OMG is not a substitute for addressing God in our praying. In fact, taking the risk of being called legalistic, such use is probably best considered "taking the name of the Lord in vain."
No better way could there be than to emulate Jesus in praying--even as to the address itself, "Father." Jesus, on earth, was Son of God-sinless and holy. (Hebrews 4:15) He was also Son of Man-God in the flesh. (John 1:14) As such, in His praying, Jesus addressed God as Father. See His prayers, in Gethsemane-Luke 22:42; for His disciples-John 17:1; on the cross-Luke 23:34 and 46.
So, in teaching His disciples to pray, He began the address, "Our Father." How marvelous that Jesus called God, "Father" and then teaches us to do the same. "Our Father" --meaning His and mine!
The words that follow "which art in heaven" do not indicate a God that is far off and not approachable. Those words simply mean that He is our spiritual father. Jesus told the woman at the well that "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24 KJV)
God is approachable. I do not go through anyone else. Through Jesus Christ, (i.e. God Himself), I am able to get to the "Head Man Himself." Forgive my colloquialism, but it doesn't get any better than this! I pray to God and God alone.
"Hallowed be Thy Name" is a recognition that God is sacred and holy, and, that I am willing and committed to His being sacred and holy. Help me, Lord, to always be respectful of Who You are and of Your holiness.
OMG is not a part of my vocabulary. That is not to imply that I am (or think I am) better than anyone else. It just means that my convictions of the sacredness of God does not include that.
I urge you to pray as Jesus taught us and really mean it when you address Him, "Our Father."
Please add your thoughts and comments below.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
PART II--TEACHING ON PRAYER (THE LORD'S PRAYER)
The most universally known, quoted, and, yes, even prayed prayer in all Christendom is undoubtedly this one, called THE LORD'S PRAYER. Sometimes it is referred to as the "Our Father."
Matthew records Jesus' teaching of this prayer as a part of the "Sermon on the Mount," specifically in Chapter 6, verses 9-15. Luke's version of this teaching is found in his gospel, Chapter 11, verses 1-4. He gives this response of Jesus to a request from His disciples to "teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus gave the twelve (and all the world afterward) a prayer to be prayed. But He was also giving them, and us, a model to use in every situation.
There is no indication even hinted in the scriptures, that this (or any other prayer) was to be repeated as a discipline or punishment. Nor does Jesus imply to us that saying the words of the "Lord's Prayer" themselves benefit us.
Jesus was teaching about prayer.
Matthew records Jesus' teaching of this prayer as a part of the "Sermon on the Mount," specifically in Chapter 6, verses 9-15. Luke's version of this teaching is found in his gospel, Chapter 11, verses 1-4. He gives this response of Jesus to a request from His disciples to "teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus gave the twelve (and all the world afterward) a prayer to be prayed. But He was also giving them, and us, a model to use in every situation.
There is no indication even hinted in the scriptures, that this (or any other prayer) was to be repeated as a discipline or punishment. Nor does Jesus imply to us that saying the words of the "Lord's Prayer" themselves benefit us.
Jesus was teaching about prayer.
- To Whom to pray
- What to include in our praying and why.
- How to present our physical needs.
- How to present our spiritual needs, and, above all,
- Commitment to the will of the Father.
Do you spend time regularly in prayer?
What is your level of commitment to His will?
Join with me in learning all Jesus intended for us to learn about praying.
You are encouraged to ask questions and/or comment in the space below.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
PART II--TEACHINGS ON PRAYER (PERSISTENCE)
Prayer for far too many of us has come to fall in one or two categories. On the one hand, there is
The "Gimme" mentality.
Many of us have a "Santa Claus god." "Here's my list, Lord. Gimme what I want." Those of us who pray after this manner usually fall for the "name it and claim it" fallacy. Oops, did I step on some toes?
Yes, there are many promises in the Bible that may give one the idea that you can "name it" and then, by faith, "claim it." For example, John 14:13-14. Here John quotes Jesus. Pretty good authority, huh? "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do." (verse 13) This is followed, in verse 14, with, "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." (KJV).
