The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2012–2013, vol. 19

July 21
Lesson 8
FASTING AND PRAYING

DEVOTIONAL READING: 2 Chronicles 7:12–18
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 7:1–8:23

KEY VERSE
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.—Ezra 8:23

LESSON OUTLINE

Introduction
      A.      Preparing for a Journey
      B.      Lesson Background
          I.      Mission Overview (EZRA 7:6–10)
      A.      Ezra’s Qualifications (v. 6a)
      B.      Ezra’s Request (v. 6b)
      C.      Ezra’s Traveling Companions (v. 7a)
      D.      Ezra’s Trip (vv. 7b–9)
      E.      Ezra’s Dedication (v. 10)
      Know, Do, Teach
          II.      Mission Preparation (EZRA 8:21–23)
      A.      Gathering and Fasting (v. 21)
      Seeking His Guidance
      B.      King and God (v. 22)
      C.      Prayer and Answer (v. 23)
Conclusion
      A.      Preparing for Your Ministries
      B.      Prayer
      C.      Thought to Remember

Ronald L. Nickelson and Jonathan Underwood, eds., The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2012–2013, vol. 19 (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 2012) 402.