Prayer
Notes
Transcript
Handout
2 Views on Prayer
2 Views on Prayer
1. Prayer as Ritual (Matt. 6:7)
1. Prayer as Ritual (Matt. 6:7)
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Religious obligation/chore.
Way of scoring points with God.
Way to twist God’s arm.
2. Prayer as Relational (Matt. 6:9)
2. Prayer as Relational (Matt. 6:9)
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Quality time leads to intimacy.
Ex. Dana:
“What’s the least amount of time I can spend with you to still make it seem like you are important to me?”
I spend time with Dana, because my relationship with her is important to me, and I love her.
Same with God.
Get to know God on a more personal level.
Stories of people who knew God:
Stories of people who knew God:
Hudson Taylor: Light his candle - spend time with God in prayer and Scripture reading.
David Brainard: Multiple hours in prayer each morning.
Martin Luther: “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
4 Gifts to be Received in Prayer
4 Gifts to be Received in Prayer
1. God gives you joy in his presence Ps. 16:11
1. God gives you joy in his presence Ps. 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
2. God gives you right desires Ps. 37:4
2. God gives you right desires Ps. 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
3. God gives clarity and direction Pro. 3:5-6
3. God gives clarity and direction Pro. 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
4. God gives answers John 15:7
4. God gives answers John 15:7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
3 Practidal Tips
3 Practidal Tips
1. Have a time and a place Mark 1:35
1. Have a time and a place Mark 1:35
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
2. Learn to pray Luke 11:1
2. Learn to pray Luke 11:1
Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
P.R.A.Y Acrostic
The Hour that Changes the World
3. Enjoy it Ps. 16.11
3. Enjoy it Ps. 16.11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
My story with “The Hour that Changes the World.”
“This is where I find joy and how I stay content. Sometimes the joy is so intense that I have to tone it down; and I’m afraid I might even look silly.” -Brother Lawrence
What’s your Next Step?
What’s your Next Step?
Pull out your calendar and put in a time in the next 2 weeks to get alone in prayer for the next hour.
Ask someone who is Discipleing you to take you along for an hour of prayer.
Shift my perspective on prayer from “Ritualistic” to “Relational.”
Discussion Question:
1. Who has been a model for you in the area of Prayer?
2. When and where will you meet with God in private prayer?
3. What do you want to try that may help you enjoy your time in God’s presence?