Why and How Do I Pray?

Why and How Do I Pray?Bible Readings:Acts 4: 1-31 (page 773) Luke 11:1-13 (page 735)

1Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Prayer is RelationshipWhen Jesus told His disciples “When you pray, say: Father . . .Jesus was not giving them a magic formula or title which they should use when praying.He was pointing to a relationship.The relationship that God wants with each one of us is that of a father and child.


Prayer is RelationshipThe Friend at Midnight.Jesus tells a funny story to show the opposite of what God is like. It is a cultural form of teaching.Jesus assumes that you know that God is just, loving and kind.How much more will God answer your prayers because of His relationship with you.

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The Friend at Midnight

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Prayer is RelationshipDeveloping a relationship with God is just like developing a friendship with anyone else.

The key ingredient is a four letter word.

T.I.M.E. “Time” .

To develop a friendship you need to spend time with your friend.


Prayer is Relationship

What do I say to God?

''Father''

• Start praying by thanking God for Jesus and what He has done.

• Keep the words simple, short and natural.

• You don't have to use special words or say the ‘right thing’.


Prayer is Relationship

What do I say to God?

• “Hallowed” Holy is Your Name.

• This tells us we need to spend time thinking about just how great and wonderful God is.

• Jesus is telling us to spend time praising God and remembering who He is.


Prayer is Relationship“What do I say to God?”

• “Your kingdom come”.

• This a short hand way of saying to God ''Lord this world is in such a mess that You need to come back.”

• Ask God to do something about a situation.

• Think and talk about what You can do to help someone you know.



• “Give us our daily bread”.

• This is short way of reminding us that we depend on God for for the things we need to live.

• Thank the Lord for His goodness to you.

• Ask the Lord for what you need.

• The things you need are not just daily physical needs but emotional and spiritual.



• “Forgive us our sins for we also forgive everyone who sins against us”

• This is confession time.

• Think over your actions, thoughts and words since the last time you sat down with the Lord.



• “Lead us not into temptation,”

• God doesn't tempt anyone.

• So what Jesus means is, “Ask your heavenly Father for protection against evil”.

• Ask the Lord for protection from accidents, and dangers for yourself and for your family.


Prayer is Relationship• In the “Lord’s Prayer” Jesus

gave a very short and compact model of how we can talk to our heavenly Father.

• Its is very helpful as you begin your friendship with God.

• Give God an opportunity to talk to you.

• Listening to God is an important aspect of our relationship with God.

• The most important thing is expect God to talk to you.


Prayer is Relationship• Regular prayer - spending

time each day talking with the Father is the most important use of your time you can ever make.

• It is always a struggle to make the time for God but you will never regret it.


Why and How Do I Pray?

Spiritual

Transcript of Why and How Do I Pray?