March 15, 2015 TEACH US TO PRAY
In Luke, chapter eleven, in response to the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus gave specific instruction on prayer. Also in Matthew chapter six, Jesus giving instruction on how His followers are to pray and here we find what is known as the “Lord’s Prayer.” Even though prayer is the most powerful thing we can do; we may find ourselves taking prayer for granted. Our prayers are not limited to repeating the Lord’s Prayer word for word; however, the Lord’s Prayer does give the essential elements of prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13. Prayer starts with the awareness that God is our Father. It’s important to note the word “our” Father-Jesus was saying that God was His Father and He is our Father as well. To know God as Father is the greatest truth that one can know. “Hallowed” means to honor as holy, so we should begin our prayer by acknowledging that He is holy. Our posture in life, our desire should be that of-“Thy kingdom come” because it is God’s desire that we, and those around us, experience His kingdom where we live. The basis of prayer is that we want His will to be done and not our will because His will is perfect, and what He wills, is what we need. And, His will can be experienced not just in heaven, but here on earth. We are to realize that the food we have to eat is supplied by our Father and in fact, He is the source of all we need. We have all sinned and were “indebted” to God, and even though God has forgiven us, it’s good to remember and to acknowledge that we are forgiven. Just as we have been forgiven, we should extend forgiveness to others. God does not temp us but we may put ourselves in a place of temptation, so we should ask God to direct our steps in order that we will not be tempted. As we follow God’s leading, we will be delivered from evil. The supreme thing in all of life-in all of creation- is the Kingdom of God and His power and His glory that will last forever. We are privileged and blessed beyond all people, to be a part of His kingdom. The essence of the Lords’ prayer is that of acknowledging Him for all that He is, and then putting all of our trust and confidence in Him on a daily basis. In chapters five through seven of Matthew, Jesus spells out how we are to live as His disciples, and as you read these chapters, you will see a clear picture of what it looks like to live in the kingdom of God. Living in and experiencing the Kingdom of God on earth is in great contrast to living outside His kingdom- the kingdom of darkness. Jesus came to usher in His kingdom and He left us instruction concerning life in His kingdom and through prayer, we can talk to our Father, who is in heaven!
Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 21:22: “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
1 John 3:22: “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.”
Blessings,
Buddy
In Luke, chapter eleven, in response to the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus gave specific instruction on prayer. Also in Matthew chapter six, Jesus giving instruction on how His followers are to pray and here we find what is known as the “Lord’s Prayer.” Even though prayer is the most powerful thing we can do; we may find ourselves taking prayer for granted. Our prayers are not limited to repeating the Lord’s Prayer word for word; however, the Lord’s Prayer does give the essential elements of prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13. Prayer starts with the awareness that God is our Father. It’s important to note the word “our” Father-Jesus was saying that God was His Father and He is our Father as well. To know God as Father is the greatest truth that one can know. “Hallowed” means to honor as holy, so we should begin our prayer by acknowledging that He is holy. Our posture in life, our desire should be that of-“Thy kingdom come” because it is God’s desire that we, and those around us, experience His kingdom where we live. The basis of prayer is that we want His will to be done and not our will because His will is perfect, and what He wills, is what we need. And, His will can be experienced not just in heaven, but here on earth. We are to realize that the food we have to eat is supplied by our Father and in fact, He is the source of all we need. We have all sinned and were “indebted” to God, and even though God has forgiven us, it’s good to remember and to acknowledge that we are forgiven. Just as we have been forgiven, we should extend forgiveness to others. God does not temp us but we may put ourselves in a place of temptation, so we should ask God to direct our steps in order that we will not be tempted. As we follow God’s leading, we will be delivered from evil. The supreme thing in all of life-in all of creation- is the Kingdom of God and His power and His glory that will last forever. We are privileged and blessed beyond all people, to be a part of His kingdom. The essence of the Lords’ prayer is that of acknowledging Him for all that He is, and then putting all of our trust and confidence in Him on a daily basis. In chapters five through seven of Matthew, Jesus spells out how we are to live as His disciples, and as you read these chapters, you will see a clear picture of what it looks like to live in the kingdom of God. Living in and experiencing the Kingdom of God on earth is in great contrast to living outside His kingdom- the kingdom of darkness. Jesus came to usher in His kingdom and He left us instruction concerning life in His kingdom and through prayer, we can talk to our Father, who is in heaven!
Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 21:22: “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
1 John 3:22: “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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