The Lord's Prayer Part 3 Series

We hardly need encouragement to ask for things. From birth to death from cradle to crypt our wants and needs drive us to obtain what we want or need.

Some mistakenly think that we should not ask for things for ourselves because “it isn’t spiritual” (whatever that means). But hear this:

* “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NASB)

* James said, “You do not have because you do not ask.” James 4:2b (NASB).

* Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 (NASB). Take note of the “if.”

We should, and can, ask in boldness because our Father can do anything, even things far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

SO, ASK GOD!

We can ask in confidence because our Father won’t play tricks on us. Jesus said, “What man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:9-11 (NASB).

Let us consider that, when we ask as Jesus directs us, we will receive only good from our Father’s hand. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NASB).

With that in mind, consider this prayer again, “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13(NASB). Today we will learn to ask for three vital needs. If we ask in faith and sincerity, we will ask and will receive.

On this Father’s Day consider the first thing for which Jesus urges us to ask from our Heavenly Father: ASK GOD FOR

I. THE FATHER’S DAILY PROVISION:

A. “Give us this day our daily bread.” This request is filled with implications:

1. It implies A DAY BY DAY kind of living.

a. We don’t need to worry about tomorrows bread just ask for today’s portion.

b. Not forbidding proper and wise foresight and preparation, Jesus would not have us worry about what is ahead.

c. He said, “Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34 (NASB).

d. He wants us live in “day-tight compartments,” making the most of the present moment.

2. It implies A SIMPLE kind of living.

a. We are instructed to ask for bread, not a 6 layer chocolate cake covered with a hot fudge frosting. (Can frost something with hot fudge?”

b. Paul wrote, “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:8 (NASB).

3. It implies A CONFIDENT, GOD-DEPENDENT kind of living.

a. We can say with David these words as they appear in the Amplified Bible: “THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.” Psalm 23:1-6 (AMP).