Christians feel guiltiest about and least satisfied with. Does that describe you? Why do you think prayer is so persistently difficult — even for men who are otherwise serious about their faith?
2.The disciples' request, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1), implies that prayer is a skill that must be learned rather than an instinct that comes naturally. What does it look like to approach prayer as a learner — someone who has room to grow — rather than as someone who already knows how?
3.Hughes emphasizes praying with specific, named requests rather than vague, general prayers. He suggests this requires faith — you have to actually believe God can and will act. Review your recent prayers: have they been specific enough to know definitively whether they were answered?