Prayer - The Basics

Bob Ross talking about paintings

Adam Mech.

What is prayer?

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Prayer

A classic definition of Christian prayer is “an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies” (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

Communication with God

God Speaks to US and we to him

Genesis 3:9 “9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?””

Psalm 2:1–7 “1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” 4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. 6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” 7 The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father.”

We get of track if we don’t get this

Why do we pray?

We are built for relationship.

Made in the image of God

Prayer is a response to God’s character and his invitation to us.

Philippians 4:6–7 “6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Why do we pray if He is all powerful?

Spiritual world that impacts the physical world

Managers - not owners

How do we pray?

Types very loose categories because its relational

Petition - Asking God for your needs

God help me know what to do

Thanksgiving - Gratitude for God’s goodness

Thank you for this food

Confession - bringing sins and failures to God

More than “sorry” spiritual honesty

God I get angry when…

Praise - Exalting God for who he is

Thanksgiving is what He has done. Praise is who he is.

Travis - kind closing the door when we are asleep. Compassionate

“God your love is everything to me”

Intercession - Praying on behalf of others

God would help my friend who is sick

Lament - expressing pain and confusion to God

Oh God my soul is overwhelmed

not complaining the goal is authentic relationship and move on. Not a marry go around

Contemplation - resting silently with God

-Sometimes I feel like someone talked at you as much we talk at God we would be annoyed.

Kinds

Spontaneous / non formal prayers

Genesis 15:2–3 “2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.””

1 Samuel 2:1–11 “1 Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. 2 No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 3 “Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the Lord is a God who knows what you have done; he will judge your actions. 4 The bow of the mighty is now broken, and those who stumbled are now strong. 5 Those who were well fed are now starving, and those who were starving are now full. The childless woman now has seven children, and the woman with many children wastes away. 6 The Lord gives both death and life; he brings some down to the grave but raises others up. 7 The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up. 8 He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order. 9 “He will protect his faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone. 10 Those who fight against the Lord will be shattered. He thunders against them from heaven; the Lord judges throughout the earth. He gives power to his king; he increases the strength of his anointed one.” 11 Then Elkanah returned home to Ramah without Samuel. And the boy served the Lord by assisting Eli the priest.”

Standardize prayers

Journal your prayer

Martin Smith - songs

Henry Nouwen

Posture?

Any way any time.

2) Wrong ways

When you use God as a tool.

“I prayed for a job and X happened”

If things don’t go “they should” then I did something wrong or the person did something wrong.

“I prayed for healing and that didn’t happen so who’s fault is that…” Your not God.

Relationships are not about outcomes.

Outcomes change, they disappoint, they surprise, and they’re often outside your control.

A healthy relationship is built on qualities of connection, not the results of the connection

Honesty, Faithfulness, Compassion, Love

No Fear - Not a wrong way when your heart is in the right spot.

Is there a right or wrong way to pray

Jesus prayer in gethsemane

Begins and ends with Jesus - we follow Jesus

Practical

Go to dinner with your spouse and don’t talk about the kids, family, work. Pray

New to prayer or haven’t in a while. have a piece of paper or use a note on your phone to brain dump all the distractions.

Ask the Holy Spirit what are the 3 things you want me to pray about today.

When in doubt start with Thanksgiving.

Make a list scriptures based on topics