A L I S TA I R B E G G

PRAY
Learn to Pray Like an Apostle

BIG
S T U DY G U I D E
 “What a man is on his knees before
God, that he is, and nothing more.”
—ATTRIBUTED TO R. MURRAY M’CHEYNE

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This study guide was written by Truth For Life and developed from Alistair’s book Pray Big (The Good Book Company, 2020).
All content from the book is used by permission.
This study guide
contains ten sessions that aim to help you invigorate your prayer life as you read through Pray Big:
Learn to Pray Like an Apostle. You’ll discover a biblical approach to prayer as Alistair Begg examines
how the apostle Paul prayed. The content of these chapters comes primarily from Paul’s prayers in his
letter to the Ephesians. In each chapter, Alistair will highlight a different biblical truth about prayer that
shapes both how we pray and what we pray for. This study guide can be used for personal reflection or
small group discussions.

Each session includes four parts:

1) Getting Started: a brief summary statement of the chapter with an introductory question

2) Key Scriptures: important Bible verses that were referenced in the chapter and are flagged for further
meditation and memorization

3) Going Deeper: questions to help you process the main ideas of the chapter

4) Giving Praise: a poem or hymn that can be committed to memory and incorporated in worship

The following words in Pray Big’s introductory chapter provide a great summary of the overall purpose
for your reading and studies:

I want to pray bigger, and better. I want you to enjoy praying like that too. …

Whatever you do and however you use this book, be praying that you would pray like Paul—because
Paul was a great pray-er. He was confident, he was committed, and he was humble and bold and
compassionate. He clearly enjoyed prayer, and was excited about it. He expected his Father in heaven
to hear what he said and to act in other people’s lives accordingly. …

Paul prayed big prayers because he believed great things. Let’s learn from him how we might do the
same. —Alistair Begg

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SESSION ONE
INTRODUCTION: WHO WE PRAY TO

Getting Started
“[Paul] understood and enjoyed the great truth that, as Christians, in prayer we do not only approach a
majestic Sovereign (though we do) or an impartial Judge (though we do)—we approach our Father in
heaven and say, ‘Dearest Father…’” —Alistair Begg

Our view of who God is affects everything we do—especially our prayer. In order to pray big, we should speak
to God as our Father, using the truth found in His Word.

How should viewing God as Father change how we pray (e.g., the manner, the frequency, etc.)?

Going Deeper
1. What is your honest assessment of your personal prayer life? Are you satisfied with the frequency and
quality of your prayer?

2. What do our private prayers tell us about ourselves and our faith?

3. What are some big prayers that God has answered in your life? What are some that have kept you
waiting for an answer?

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4. What does it mean to know and cry out to God as your Father? Read Galatians 4:6–7. How might
viewing God as Paul did change how you pray?

5. Do you struggle to know what to say in your prayers? If so, why is it such a challenge? What might
change if we used examples from Scripture to fuel our prayers?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:2)

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of
God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know
him.” (1 John 3:1)

PRAYER
Father, thank You for the privilege of addressing
You in this way. Help me to remember that
the Lord Jesus obtained this access for me
through His death on the cross. Please help me
to remember that I am entirely dependent on
the work of the Holy Spirit as I pray, and entirely
dependent on You in my life in every way. Help
me to learn to pray as I pray, for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.

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SESSION TWO
CHAPTER 1: PRAYER IS DEPENDENT

Getting Started
“My prayers—whether I pray, how much I pray, about what I pray—reveal my priorities. And they reveal how much
I really think I need God, or whether I am, deep down, in fact self-assured and self-righteous.” —Alistair Begg

True Christian prayer comes from a heart that relies on God for everything. Prayers of dependence do not
come naturally to us as sinful people, though. We must humbly approach God in our prayers, knowing that
help only comes from His hands.

In what areas of your life are you most susceptible to trusting yourself instead of trusting God?

Going Deeper
1. How might we be tempted to believe that we can fix our own situations? What sinful attitudes or beliefs
can keep us from prayer?

2. How does knowing that Jesus prayed inform our own understanding of prayer? How can we, like Paul,
follow the pattern of our Master?

3. How can we grow in our dependence upon God and express it regularly?

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4. If our prayers reveal our priorities, what do your prayers say is most important to you? How might a shift
in priorities cause you to pray differently?

5. What changes in posture—either physical or spiritual—would be most helpful for your prayer life?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was
given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints,
this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to
bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who
created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now
be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according
to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have
boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose
heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:7–13)

GIVING PRAISE
All we can do is nothing worth
Unless God blesses the deed;
Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide,
Till God gives life to the seed.

