Consider a time when you found prayer difficult.  What made it difficult for you?  What do you think the problem was? Now consider a time when you found prayer natural and free-flowing.  What do you think made the difference between the two experiences?  What can you learn about prayer from these experiences that you can use to help your prayer life?

Read the following passages: Luke 11:1-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Mark 1:35. In reading these passages, what thoughts about prayer come to mind? 

Paraphrasing Dallas Willard, Chris said that we need "a vision of change, a vision of the 'with-God' life."  Would you say you have a clear idea of what this "with-God" life looks like for you?  If so (or if not), what role do you think the spiritual practices have in this abiding life?

Following up, what role do you think prayer has in this whole process?

Chris said that prayer is:  Talking to God, Talking with God, Hearing from God, and Being with God.  Which of these are you most familiar or at ease with?  Which is the most difficult to wrap your heart and mind around?

Chris also said, "We learn to pray by praying."  He also said that thinking "I ought to pray more" never leads to change only to guilt and shame.  Do you agree and why? 

How does the framework of "Keep it simple,  Keep it real,  Keep it up" help you in your desire to pray more consistently?

Does the idea of asking God, "Is there anything You want to say to me today?" help you or intimidate you in your prayer life? Why?