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In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us how to pray. In Matthew 6 we learn the following:
Prayers of Praise, v 9
Prayers of Surrender, v 10
Prayers of Petition, v 11
Prayers for Forgiveness, v 12
Prayers for Protection, v 13a
Prayers of Praise, v 13b
Prayers of Agreement, v 13c
Source: Steve Gaines
Luke 3:21-22
ACCESS TO GOD, heavens were opened
ANOINTING OF GOD, Spirit came down
APPROVAL FROM GOD, “You are My beloved Son, in whom i am well pleased”
Jesus was a man of prayer (v35), a man of priority (v38), and a man of personal involvement (v39). It all started with prayer.
Mark 1:35, “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
The benefits of early, solitary, prolonged prayer are as follows:
Clarifies your priorities, v38
Fortifies your determination, v37 (Luke 4:42-43)
Energizes your ministry, v39
Tenderizes your heart, v41
Makes you attractive, v45
According to Colossians 1, when praying for others ask God to give them the following:
Spiritual Insight, v 9
A Godly Life, v 10a
Kingdom Success, v 10b
Christian Maturity, v 10c
Supernatural Power, v 11a
Joyful Endurance, v 11b
A Grateful Heart, v 12-14
Source: Dr. Chuck Herring, First Baptist Collierville, TN, July 26, 2020
We have all heard the sentiment, “It’s worse now than ever.” But is it? Consider one snapshot from the time of Jesus.
There was adultery (Matthew 14:3b).
There was persecution (14:3a).
There was superstition (14:2).
There was lewdness (14:6).
There was murder (14:10).
There was sorrow (14:12).
The above list sounds like the ten o’clock news. Regardless if culture is more decadent today than previously, what are God’s people to do? What did the disciples of Jesus do? Verse 12 says, “They went and told Jesus.” The Christian response today should be no different. Christians need to pray, pour out their hearts over this broken world, asking for mercy, guidance, healing, and comfort.
Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that's well known.
You've no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men's eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that's well known.
You've no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that's well known.
You've no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
For Christ's coming kingdom are you sighing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that's well known.
You've no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
"Your church will never be a house of prayer until you become a man of prayer."
My tendency in prayer is to jump straight to my requests. I am eager to tell the Father all my problems and needs. However, notable saints in the Bible began their prayers by confessing the awesomeness of God. They started with praise, not petition.
Observe how Hezekiah began his prayer in 2 Kings 19:14-15.
Study how Jehoshaphat prayed in 2 Chronicles 20:6-7 before a military victory.
See how the Apostles prayed in Acts 4:24 before the ground shook.
And notice how our Lord taught us to begin our prayers in Matthew 6:9.
Don't rush into the throne room. Instead gently, "enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4). THEN tell the Lord your troubles.
In Mark 10 blind Bartimaeus asked Jesus for help. He shows us three essentials for effective prayer.
To improve your prayer life develop a higher view of God and a lower view of yourself. There must be a curious blend of both confidence and brokenness. The blind man in Luke 18:35-43 calls out to Jesus, "Son of David," that's a Messianic term whereby he expresses his faith in the Lord. "Have mercy on me." The blind man acknowledges his need and unworthiness.
Learn the lesson of Bartimaeus. Develop a high view of God and a low view of yourself. This is how you get results with God.
Psalm 34:15 and 40:1 tell us that God moves when we pray properly.
This is an amazing picture: God on His throne looking our way, listening to our prayer, and leaning into us.
Here are 3 prerequisties to God-moving prayer.