The only qualification in these verses is "in my name." So, we give our list and close our "prayers" with "in Jesus' name I pray, amen." Now, when do I get it? When are my prayers going to be answered?
How often are we disappointed that our "prayers in Jesus' name" are not answered?
The problem with this interpretation of this wonderful promise is within us. "In my name" means "on my authority." An "ambassador for Christ" (II Corinthians 5:20 KJV) acts on the Word and full authority of Jesus. We must be acting within His will.
We, too often, try to obligate God to give us the desires of our heart. Didn't I follow the rules just right? I said, "In Jesus' name."
The second category into which many of our prayers fall is
"Pray it and Leave it."
Didn't I bring it to the Lord? I said who/what I was praying for, didn't I? Now my part has been done. It's up to God...as in the song, "Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there."
This leads us to the teaching of Jesus on
Persistence in Praying.
In Webster's dictionary, the word persist is defined as "to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition." Persistent is defined as "continuing in spite of interferences."
How often do you pray (or intend to pray) when some type of opposition or interference blocks your efforts? The devil is quick to attempt to keep anyone from praying. The kids, the phone, the knock at the door, the headache...all are prime interferences to prayer time.
One scripture that refers to Jesus' teaching on persistence is Luke 11:5-8. Here Jesus relates the story of a man whose friend, on a long journey, stops at midnight and, per custom, expects food and lodging. In order to feed his guest, he goes to his neighbor friend, explains the circumstances and gets the bread he needs. Jesus said, regarding the neighbor friend, that he did not help his friend because they were friends, but, rather for his importunity.
The word importunity is defined as "overly persistent." In other words, the man received the help he needed because he kept on knocking. He was "overly persistent" in the attempt to get food for his guest.
When we pray, Jesus is saying, it must be overly persistent. Ask, seek, knock...and keep at it until the answer comes. We are not just to ask and wait until we get a reply.
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me." (KJV). Aren't you glad that He keeps on knocking?
I'm grateful that, in Gethsemane, (Luke 22:42, Mark 14:32-39), Jesus persisted in praying, "not my will, but thine be done," even though the answer to His prayer meant His death for you and me.
That's Persistence!!
Another lesson in persistence is found in Jesus' parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. In the first verse, Luke gave the purpose of the parable Jesus told. "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." (KJV). The lesson of the parable is persistence in prayer.
Many have interpreted the parable so that God is the judge and that must be incorrect. Jesus said of the judge that he did not fear God, nor have regard for man. The judge was only interested in himself and his convenience. Therefore, he only granted the widow's plea in order to not be troubled by her persistence.
I have heard of many a Mother's prayers for a child to come to the Lord. Nothing would keep her from praying daily for the salvation of her son or daughter. Quietly, being "overly persistent." Not nagging, just persisting. Not giving up in spite of opposition or interferences.
Can you imagine the joy she has when her prayer is answered?
Can you imagine the joy and celebration in heaven over that sinner that repents? (Luke 15:10)
Persistence in Prayer pays big dividends!!
Do you have such an experience in your prayer life? Share it in the comment section below.
Christian's share in order to help others. Your comments are appreciated.
The "Gimme" mentality.
Many of us have a "Santa Claus god." "Here's my list, Lord. Gimme what I want." Those of us who pray after this manner usually fall for the "name it and claim it" fallacy. Oops, did I step on some toes?
Yes, there are many promises in the Bible that may give one the idea that you can "name it" and then, by faith, "claim it." For example, John 14:13-14. Here John quotes Jesus. Pretty good authority, huh? "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do." (verse 13) This is followed, in verse 14, with, "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." (KJV).
The only qualification in these verses is "in my name." So, we give our list and close our "prayers" with "in Jesus' name I pray, amen." Now, when do I get it? When are my prayers going to be answered?
How often are we disappointed that our "prayers in Jesus' name" are not answered?
The problem with this interpretation of this wonderful promise is within us. "In my name" means "on my authority." An "ambassador for Christ" (II Corinthians 5:20 KJV) acts on the Word and full authority of Jesus. We must be acting within His will.
We, too often, try to obligate God to give us the desires of our heart. Didn't I follow the rules just right? I said, "In Jesus' name."
