Online Bible Study Prayer

Prayer – Lesson 3

Story’s Story

She’s only five days old but already has her own story. She doesn’t understand yet but it started with prayer before she was born. She doesn’t know about the tears and pleas that preceded her existence. For this child we prayed. Story Cash Cooper is a miraculous answer to prayer, and now that we’ve laid eyes on her, we agree she is fearfully and wonderfully made. Scripture became more real through her birth. She’s perfect in every way. How do we thank the Lord enough times for answered prayer? A healthy new baby created by God! Our families are celebrating His goodness! A longing fulfilled is a tree of life. We rejoice because Story exists.

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I love Story’s name! It makes me think there will be many stories to tell our baby girl. I imagine her sitting on our laps with an opened book. She will probably love fairytales with pictures of princesses and castles. The bonding that takes place through reading is priceless. But there will come a time Story might ask for “real” stories. What were her parents like when they were little. How did they meet and what was their wedding like? She’ll probably ask for stories about herself, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and her crazy cousins. There’s lots of tales we’ll be telling our baby girl through the years. But the best story is the one the Hull-Cooper clan will repeat frequently throughout her life. The Gospel message. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How He came to earth to redeem us. To make us new. How His work on the Cross is finished and His grace is sufficient. If we believe. We are a praying family. We will ask the Lord to help her accept Truth as her own. Our prayer is that her parents and the village around her will lead Story to the greatest story ever told. That she would know Jesus Christ. That our story would become hers. And that some day she would also lead others to Him. That’s the power of godly generations. That’s our prayer. That’s our Story.

Scripture Reading: 

Psalm 71:6 and 8, 15-18

From birth, I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.

My mouth is filled with your praise declaring your splendor all day long.

My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long though I know not its measure.

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord, 

I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day, I declare your marvelous deeds. 

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.

1. What truths are significant to you in these verses?

2. With what should our mouths be filled?

3. What is the psalmist’s desire as he grows older ?

4. What is your story and who are you telling?

Psalm 71 is a prayer of David asking for help when his strength is failing. The dominant theme in the center of the psalm is hope. (But as for me, I will always have hope.) Prayer connects us to the Lord and gives us hope in the face of difficulties. David’s prayer includes a vow to praise God with his mouth because he believes God will help him. Answered prayer brings joy and encouragement to others. May we also find hope as we pray and anticipate what God will do to meet our needs. Whatever that looks like for you, tell others your story. Your personal story of victory.

 

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