One of the biggest mistakes that we make is when we “connect” prayer to our conversations as a “last resort” instead of seeing it as the only true source of power in our lives. We don’t know what else to say when someone is going through a tragedy, so we say that we will pray for them. We don’t have any other options when someone is sick, so we reluctantly promise (and many times fail to fulfill) that we will pray for them. Instead of seeing prayer as the greatest source of power in our lives, we see it as an “add on” when we don’t know what to do or say.
It’s time that we start seeing prayer as the disciples saw prayer. Literally, they asked Jesus to teach them “how” to pray as John the Baptizer’s disciples prayed. What does that even mean? I think it means that rabbis (Jewish teachers) often composed prayers for their disciples to recite. Having seen Jesus pray many times, they knew of his passionate love for prayer to God the Father. So, they were looking for a resource or a pattern for prayer to emulate that would be honoring to God.
When you think about prayer, the “how” is just as important as the “what!” Why is that? It’s because it speaks to your priorities and motivations. Often, we don’t pray, and when we do pray, we pray to “get what we want” or asking with the wrong motives to “consume it on our own pleasures” (James 4:2-3). Ultimately, that type of prayer life does not bring honor to God. Jesus gave the perfect pattern for prayer. Over the years, I have tried to prioritize it with my family.
When I was raising my kids as they were small, we would have family devotions two to three times a week in the evening before bed. We would always have a Bible lesson, and then we would pray together. I taught my kids how to pray in a specific way. They learned to publicly “speak out loud” from a young age to God. I also taught them the order of priorities. We would go around the room, and each kid would begin his or her prayer by worshipping or thanking God for at least two things in his or her life. I believe this is the pattern that Jesus gave to his disciples. Always begin with worship! Then, we would have them ask God to help them to “change” at least two things in their lives. I focused on repentance over forgiveness in the sense that every sin that they had and would commit is already under the blood of Jesus, yet in a practical sense, God wants us to fully obey him daily. Create a culture of healthy confession! Then, we would pray for others, and lastly, pray for ourselves. Intercede for others’ needs! Pray for your own life! The model for prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray elevates worship and obedience over selfish desires and plans.
While I changed the order slightly with my kids, I always made worship of God central to their prayer lives. I hope that it stuck with them, time will tell. For the rest of us, we must prioritize selfless prayers on a regular basis. The Word of God is the Lord’s connection to us, and prayer is our connection to him. What does your prayer life look like? I can promise you that there is power in prayer! God is eager for our dependence on him. God is eager for our confessions to him. God is eager for our conversations with him. God is eager to answer our prayers that bring him the most glory. Prayer is the lifeblood to a healthy and growing disciple of Jesus. Take the time to pray. In fact, the Apostle Paul said to do it frequently (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Your heavenly Father loves you, and he desires a vibrant relationship with you. Take a minute and read the illustration that Jesus uses to show his disciples his heart for prayer in Luke 11:5-13. Pastor Matt is going to do a great job for us breaking it down in tomorrow's devotional. God wants to give you “every good gift”; just remember, it’s according to his will and not our selfish desires. Pray today and tomorrow and every day.
It’s time that we start seeing prayer as the disciples saw prayer. Literally, they asked Jesus to teach them “how” to pray as John the Baptizer’s disciples prayed. What does that even mean? I think it means that rabbis (Jewish teachers) often composed prayers for their disciples to recite. Having seen Jesus pray many times, they knew of his passionate love for prayer to God the Father. So, they were looking for a resource or a pattern for prayer to emulate that would be honoring to God.
When you think about prayer, the “how” is just as important as the “what!” Why is that? It’s because it speaks to your priorities and motivations. Often, we don’t pray, and when we do pray, we pray to “get what we want” or asking with the wrong motives to “consume it on our own pleasures” (James 4:2-3). Ultimately, that type of prayer life does not bring honor to God. Jesus gave the perfect pattern for prayer. Over the years, I have tried to prioritize it with my family.
When I was raising my kids as they were small, we would have family devotions two to three times a week in the evening before bed. We would always have a Bible lesson, and then we would pray together. I taught my kids how to pray in a specific way. They learned to publicly “speak out loud” from a young age to God. I also taught them the order of priorities. We would go around the room, and each kid would begin his or her prayer by worshipping or thanking God for at least two things in his or her life. I believe this is the pattern that Jesus gave to his disciples. Always begin with worship! Then, we would have them ask God to help them to “change” at least two things in their lives. I focused on repentance over forgiveness in the sense that every sin that they had and would commit is already under the blood of Jesus, yet in a practical sense, God wants us to fully obey him daily. Create a culture of healthy confession! Then, we would pray for others, and lastly, pray for ourselves. Intercede for others’ needs! Pray for your own life! The model for prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray elevates worship and obedience over selfish desires and plans.
While I changed the order slightly with my kids, I always made worship of God central to their prayer lives. I hope that it stuck with them, time will tell. For the rest of us, we must prioritize selfless prayers on a regular basis. The Word of God is the Lord’s connection to us, and prayer is our connection to him. What does your prayer life look like? I can promise you that there is power in prayer! God is eager for our dependence on him. God is eager for our confessions to him. God is eager for our conversations with him. God is eager to answer our prayers that bring him the most glory. Prayer is the lifeblood to a healthy and growing disciple of Jesus. Take the time to pray. In fact, the Apostle Paul said to do it frequently (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Your heavenly Father loves you, and he desires a vibrant relationship with you. Take a minute and read the illustration that Jesus uses to show his disciples his heart for prayer in Luke 11:5-13. Pastor Matt is going to do a great job for us breaking it down in tomorrow's devotional. God wants to give you “every good gift”; just remember, it’s according to his will and not our selfish desires. Pray today and tomorrow and every day.