Teaching a Sunday school class, a small group or a Bible study? Pray 4·40: A 13-Week Bible Class Series turns all forty prayers into thirteen 50-minute lessons, three prayers per class (four in the last), running roughly in Bible order from Genesis to the early church in Acts.
Every lesson follows the same simple rhythm: a five-minute opening with a hook question and prayer, then for each prayer the story, the scripture, a question or two for discussion, and the prayer prayed together, and a closing with a weekly challenge. Each lesson stands on its own, so you can rearrange them to fit your calendar. Seasonal fits are suggestions only.
The 13 lessons
| # | Lesson | Prayers (prayer number) | Key passage | Optional seasonal fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lord, Teach Us to Pray | Prayer-Ability (29), Listening (13), Serenity (40) | Luke 11:1 | Series opener |
| 2 | Walking by Faith | Daily Walks (1), Obedience (2), Faith (3) | Hebrews 11:5-8 | |
| 3 | God at Work Behind the Scenes | Persistence (5), Favor (6), Purpose (23) | Genesis 50:20 | |
| 4 | Passing the Torch | Leadership (7), Strength & Courage (8), Endurance (9) | Joshua 1:9 | First Sunday of Advent |
| 5 | Saying Yes to God | Confidence (10), Humility (18), A Willing Heart (20) | Isaiah 6:8 | |
| 6 | The Family Tree of the King | Noble Character (11), Friendship (14), Wisdom (16) | Matthew 1:5-6 | Advent |
| 7 | Comfort for the Weary | Patience (4), Rest (17), Tears (31) | Matthew 11:28 | Weeks after Christmas |
| 8 | Faith in a Foreign Land | Deliverance (21), Faithfulness (22), Determination (24) | Daniel 3:17-18 | |
| 9 | Songs of Faith | Hope (12), Joy (15), Trust (25) | Luke 1:46-48 | Sunday before Christmas |
| 10 | A Fresh Start | Second Chances (19), A Changed Heart (32), Self-Forgiveness (34) | Lamentations 3:22-23 | First Sunday of the new year |
| 11 | A Thankful Table | Gratitude (30), A Generous Heart (33), Hospitality (39) | Luke 17:15-16 | Sunday before Thanksgiving |
| 12 | Love in Action | Compassion (27), Forgiveness (36), Kindness (38) | Luke 10:36-37 | |
| 13 | From His Feet to the Streets | Devotion (28), Teamwork (26), Encouragement (35), Boldness (37) | Acts 4:13 | Series closer |
What to bring
Bibles (the lessons quote the NIV, but any translation works) and printed copies of that week’s prayers. Every prayer has a Print button, and all forty are in the free Pray 4·40 booklet.
The series may be printed and copied, without charge, by any individual, family, class, church or group. See Sharing & Copyright.
Questions about the series? Write to prayer@pray440.com.