Reading Plan
Week 1
Week 1: Introduction – Why Prayer?
Reading:
Introduction & pages 1–11 (up to the “Help” section)
Theme:
What is prayer? Why do we turn to it?
Reflection Prompts:
What are your earliest memories of prayer?
How has your understanding of prayer changed?
Scriptures:
Romans 8:26–27 – "The Spirit helps us in our weakness…"
Matthew 6:6 – "Go into your room, close the door and pray…"
Psalm 139:1–4 – "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me."
Week 2: Help (Part 1)
Reading:
Pages 11–29
Theme:
The simplest, most honest prayer: "Help."
Admitting powerlessness and asking for divine aid.
Reflection Prompts:
When have you prayed “Help” with sincerity?
What gets in the way of asking for help?
Scriptures:
Psalm 121:1–2 – "Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord."
Isaiah 41:10 – "Do not fear… I will strengthen you and help you."
Matthew 14:30–31 – Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!”
Week 3: Help (Part 2) & Begin Thanks
Reading:
Pages 30–48 (finish “Help” and begin “Thanks”)
Theme:
Letting go, continuing to ask.
The shift from desperation to appreciation.
Reflection Prompts:
How do you notice God’s response—or silence—when you pray “Help”?
What does it mean to move from Help to Thanks?
Scriptures:
Psalm 34:17–18 – "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them."
Philippians 4:6–7 – "With thanksgiving, present your requests to God…"
Lamentations 3:22–23 – "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed."
Week 4: Thanks
Reading:
Pages 48–68 (complete “Thanks”)
Theme:
Practicing gratitude even in imperfection.
Seeing the sacred in the ordinary.
Reflection Prompts:
What would it look like to keep a prayer journal of “Thanks”?
What do you take for granted that you could instead be thankful for?
Scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – "Rejoice always… give thanks in all circumstances."
Psalm 107:1 – "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good."
Colossians 3:15–17 – "And be thankful… whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks."
Week 5: Wow + Afterword
Reading:
Pages 69–end
Theme:
The awe and wonder that comes when we notice beauty, mystery, and grace.
Reflection Prompts:
When was the last time you were speechless in wonder?
How do “Wow” moments renew your faith?
Scriptures:
Psalm 8:3–4 – "What is humanity that you are mindful of them?"
Habakkuk 1:5 – "Look at the nations and be utterly amazed…"
Job 37:14 – "Stop and consider God’s wonders."
Revelation 4:11 – "You are worthy, our Lord and God…"
