We Communicate with God through Prayer
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their” 1 Peter 3:12
All 3 persons of the Trinity are involved in your prayers.
Father “When you pray, say: `Father, hallowed (holy) be your name’” (Luke 11:2).
Holy Spirit “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers & requests” (Ephesians 6:18)
Jesus Christ “My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 16:23).
Read John 14:13 and explain what it means.
When you ask in “Jesus’ name” what are you in fact doing? Prayer is you talking with your Heavenly Father. It includes much more than personal requests, otherwise, God becomes nothing more than a Santa Claus who we give our wish list to.
• It involves: Psalm 95:6, Philippians 4:6, 1 Timothy 2:1
• It is for: Colossians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:25
• It prevents: 1 John 5:16
• It aides in: James 5:13-16, 2 Thessalonians. 3:1
As you can see prayer is not just a personal request line, it is your opportunity to worship the Lord, and share with all of God’s people in the work of the Lord and the building of God’s people.
It is a privilege to pray as we are told and we are to pray “continually” and to come “boldly” into His presence (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer is like spiritual breathing; without it, we will faint and grow cold and spiritually die. We need to realize we can pray to praise God, thank God, pray for the needs of others and for wisdom and guidance.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
~ Jeremiah 29:12
Homework
Read: Luke 11:1-4 & Matthew 6:9-13
Read Acts 12:1-6 and explain how prayer works according to this text.
Memorize:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18