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
reshape how you think about your needs.
4. Seek God’s Pardon for your sins
Mtt 6:12 ’And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. NASU
This is where we come to God and we ask Him to forgive us for sin in our lives.
It is a place of humility- a falling down before God.
This should be a regular part of our lives.
Biggest problems- self-centeredness, selfishness.
How many are here today that recognize-in some area- you have a need to ask God for forgiveness?
Too many carry their sin around with them because they will not come to God and repent.
1 Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. NASU
5. Seek God’s Power to overcome temptation
Mtt 6:13 ’And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. NASU
Temptation- real part of our lives- it is a daily struggle.
1 Jn 2:16 talks about- lust of flesh, lust of the eyes
We must fight the temptation of our own flesh.
Eph 6:12 … our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. NASU
We also have- spiritual enemy- goal is to destroy us.
Ask God to help you walk away from temptation.
Satan wants to get us hooked on something other than God as our Source.
We must learn to stand on- truth/principle- not be driven by-feelings/emotions/convenience.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. NASU
God will enable you to overcome temptation.
Conclusion
Prayer will change your perspective of life/God/people
I encourage you-seek God in prayer-you will find Him
Jer 29:13 you will find me when- search for me
Some here- Christians but you are not following God.
Perhaps you are struggling with temptation or with habits that have taken hold in your life.
Whatever your situation, if you need prayer, raise your hand so I can pray for you.
Pray
