Here is the study guide for our final chapter in Dr. Carson’s book!

Chapter Twelve – Prayer for Ministry

1. With what analogy does Carson lead on p. 205 of this chapter and how does he use it to make his point, particularly in relating it to the matter of prayer?
2. How does the prayer of Paul in this chapter differ from the others we have studied in this book?
3. What is the first of four important lessons to draw from this particular prayer (p. 209)? How does the author unpack the text to make his point? What cross references do you find especially helpful and why? How do you react to the statement, “Prayer is the gymnasium of the soul?” Where does Carson make application at the end of this section and how do you react?
4. What is the second of four important lessons to draw from this particular prayer (p. 212)? What other examples from Paul’s prayers does Carson cite to demonstrate his point? What two things does Paul request in his prayer in Rom. 15? What two factors does Carson emphasize about the first request? Where does Carson find application for us today in this section?
5. What is the third of four important lessons to draw from this particular prayer (p. 219)? How does Carson tie in the context in Rom. 15 to explain his point? Why does Carson say this manner of praying for Paul is “attractive” (p. 221)?
6. What is the fourth of four important lessons to draw from this particular prayer (p. 221)? How is this reality in Paul’s life in Acts and history reassuring to us? What other biblical examples of this reality does Carson cite? What does Carson ask us to imagine about prayer at the bottom of p. 222 as if it were magic, not true religion and what is he attempting to get the reader to understand?
7. How do you react to the two anonymous poems at the end of the chapter?
8. What point does Carson make as he summarizes things at the end of this chapter? How do you respond?
9. How will your prayer life be different as a result of reading this chapter?
10. What one or two most significant things will you take away from this overall study on prayer?