The second category into which many of our prayers fall is
"Pray it and Leave it."
Didn't I bring it to the Lord? I said who/what I was praying for, didn't I? Now my part has been done. It's up to God...as in the song, "Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there."
This leads us to the teaching of Jesus on
Persistence in Praying.
In Webster's dictionary, the word persist is defined as "to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition." Persistent is defined as "continuing in spite of interferences."
How often do you pray (or intend to pray) when some type of opposition or interference blocks your efforts? The devil is quick to attempt to keep anyone from praying. The kids, the phone, the knock at the door, the headache...all are prime interferences to prayer time.
One scripture that refers to Jesus' teaching on persistence is Luke 11:5-8. Here Jesus relates the story of a man whose friend, on a long journey, stops at midnight and, per custom, expects food and lodging. In order to feed his guest, he goes to his neighbor friend, explains the circumstances and gets the bread he needs. Jesus said, regarding the neighbor friend, that he did not help his friend because they were friends, but, rather for his importunity.
The word importunity is defined as "overly persistent." In other words, the man received the help he needed because he kept on knocking. He was "overly persistent" in the attempt to get food for his guest.
When we pray, Jesus is saying, it must be overly persistent. Ask, seek, knock...and keep at it until the answer comes. We are not just to ask and wait until we get a reply.
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me." (KJV). Aren't you glad that He keeps on knocking?
I'm grateful that, in Gethsemane, (Luke 22:42, Mark 14:32-39), Jesus persisted in praying, "not my will, but thine be done," even though the answer to His prayer meant His death for you and me.
That's Persistence!!
Another lesson in persistence is found in Jesus' parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. In the first verse, Luke gave the purpose of the parable Jesus told. "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." (KJV). The lesson of the parable is persistence in prayer.
Many have interpreted the parable so that God is the judge and that must be incorrect. Jesus said of the judge that he did not fear God, nor have regard for man. The judge was only interested in himself and his convenience. Therefore, he only granted the widow's plea in order to not be troubled by her persistence.
I have heard of many a Mother's prayers for a child to come to the Lord. Nothing would keep her from praying daily for the salvation of her son or daughter. Quietly, being "overly persistent." Not nagging, just persisting. Not giving up in spite of opposition or interferences.
Can you imagine the joy she has when her prayer is answered?
Can you imagine the joy and celebration in heaven over that sinner that repents? (Luke 15:10)
Persistence in Prayer pays big dividends!!
Do you have such an experience in your prayer life? Share it in the comment section below.
Christian's share in order to help others. Your comments are appreciated.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
PART II--TEACHING ON PRAYER Relationship Prayers
Jesus was the Master Teacher. Mind you, not "just a great teacher." But, rather, He was (and still is) The Master Teacher. He used all kinds of teaching methods. In the last post we saw how He taught "how to" by first teaching "how not to." This time He teaches the present subject by example and personal action.
Just what is relationship prayer?
Praying can include a variety of purposes such as praise, worship, confession, repentance, supplication, etc. It may be aloud or silent; public or private; standing, kneeling and so forth. Relationship praying may contain any or all of the above, but always it is born of the special relation between the one praying and the One to Whom prayed. Since it is from a unique relation between the two, the One to Whom prayed is equally involved.
Allow me to give a personal illustration, albeit very earthy in comparison.
My wife, Sue, and I have been married now for (coming up on) thirty-five years. There are many differences between us. She is several years younger than I. She was reared in a vastly different family background. The list of dissimilarities is long. These years have not all been smooth, but she has "put up with" me in spite of the rough times.
Sometimes we could sit on our front porch and talk for hours about nothing or about everything. Often we don't even have to talk. Many times we react the same or come to the same conclusions about circumstances that we haven't discussed. All of this is because of the relationship we have developed during the last thirty-five years.
Many of you, in all likelihood, have such special relationships with your spouse, friend or parents.
Relationship praying stems from such a developed relationship.
