Prayer

Introduction:

· Prayer: Simple enough that many pray even before they are actual believers…

· Yet how can we genuinely love to pray, enjoy the intimacy (and not see it as a chore)?

JESUS’ DISCIPLES ASK FOR THIS, AND JESUS SHOWS THE PATTERN FOR PRAYER, GOD’S POSTURE TOWARDS THOSE WHO PRAY, AND HIS PROMISE FOR THOSE WHO PRAY.

I) The Pattern of Prayer (vv. 1-4)

A. Prayer is rooted in a new relationship with God

i. The Scandalous Claim: “Our Faither” (vs. 2)

1. A scandalous claim then and now – one that almost got Jesus killed!

2. Yet because of Jesus, Prayer gives a deeply personal relationship with God

ii. Yet we ask God to guard the holiness of his reputation:

1. In how we speak of him: “OMG” and others

2. In how we act: The other extreme (Eric T dishonors our savior’s name)

B. A Template of Prayer that Seeks the Priorities of God (vv. 2-4)

i. Prayers for God’s Desires (vs. 2)

1. They kingdom Come: We pray that God’s authority would be recognized

2. EXAMPLE: Marriage? Home? Community? Work

ii. Prayer for Our Needs: (vv. 3-4)

1. Daily Bread: We acknowledge our dependence on God for all daily needs

2. Forgive:We live in authentic relationship with God

3. Not temptation, but protection from trial

JESUS TELLS A STORY TO ENCOURAGE US CONCERING GOD’S POSTURE WHEN WE PRAY.

II) The Posture of God (vv. 5-9)

A. God is responsive to Persistent Prayer

i. A Contrast: A curmudgeonly friend still gives what is needed

1. Even a grumpy homeowner would give what is needed\

2. How much more will God answer our prayers

ii. How many of us reflect bold humility in asking of God? (see vs. 9!)

1. Some of us fear that our prayers must be “perfect” in order to be effective

2. Some are reluctant to ask what we need: we lose what is at our disposal!

B. God’s answers to prayer are consistent with his Character

i. But a dilemma: We all know when God does NOT answer!

1. EXAMPLE: Asking for a job; healing; a spouse; conflict resolution

2. The man answers such as to preserve his character(Kenneth Bailey)

ii. God will ALWAYS answer consistent with his character

1. We are limited, finite , But God is faithful and desires our good;

2. “God will always give you exactly what you would have asked for, if you knew everything he knows.”

THE SECOND PART OF GOD’S RESPONSE HAS TO DO WITH HIS GOD’S PROMISE TO US.

III) The Promise of God (vv. 11-13)

A. God Promises to Be Gracious In His Response (vv. 11-12)

i. We know how to give good – if imperfect – gifts to our children

1. EXAMPLE: Easter Egg on April Fool’s Day

2. You and I are imperfect – yet we generally know how to give what nephews/nieces, grandkids, children want and need

ii. God is infinitely perfect (vs. 13)

1. How many of us think we know what we need? Yet, God knows better!

2. He graciously hears our prayer!

B. God is Generous in His Giving In His Response

i. The Ultimate gift: The Holy Spirit! (vs. 13b)

1. On Pentecost, this prayer was answered: Christ now dwells within us!

2. The Spirit is a downpayment of what God promises

ii. Therefore:

1. You will be led through trials – but the Spirit will help you

2. You will not know what or how to pray – but the Spirit intercedes

Conclusion

“Prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness that God requires of us.” – LD 45