Praying Like Jesus Prayed Series

Introduction

This morning- finish up our series on prayer.

The Lord is increasing our awareness of the- importance of prayer, and practice of prayer.

Ja 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Doer- one who performs (puts truth into action in life).

Delude-deceive, to cheat myself out of God’s blessing.

Mtt 7:26 "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

It is not enough to know truth and not live that truth.

Prayer and Proclamation

God is looking for men and women who will engage in prayer and proclamation.

As we pray we will enter into a place of encounter w/God, and out of that place will come- revelation- which will change who we are, and

enable us to release the power of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians- says we are seated in “heavenly places.”

As we practice the Biblical discipline of prayer we will learn how to access those “heavenly places.”

Praying Like Jesus Prayed

Lk 11:1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."

The disciples saw something in the life of Jesus that they wanted for their own lives.

They were not looking for some ritual or formula.

They saw the results of prayer in Jesus life- lives changed, miracles, people set free/healed.

There are- number of verses that teach us how to pray.

Mtt 6:9-13 (Lord’s prayer-stand up-recite together)

This prayer- great gift to the church from God.

God’s intent- not for us to memorize this prayer as if it is a magical formula that produces mystical results.

Good to memorize and use in our prayer life- but Jesus was trying to teach principles, not outward form.

Let’s examine five principles (truths) in Jesus prayer-

1. Seek God’s Presence with a worshipful heart

Mtt 6:9 "Pray, then, in this way: ’Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

Hallowed- holy, the opposite of common.

When we come to God we must recognize that He is-

holy/pure/set apart/altogether different from us,a God of justice,

all knowing/powerful,He is big/we are small.

He is also a God of love and compassion- ready and willing to forgive us of our sins. Through Christ, we have access to the Creator. He wants us to experience His presence.

Heb 10:19-22

2. Seek God’s Priorities over your own

Mtt 6:10 ’Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. NASU

When we pray, much of our prayers are all about us and what we want or we need.

I need money, I need a car, I need a boy/girl friend.

When we come to God in prayer- we need to shift- from it being about us, to it being about God-what He is doing,what are His priorities,

what purpose does He have for my life.

e must come to that place where we are more interested in knowing the Giver than the gifts.

Mtt 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. NASU

Does the world revolve around you and your needs?

3. Seek God’s Provision for your daily needs

Mtt 6:11 ’Give us this day our daily bread.

Okay-to seek provision as long as our priorities correct

In the Bible, God has many names- i.e.-

Jehovah-rapha- the Lord is our healer

Jehovah-shalom- the Lord is our peace

Jehovah-shammah- the Lord is ever present

ALSO- Jehovah-jireh- the Lord is our provider

God will provide spiritually/physically- for His people.

We talk about God being King or Lord or Creator-

He is also Source.

Too often we turn to sources that are not the Source.

At the end of a hard/draining day we will often look towards entertainment to relax and get revitalized, as if distractions will renew us. True revitalization comes from looking towards God.

Too often- live like- everything comes by our efforts.

Grandchildren- think milk comes from Publix. They never interact w/the cow, so in their mind Publix is the source. When we do not interact w/God, other things become our source.

Walmart/employer/government- are not our source.

Phil 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

When we come to God- must come w/attitude that-

God is our provider,everything that we have comes from Him.

We also need to come with a heart of thanksgiving.

Many of us have needs- financial, a new job, your marriage is struggling, health issues.

What do you need? Go to God-He will meet your needs, or

in the middle of meeting your needs- He will