In teaching His followers then, and us today, Jesus prayed to His Father out of such a special relationship. After all, He was talking to His Father, with Whom Jesus had already spent an eternity past. (John 1:1). In addition to being the Son of God, Jesus said, "...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father..." (John 14:9b KJV). He said, even more specifically in John 10:30 (KJV), "I and my Father are one." Obviously, then, when Jesus prayed, it was not just a recitation or ritual. It was a communication of a special relationship between Two Who could not be closer.
The gospels are filled with references to the relationship of God, the Son, and God, the Father. Some examples are Luke 1:26-38 (esp. v.32), Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 11:25-27, Matthew 17:1-5 and John 17:1-5. Chapter 17 of John's gospel will be dealt with separately in Part III--Special Prayers of Jesus. I highly recommend that you take time to read the references above to refresh your memory of Jesus' relationship with His Father.
It was out of that relationship with His Father that Jesus prayed the prayers above. Through
Just what is relationship prayer?
Praying can include a variety of purposes such as praise, worship, confession, repentance, supplication, etc. It may be aloud or silent; public or private; standing, kneeling and so forth. Relationship praying may contain any or all of the above, but always it is born of the special relation between the one praying and the One to Whom prayed. Since it is from a unique relation between the two, the One to Whom prayed is equally involved.
Allow me to give a personal illustration, albeit very earthy in comparison.
My wife, Sue, and I have been married now for (coming up on) thirty-five years. There are many differences between us. She is several years younger than I. She was reared in a vastly different family background. The list of dissimilarities is long. These years have not all been smooth, but she has "put up with" me in spite of the rough times.
Sometimes we could sit on our front porch and talk for hours about nothing or about everything. Often we don't even have to talk. Many times we react the same or come to the same conclusions about circumstances that we haven't discussed. All of this is because of the relationship we have developed during the last thirty-five years.
Many of you, in all likelihood, have such special relationships with your spouse, friend or parents.
Relationship praying stems from such a developed relationship.
In teaching His followers then, and us today, Jesus prayed to His Father out of such a special relationship. After all, He was talking to His Father, with Whom Jesus had already spent an eternity past. (John 1:1). In addition to being the Son of God, Jesus said, "...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father..." (John 14:9b KJV). He said, even more specifically in John 10:30 (KJV), "I and my Father are one." Obviously, then, when Jesus prayed, it was not just a recitation or ritual. It was a communication of a special relationship between Two Who could not be closer.
The gospels are filled with references to the relationship of God, the Son, and God, the Father. Some examples are Luke 1:26-38 (esp. v.32), Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 11:25-27, Matthew 17:1-5 and John 17:1-5. Chapter 17 of John's gospel will be dealt with separately in Part III--Special Prayers of Jesus. I highly recommend that you take time to read the references above to refresh your memory of Jesus' relationship with His Father.
It was out of that relationship with His Father that Jesus prayed the prayers above. Through
- His prayers,
- His instructions and actions surrounding those prayers, and
- the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in giving us the legacy of His written Word--
He has taught about praying relationship prayers.
Two of these have had the greatest impact on me.
1. The actions He took surrounding His Gethsemane prayer. (Matthew 26:36-46 and Luke 22:39-46)
2. The last prayer He prayed before His death. (Luke 23:44-46 and John 19:28-30).
After the "Last Supper" and before His crucifixion, Jesus went out to the garden Of Gethsemane. The disciples followed along. Luke recorded that Jesus then instructed the disciples to "pray that you do not fall into temptation." After those instructions "He withdrew about a stones throw beyond them...and prayed."
Matthew remembered that Jesus went with His disciples to Gethsemane. He then instructed them to sit while He prayed. Taking Peter, James and John, Jesus instructs these three to "keep watch with me." At that point He went "a little farther...and prayed."
Earlier I referred to my relationship with my wife. Because of that relationship, when important decisions have to be made for our family, I always want to discuss it with her first. Even, in the case of "emergency" decisions, I make them based on the experience of our relationship.
I believe that's what Jesus was doing here. He had a close relationship with these twelve men that had been developed over the previous three years. But, the most important part of His mission on earth was being finalized. He wanted to "discuss" it with the One with Whom He (Jesus) had the closest relationship--His Father.
So, He went "a little farther." The discussion ran like this--"If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39 NIV)
What a relationship!