“GOD IS WORKING HIS PURPOSE OUT”

BY ARTHUR C. AINGER

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SESSION THREE
CHAPTER 2: PRAYER IS SPIRITUAL (BUT NOT IMPRACTICAL)

Getting Started
“All that matters may be brought before God, but what we bring before God is not always what matters
most.” —Alistair Begg

Normally, our prayers are filled with earthly matters. If we are to pray big, biblical prayers, however, we will
see our spiritual concerns as our biggest needs. This eternal focus will lead to new priorities in the present,
giving a spiritual center to our cares and concerns.

What tend to be your most frequent cares and concerns when you pray?

Going Deeper
1. Read Ephesians 2:4–7 again. Are there areas of your life where you need to demonstrate more belief in
your heavenly future? Does the way you live right now reveal that you long for heaven more than this life?

2. Write down a list of the three top concerns in your life right now. How can you surrender these worries to
Jesus, trusting that He calls you to prioritize spiritual matters?

3. What should be your top concerns when you pray?

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4. Alistair writes, “When the eyes of our hearts are opened to our future, it changes our lives now—it reorders
our priorities and our prayers.” What things tempt you to stray from eternally minded prayers? How can you
trade your earthly concerns for spiritual ones when you pray?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added
to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

GIVING PRAISE
Crown Him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
And all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
And round His piercèd feet,
Fair flowers of glory now extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.

“CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS”

BY MATTHEW BRIDGES

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SESSION FOUR
CHAPTER 3: PRAY FOR FOCUS

Getting Started
“Without spiritual sight, we’ll see nothing that truly matters.” —Alistair Begg

When searching for the right words to pray, we must first know what God has done for us in His Son Jesus
Christ. We do this by praying for God to open our eyes to see our greatest need: to truly know Him. This
knowledge will allow us to enjoy all that Jesus gives us and will steer our prayers in ways that honor Him.

Do you ever struggle with finding the right words to pray? How might you grow in knowing what to say?

Going Deeper
1. What are areas of your life where you need the eyes of your heart opened in order to see yourself and
others as God does?

2. Read Ephesians 1:3–11, and make a list of what God has given to you in Jesus. Is this the way you think
about yourself and other Christians? Why, or why not?

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3. Alistair writes, “The more clearly you see Christ, the more wonderful he will seem to you and the more
gloriously your life in him will be revealed to you.” Do you spend daily time “looking” at Jesus? How can we
reflect on all that He has done as we go about our days?

4. How can we help other followers of Jesus enjoy what only He can give?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the
same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the
Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in
the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what
is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the
saints.” (Ephesians 1:16–18)

GIVING PRAISE
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

“AMAZING GRACE”
BY JOHN NEWTON

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SESSION FIVE
CHAPTER 4: PRAY FOR HOPE

Getting Started
“Hope is objective—it is a reality based on truth. And hope is subjective—the reality is something I take hold
of with my heart.” —Alistair Begg

To pray big, we must have hope. Since hope is the assurance of a reality we have yet to experience, we
must ask God to provide us with hope; He wants us to have a hope-filled relationship with Him.

What circumstances are you facing that make having hope difficult?

Going Deeper
1. Do you have trouble having hope in God? Do you think of hope as both objective (intellectual) and
subjective (emotional)? Which tends to get more of your attention?

2. What are some truths in passages like Ephesians 2:4–5 that give you hope?

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3. List a few influences in your life that tempt you to place your hope in the wrong things. How will each of these
lead to disappointment?

4. How can your confidence in life and death can be better grounded in the person and work of the Lord
Jesus Christ?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion
at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s
house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a
place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take
you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1–4)

GIVING PRAISE
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim;
But ’tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him.

“LORD, IT BELONGS NOT TO MY CARE”

BY RICHARD BAXTER

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SESSION SIX
CHAPTER 5: PRAY FOR RICHES

Getting Started
“The greatest gift of God to his people is God. The greatest joy of heaven is God.” —Alistair Begg

In Christ, our future is perfect because our inheritance is God Himself. Studying this reality with the eyes of
our hearts will transform our lives and prayers with a hope beyond our present circumstances.

What excites you most about your future with God? How do you live like that future is a reality?

Going Deeper
1. What in your life frequently clouds your “heart-eyes” from looking to your future in Christ?

2. How can we think more deeply about our rich inheritance with God?

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3. How can we make a habit out of looking up from present problems, mistakes, regrets, and sadnesses and
looking forward to our promised future?

4. What are some examples of worries that might cease when we pray with our rich inheritance from God in mind?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he
has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in
heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready
to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5)

GIVING PRAISE
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
“BE THOU MY VISION”
BY ELEANOR HULL

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SESSION SEVEN
CHAPTER 6: PRAY FOR POWER

Getting Started
“When we approach the heavenly throne in prayer, embarrassed by our sin, bedraggled by our burdens,
weakened in our inadequacies, we discover it to be a throne of grace.” —Alistair Begg

God’s power, demonstrated in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, is the very source of our strength, allowing
us to live in obedience to Him. When God works through us, our weaknesses highlight His might.

