The Prayer of Connection

“During those dark times, it was not even safe to travel. Problems troubled the nation on every hand.” 2 Chronicles 15:5

“Listen, all you people…the Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! If you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you… For a long time, Israel had been without the true God…and without God's law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord and sought him and he was found by them.” 2 Chronicles 15:2-5

“This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Matthew 6:9 (NIV)

God is a PERSON not a POWER

1. HE IS A CARING FATHER

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who honor Him…” Psalm 103:13 (NIV)

“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you!” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

“So don’t worry saying, ‘What shall we eat? …or what shall we wear?’ Your heavenly Father knows you need these things.” Matthew 6:31-32 (NIV)

2. HE IS A CONSISTENT FATHER

“Every good and perfect gift…is from the Father…who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

“Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”

2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)

“God will never go back on his promises." Romans 11:29 (LB)

"My God is changeless in his love for me.” Psalm 59:10 (LB)

3. HE IS A CLOSE FATHER

“God did this so people would…reach out for Him and find Him, since He is not far from each of us.” Acts 17:27 (NIV)

· He is never TOO BUSY FOR ME

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him.” Psalm 145:18 (NIV)

· He loves to MEET MY NEEDS

“If you…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:11 (NIV)

· He is sympathetic TO MY HURTS

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

4. HE IS A COMPETENT FATHER

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (NIV)

“(God) is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes!”

Ephesians 3:20 (LB)

God sent Jesus to make the connection:

“God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them togetherby giving his life for all mankind.” 1 Timothy 2:5 (LB)

“We are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.” Galatians 3:26 (LB)