Introduction
The Model Prayer; The Training Prayer
Request
Context – Luke’s
Emphasis on Request (Luke 11:9-13)
Two Dangers –
Prayers of Request
- Don’t Ask – It is Appropriate to Bring Our Needs to God
- Greedy Prayers – Consider Whole Prayer
Why Request?
- Real Relationship – Asking Requires Connection
- Respect and Freedom – Ask vs Compel, Manipulate, Control
Our
Appropriate to Bring Our Needs to God
But ‘Our’, not just ‘My’ – Widen our Circle of Concern
Daily
Twice in One Line
On-Going Connection of Dependence with God
Bread
Practical Needs – We Have a Father who Cares
Bridging the Material / Spiritual Divide
Practical Suggestions
- What Do You Want? Clear and Specific Requests
- Pray in Widening Circles – Begin with Yourself
Conclusion
Try it Now!
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
Use as Model Prayer
- From Didache – Three Times a Day
- From Experience – Phrase by Phrase
Start Prayer by Addressing and Recognizing
God
- Speak out truth about God
- Ponder ‘mental pictures’ of God from Bible
Partner with God in His Plans and Dreams for
Here
- Pray in Widening Circles – Begin with Yourself
- Pray What You Know is God’s Will; Ask When You
Bring Your Requests to God
- What Do You Want? Clear and Specifi- Requests
- Pray in Widening Circles – Begin with Yourself