March 3, 2013

“Model Prayer”

Blessings Folk!

Matthew 6:7-15
Mark 11:25
Luke 11:1-4

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This reading is often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” though that is a misnomer.
It is The Model for Prayer that the Lord provides. We will see the true prayer of the Lord later.

This teaching came about because the disciples requested to learn how to pray.

We are told some forthright, blunt things.

Pray.
We are to pray.
Often people will ask why we need to pray when Father already knows what you need before we ask Him.
This reveals an incomplete understanding of what prayer is.
Prayer is communion with God.
Prayer is conversation with God.
Prayer goes both ways.
Prayer is not “us trying to get God to do something.”
Prayer is listening.
Prayer is aligning our thoughts with His thoughts and desires.

Do not pray as the Gentiles.
Do not use meaningless repetition.
The Gentiles thought that the ability to produce sheer volume of words would move “their gods.”

Pray acknowledgement of the Holiness of God.
Pray for the Kingdom to come.
Pray for God’s will to be done.

Pray for daily provision.

Pray for forgiveness.
Pray that we will forgive.
Forgive others? God will forgive you.
Do not forgive others? God will not forgive you.

Pray for protection from temptation.
Pray for deliverance from evil.

We are told in the Word to pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
(KJV)

17 Pray without ceasing.

Let us do so.