Can you recall a time when God clearly worked through you? What made that instance stand out?

Going Deeper
1. What are some areas of your life where you feel weak and know you need God’s power?

2. Have you experienced times when what you knew about God and His power changed your perspective
and practices? When Alistair writes, “The immeasurable greatness of his power galvanizes us,” how does
this resonate with you?

3. How do you respond to your weaknesses and shortcomings? How can you grow in cherishing Jesus’
supremacy in your life?

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4. What is challenging about resting in God’s promises?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and
that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations,
beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the
promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on
high.” (Luke 24:46–49)

GIVING PRAISE
In heavenly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
And safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
The storm may roar about me,
my heart may low be laid;
But God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?

“IN HEAVENLY LOVE ABIDING”

BY ANNA LAETITIA WARING

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SESSION EIGHT
CHAPTER 7: PRAY FOR LOVE

Getting Started
“Our minds and our hearts will spend our whole lives catching up with the reality of the love of Christ.”
—Alistair Begg

Our prayers will not be complete without communion with fellow believers, accurate thinking, and deep
contemplation about the limitless nature of Jesus’ love. Through these practices, we can know the unknowable
love of Christ and the intimate, fatherly closeness of God.

Think of someone who models Christlike love. What do you admire most about him or her?

Going Deeper
1. Do you ever feel unlovable? How can you remind yourself of God’s love for you? How do such reminders
change the way you pray?

2. Are you an active member of a church body? Do you think of the church as the primary means by
which we experience Jesus’ love? If not, how can you help change that?

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3. How might your experience from your earthly father be influencing how you approach God as your
heavenly Father? How is God different?

4. Reread Philippians 2:5–11. How does the type of love that Jesus demonstrates challenge the way you live?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was
in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied
himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being
found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the
name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in
heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5–11)

GIVING PRAISE
O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

“LORD, SPEAK TO ME”

BY FRANCES R. HAVERGAL

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SESSION NINE
CHAPTER 8: CAN ALL THIS REALLY HAPPEN?

Getting Started
“We sin when we think God’s power is limited or doubt his willingness to display his power. … He is able.
Pray like that’s true.” —Alistair Begg

When we doubt the power of God’s Spirit, we won’t pray big prayers. To confront doubt, we can consider
our own conversion—the transformation of our inner being—and trust in God’s ability to answer prayer.

What types of circumstances lead you to doubt God’s power?

Going Deeper
1. How can we continue to grow in what Alistair calls our “understanding of the immensity of the riches of
God’s grace and glory in Christ”?

2. Are there areas of your life where you’re looking to something other than Jesus for hope and security?

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3. Write down your most urgent prayer requests right now. Are there ways in which your prayers are
marked with doubt in God’s power or His willingness to answer?

4. What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever asked God for? Consider how, after reading this chapter, your
definition of “big” prayers might change.

KEY SCRIPTURES
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and
believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our
inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13–14)

“We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed
day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

GIVING PRAISE
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

“I KNOW NOT WHY GOD’S WONDROUS GRACE”

BY DANIEL WEBSTER WHITTLE

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SESSION TEN
EPILOGUE: WHO WE PRAY FOR

Getting Started
“We pray for God’s sake: that the God who made us and died for us and rose for us and rules for us and will
return to us might be glorified in our lives and in our churches.” —Alistair Begg

We should pray for ourselves, those around us, and God’s glory. Prayer in these directions will keep us
faithful to God’s design for big prayer.

Who do you mostly pray for? What types of requests do you usually bring before God when praying for
this person or group of people?

Going Deeper
1. What are some ways in which we can pray for our own spiritual growth?

2. Who are the people around you for whom you can pray the chapter headings of this book?

3. Knowing that Christians should pray for God’s character to be evident in their lives, what are some areas of
your life that could use more of God’s attributes (love, faithfulness, compassion, goodness, forgiveness, etc.)?

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4. Reread the last few paragraphs of the book. Will visitors to your church speak like this about you? How
can you help your church resemble a similar community?

KEY SCRIPTURES
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour
has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority
over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that
they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on
earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in
your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.’” (John 17:1–5)

GIVING PRAISE
It passeth knowledge, that dear love of Thine!
My Jesus! Savior! yet this soul of mine
Would of that love, in all its depth and length,
Its height and breadth, and everlasting strength
Know more and more.

But though I cannot tell, or sing, or know

The fullness of Thy love while here below,
My empty vessel I may freely bring:
O Thou, who art of love the living spring,
My vessel fill.

“IT PASSETH KNOWLEDGE, THAT DEAR LOVE OF THINE”

BY MARY SHEKLETON

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