What a relationship prayer!!
On the cross Jesus agonized. His pain was great. But other people had been crucified before. In fact, two thieves were being crucified at the same time as He. Now, I'm not belittling the pain and suffering of Jesus during His being nailed to and hung on the cross. However, I'm convinced that there was a greater pain. That greater pain was the burden of the sins of the whole world!
Jesus was the sinless Son of God in human form. (Hebrews 4:15) And, yet, as His mission on earth, given to Him by His Father, Jesus bore "our transgressions." (Isaiah 53:5) Only He could be the perfect sacrifice that was called for. Only One with a perfect relationship with God could provide that which would satisfy completely God's call for death as a price for sin. But, also, only He could be resurrected from that death because of His relationship to the Father.
This is why I believe that Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6 KJV).
Jesus, having fulfilled all that the Scripture required of Him in His mission (John 19:28 KJV), He could say "Into thy hands I commend my Spirit" (Luke 23:46) and "It is finished." (John 19L30 KJV). Praise the Lord. He finished His job!
Father, help me to develop the kind of relationship with You, that I can say with Paul, "I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith." (II Timothy 4:7 KJV). When my life is over, whenever that may be, may I be able to say--through the righteousness of Jesus--it is finished.
Do you pray out of desperation?
Are your prayers "gimme" prayers?
Or, do you pray from a special relationship with God?
Take the time to share with others and comment below.
Monday, April 4, 2011
PART II--TEACHING ON PRAYER Eliminating hypocrisy and paganism from our prayers
A religious hypocrite is one who only plays the part of having godly virtues. The underlying motive is for self-aggrandizement, i.e., making oneself appear greater than one really is.
In His teaching of "how to", Jesus very often taught first "how not to." Thus, Jesus started His teaching on prayer, in Matthew 6:6, with
1. "when you pray"--assuming not "if" but "when"; and,
2. "do not be like..."--in other words, "how not to."
Is it wrong to pray in church or on a street corner, or, for that matter, in a restaurant before a meal? Of course not! UNLESS,---unless those prayers are given to be "seen by men." That makes it hypocrisy! Jesus then explained that when one is "seen" praying for the purpose of "being seen", he/she already has his/her reward.
In verse 7, Jesus says again, "And when you pray, do not..." Then He continues, "...keep on babbling like pagans," (NIV) or "...use vain repetitions, as the heathen do." (KJV). He clarifies, "...they think they will be heard because of their many words." (NIV). Here, the pagans (heathen) may or may not be praying "to be seen" as the hypocrite, but they are definitely going about it in the wrong way. Repeating words, prayers or rituals do not take the place of a right relationship with God.
Now, Jesus gets around to the "how to" pray and "how to" eliminate hypocrisy and paganism in one's praying.
Jesus makes such practical sense! In order to eliminate praying "to be seen", (hypocrisy), He says, in verse 6 of Matthew 6, to go where you can't be seen. "...Go to your room, close the door, and pray..." (NIV). The KJV reads, "...enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray..."
When one prays where he knows he can't be seen, then he is no longer concerned with hypocrisy. But, then, God sees in secret and He rewards openly. His way is amazing, isn't it?
As far as the pagans are concerned with their "babbling" and "vain repetitions," Jesus answers them in verse 8. The Father knows their need of a right relationship with Him before they pray. That right relationship is received by "grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8) and not in rituals, repetitions or deeds.
Read Luke 18:9-14. Here is a parable from Jesus that beautifully illustrates hypocrisy in prayer and how to get rid of it.
Read Romans 6, for more on being saved by grace through faith.
Have you let Jesus eliminate hypocrisy and paganism in your prayer life?
What are your greatest strengths (weaknesses) in praying?
Share with others in your comments (questions) below.
Our next post will be about relationship prayer.
In His teaching of "how to", Jesus very often taught first "how not to." Thus, Jesus started His teaching on prayer, in Matthew 6:6, with
1. "when you pray"--assuming not "if" but "when"; and,
2. "do not be like..."--in other words, "how not to."
