Lord, Teach us to Pray

Lord Teach us How to Pray

If you could ask Jesus any question, knowing He would answer, what would you ask?

After four weeks of studying prayer, God wants us to pray. We have discussed praying bold prayers, trusting God for the supernatural, praying hard, choosing not to give up, and thinking long. We are in a spiritual battle between the enemy and us. The way we survive and thrive is through consistent prayer.

Background

Luke 11:1 NKJV

1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

In the days of Christ, Jewish Rabbis would have followers, also called disciples. The rabbi would take a group of men under his wing. He would teach, train, and help these people develop and grow in their understanding of God.

Throughout the Gospels we see two Rabbis, Jesus and John the Baptist. It appears that there is some competition between the disciples. John the Baptist had to explain to his disciples, “He must increase and I must decrease.” At one point, the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus to ask if He was really the Christ.

Now the disciples come to Jesus and remark, John has taught his disciples to pray, will you teach us to pray?

What made the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray?

They saw within Jesus a Man of prayer. The God of the Universe, the Second Member of the Godhead embodied a life of prayer. He consistently would withdraw to pray. He communicated with the Father.

Why would Jesus need to pray?

Jesus showed us that we need to depend on God for help. Because actions speak louder than words, He did this to provide us a model of HOW and WHY we should pray.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Matthew 6:9–13 NKJV

9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

1. OUR FATHER WHICH ARE IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME

What does it mean to you to know God is our Father?

-Begin with praise and worship with music or your own song

-Thank the Lord for all He is to you and your family

-Praise the Lord for being, Savior, Healer, Helper, Comforter, etc.

2.THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS

IN HEAVEN

What problems, sickness, ailments, etc, are on earth that is not in heaven?

-Pray for God’s will in your life, marriage, and family

-Pray for God’s will in our nation, state, county and community

-Pray for God’s will in our church, pastor, leaders

-Pray that heaven invade your life, family, finances, and church

3. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD

-Offer your requests to God

-Give every need to the Lord

-Be specific in the areas where you need God’s help

-Ask God to bless every area of your life

4. FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS

Why is forgiveness important?

-Ask God to forgive you, repent of sin

-Forgive and release those who have wronged, hurt, or offended you

-Believe God for help to forgive those who sin against you

5. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL

EVIL

Ephesians 6:14–17 NKJV

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Ephesians 6:10-

Is it is sin to be tempted?

How can we overcome/avoid temptation?

-Put on the whole armor of God:

Helmet of Salvation

-Thank God for your salvation

-Pray for your lifestyle to show that you are saved

Breastplate of Righteousness

-Remember you are in relationship with Him

-Because I am saved, I can live a righteous life

Belt of Truth

-Ask to know the truth, not listening or believing the lies of the enemy

-Trust God to speak truth to you and believe what He says about you

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace -Invite the Lord to order your steps throughout the day

Shield of Faith

-Believe that the Lord will protect you from every attack of the enemy

-Ask for faith to trust Him and follow His plan for your life

Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God

-Quote the scripture and declare it over your life

-Pray for God’s protection in all areas of your life

6. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

-Thank God for hearing each prayer

-Pray and Praise in the Holy Spirit

-Wait in His presence and listen to Him to speak

-Conclude by praising and worshiping the Lord