The How and Why of Prayer

February 15, 2015 Preacher: Chris Ritter Series: Stand Alone Sermons

Topic: Prayer Scripture: Luke 11:1–13

Luke 11:1-13

Approach God as Father
“Who would break forth into such rashness as to claim for himself the honor of a son of God unless we had been adopted as children of grace in Christ” - John Calvin

May your Name be holy
We’re asking God to change us, to transform our heart so that we se him for who he is and worship him rightly.
It is a personal and universal request - may it be done in my life and throughout the world.

Your Kingdom come
Personal and universal - God, reign in my life completely and may I demonstrate to others I belong to you.
And, may your kingdom literally come in glory.

Give us each day our daily bread
Come to God with hands open
For some, this is very literal - needing God to provide the bare necessities, daily.
For many others, we have more than enough for today and tomorrow…

How should I pray “give me daily bread” if I have more than enough?
- With deep gratitude and humility
- Recognize and truly believe everything you have is a gift of God
- The air you breathe, skills you have, opportunities and initiative taken - it’s all from God
- You still need to pray this prayer!

Forgive us our sins
Jesus does not pretend we’re not still sinners - so we shouldn’t pretend either!
This forgiveness is for restored relationship, not “save me again” if you’re already a Christian

Lead us not into temptation
Or, more simply: help me God.

The Why of Prayer
In verses 9-10 Jesus is not getting into the “finer” points of prayer… He’s getting into the deeper points of prayer

God wants to give you more than you already have
But, more of what?
-More of everything that Jesus told you to be praying about in v. 2-4

Should Christians pray for the Holy Spirit?
No, not in the sense that we don’t have him or could forfeit the Holy Sprit
Yes, in the sense of more of his empowering grace, being filled by the Spirit, led and fully submitted to the Holy Spirit

Application
First, do you trust God?
Second, come to God as your Father
Third, align your heart with Jesus’ model prayer
Fourth, come to God with full confidence that he answers
Fifth, remember that this prayer was given to a community

40 Days of Prayer
A corporate event, with Scripture reading, devotionals, and items of prayer every day
Opportunities to gather and pray as a church body
February 25 - April 5

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