Is it wrong to pray in church or on a street corner, or, for that matter, in a restaurant before a meal? Of course not! UNLESS,---unless those prayers are given to be "seen by men." That makes it hypocrisy! Jesus then explained that when one is "seen" praying for the purpose of "being seen", he/she already has his/her reward.
In verse 7, Jesus says again, "And when you pray, do not..." Then He continues, "...keep on babbling like pagans," (NIV) or "...use vain repetitions, as the heathen do." (KJV). He clarifies, "...they think they will be heard because of their many words." (NIV). Here, the pagans (heathen) may or may not be praying "to be seen" as the hypocrite, but they are definitely going about it in the wrong way. Repeating words, prayers or rituals do not take the place of a right relationship with God.
Now, Jesus gets around to the "how to" pray and "how to" eliminate hypocrisy and paganism in one's praying.
Jesus makes such practical sense! In order to eliminate praying "to be seen", (hypocrisy), He says, in verse 6 of Matthew 6, to go where you can't be seen. "...Go to your room, close the door, and pray..." (NIV). The KJV reads, "...enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray..."
When one prays where he knows he can't be seen, then he is no longer concerned with hypocrisy. But, then, God sees in secret and He rewards openly. His way is amazing, isn't it?
As far as the pagans are concerned with their "babbling" and "vain repetitions," Jesus answers them in verse 8. The Father knows their need of a right relationship with Him before they pray. That right relationship is received by "grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8) and not in rituals, repetitions or deeds.
Read Luke 18:9-14. Here is a parable from Jesus that beautifully illustrates hypocrisy in prayer and how to get rid of it.
Read Romans 6, for more on being saved by grace through faith.
Have you let Jesus eliminate hypocrisy and paganism in your prayer life?
What are your greatest strengths (weaknesses) in praying?
Share with others in your comments (questions) below.
Our next post will be about relationship prayer.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
PART II--TEACHING ON PRAYER (INTRODUCTION)
In His personal life Jesus prayed prayers of thanksgiving (Mark 6:41), praise (Matthew 11:25) and intercession (Luke 22:32). He prayed specifically to God regarding the relationship They had and the mission the Son was given by the Father. He prayed for the disciples and for all of us who believe on Him through their word. (John 17).
But, He didn't do all the praying for everybody. He taught His twelve disciples to pray (Luke 11), as well as all His followers (Matthew 6). His teaching about prayer was meant to be far more than a recitation of words. In Matthew 6, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus did not say "Pray this prayer," or "Pray these words." He said, rather, "After this manner therefore pray ye..."(Matthew 6:9 KJV). He was helping to develop how to pray--not just soliciting so many "Our Father's".
Our study of the teaching on prayer by Jesus will be more focused on the hows and whys--even ways (or manners)--not so much on words to use. To a large degree, the what to pray changes constantly--according to people, their needs and the answers we get from previous prayers.
The subjects we'll be covering are
* Eliminating hypocrisy in prayer,
* What is relationship prayer?
* What is participatory prayer?
* Persistence in prayer,
* Praying for His will,
* Praying in Jesus' name,
* Possibilities of prayer.
What are some questions you have about prayer?
What are the most outstanding answers to prayer you have had?
What are some areas in your praying that you feel you need the most help in?
Comment in the space below. Ask questions--in open comments or in private messages. I promise you will get a response.
But, He didn't do all the praying for everybody. He taught His twelve disciples to pray (Luke 11), as well as all His followers (Matthew 6). His teaching about prayer was meant to be far more than a recitation of words. In Matthew 6, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus did not say "Pray this prayer," or "Pray these words." He said, rather, "After this manner therefore pray ye..."(Matthew 6:9 KJV). He was helping to develop how to pray--not just soliciting so many "Our Father's".
Our study of the teaching on prayer by Jesus will be more focused on the hows and whys--even ways (or manners)--not so much on words to use. To a large degree, the what to pray changes constantly--according to people, their needs and the answers we get from previous prayers.
The subjects we'll be covering are
* Eliminating hypocrisy in prayer,
* What is relationship prayer?
* What is participatory prayer?
* Persistence in prayer,
* Praying for His will,
* Praying in Jesus' name,
* Possibilities of prayer.
