sf1031 - The Prayers Of The Apostles (Luke 11 1)

Luke 11:1

Introduction

One of the most studied passages of scripture is the “Model Prayer.”  And well it should be.  However, the truth is there is much to be learned from the prayers of the Apostles, the ones who made this original request to our Savior.

For the next several weeks we will focus on the prayer life of the Apostle Paul.  Paul was used of God to write most of the New Testament and will provide for us a treasure chest of examples and instructions on prayer.

Tonight we will focus on some general principles we can learn from the prayers of the Apostles.

1A.      Prayer is and Encounter with Deity

It must be remembered that prayer involves the creature approaching the Creator.

The sinner approaching the Holy

We must always be humbled in prayer!

2A.      Prayer involves Humiliation, Supplication, And Adoration

Philippians 4:6 (NASB) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

3A.      Prayer is Addressed to Our “Father”

Luke 11:2 (NASB) 2 And He said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

4A.      Prayer is to Be Brief and to the Point

Most of the prayers of the Apostles comprise only one or two verse, the longest is only seven verses.

“When thou prayest let thy words be few, but thy thoughts and affections many, and above all let them be profound.  The less thou speakest the better thou prayest… external and bodily prayer is that buzzing of the lips, that outside babble that is gone through without any attention, and which strikes the ears of men; but prayer in spirit and in truth is the inward desire, the motions, the sighs, which issue from the depths of the heart.  The former is the prayer of hypocrites and of all who trust in themselves; the latter is the prayer of the children of God who walk in His fear.”  Martin Luther

5A.      Prayer is to Be Clear and Definite

Avoid broad generalizations, speak clearly and definitely.

6A.      Prayer is to Be Focused on The Eternal not the Temporal

Examples include:

Ephesians 1:17-19

Ephesians 3:16-19

Philippians 1:9-11

Colossians 1;10

1 Thessalonians 5:23

7A.      Prayer is to Be Focused Others, Especially Believers

Ephesians 6:18 (NASB) 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,