What are some questions you have about prayer?
What are the most outstanding answers to prayer you have had?
What are some areas in your praying that you feel you need the most help in?
Comment in the space below. Ask questions--in open comments or in private messages. I promise you will get a response.
Monday, March 21, 2011
PERSONAL PRAYER HABITS OF JESUS (Cont.)
One side of Jesus' personal prayer habits, as we saw in earlier posts, was His public praying--giving thanks for daily bread. There is no doubting His sincerity in giving thanks publicly. His was no flowery delivery designed to impress the masses. He devoted a large part of His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34) to recognizing that our needs will be met through God Who knows what our needs are, if we seek Him first. Jesus was publicly offering thanks and, at the same time, was teaching by practicing what He preached.
Another area of Jesus' personal prayer habits was His private praying. Praying in public can be an important part of worshiping with other Christians. It can also be used by the Holy Spirit to bring conviction to the non-believer. But public praying by people who do not spend time in private prayer will rarely be effective.
Luke recorded in Luke 22:31-32 that Jesus told Peter that He had prayed for him privately that his faith would not fail. This came with Jesus knowing that Peter would deny Him (see 22:34). How marvelous it is to know that Jesus is praying for you! Even today, "He always lives to intercede" for God's people (see Hebrews 7:25 NIV).
The gospels gave several characteristics regarding Jesus and His private praying. Some of those were "on the mountain side (Matthew 14:23 and Mark 6:46), "alone" (Matthew 14:23b), "a solitary place" (Mark 1:35), "all night" (Luke 6:12) and "a little farther" (Matthew 26:39).
Occasionally, the gospel writers would combine some of these characteristics; i.e., "on a mountainside alone" (Matthew 14:23), or, in Luke 6:12, "He went out into a mountainside to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." (KJV). It has always been especially impressive and meaningful to me that when Jesus took His disciples (or some of them) with Him to pray, He is said to have gone "a little farther," and then He prayed privately.
Obviously, Jesus took His private prayer life seriously.
Lord, help me to take my prayer life seriously, too. May I not just talk about it. Forgive me for not making prayer more of a priority in my life.
*Have you ever spent all night in prayer?
*Do you make it a habit to go "a little farther" than is normally expected in interceding for others?
*Join with me in developing both our public and private praying, following His example.
Your comments are appreciated and helpful. Your questions will be addressed and hopefully answered. Thank you for reading and sharing with your friends and readers.
Another area of Jesus' personal prayer habits was His private praying. Praying in public can be an important part of worshiping with other Christians. It can also be used by the Holy Spirit to bring conviction to the non-believer. But public praying by people who do not spend time in private prayer will rarely be effective.
Luke recorded in Luke 22:31-32 that Jesus told Peter that He had prayed for him privately that his faith would not fail. This came with Jesus knowing that Peter would deny Him (see 22:34). How marvelous it is to know that Jesus is praying for you! Even today, "He always lives to intercede" for God's people (see Hebrews 7:25 NIV).
The gospels gave several characteristics regarding Jesus and His private praying. Some of those were "on the mountain side (Matthew 14:23 and Mark 6:46), "alone" (Matthew 14:23b), "a solitary place" (Mark 1:35), "all night" (Luke 6:12) and "a little farther" (Matthew 26:39).
Occasionally, the gospel writers would combine some of these characteristics; i.e., "on a mountainside alone" (Matthew 14:23), or, in Luke 6:12, "He went out into a mountainside to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." (KJV). It has always been especially impressive and meaningful to me that when Jesus took His disciples (or some of them) with Him to pray, He is said to have gone "a little farther," and then He prayed privately.
Obviously, Jesus took His private prayer life seriously.
Lord, help me to take my prayer life seriously, too. May I not just talk about it. Forgive me for not making prayer more of a priority in my life.
*Have you ever spent all night in prayer?
*Do you make it a habit to go "a little farther" than is normally expected in interceding for others?
*Join with me in developing both our public and private praying, following His example.
Your comments are appreciated and helpful. Your questions will be addressed and hopefully answered. Thank you for reading and sharing with your friends and readers.
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