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By Bernie Parsons ©1998
The following study was performed in 1998, for those who have difficulty praying, and are not quite sure what is expected. Jesus taught His disciples to pray simply and from the heart.
Bernie Parsons
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How To Pray
By Bernie Parsons ©1998
Prayer means so much to so many people. In dealing with
different people, I have found that prayer is regarded in different ways.
Some think of prayer as an outlet, a way to "get things off their chests".
They see it as an emotional release, an outpouring of doubts and conflicts,
anger and resentment. Afterwards they feel great relief.
Some espouse prayer as a way to "become one" with the universe, with
everything in one’s surroundings. They think of prayer as a form of
meditation in which they merge with all of nature.
Others see it as an emergency measure to be employed in times of dire need.
When in a bind, they call for help. Some even hope to strike a bargain: "Get
me out of this mess, and in return I will…" do whatever!
To some, prayer is a ritual. Prayer is performed in a prescribed way, in a
particular place at a set time. The words are to be repeated as set forth by
someone else.
I could go on, but why bother? It is not important what you think, or I
think. Opinions are a dime a dozen!
What does the word of God say?
The apostles were not satisfied with the ritual prayers of the temple,
desiring to pray on a personal level. They had seen John the Baptist
teaching his followers to pray personal prayers. They entreated Jesus to
teach them how to pray, as well.
Luke 11: 1-4: "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain
place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to
pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye
pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our
daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is
indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Matthew gives the account as follows, including other statements regarding
prayer that the Lord had made."
Matthew 6: 5-15: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites
are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of
the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have
their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when
thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy
Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use
not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be
heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your
Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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, for ever.
Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses."
We can take our lessons on prayer from what we have just read, along with a
study of Jesus’ own personal prayers. Some refer to the preceding example as
"The Lord’s Prayer". It could be described more honestly as "The Disciples’
Prayer", as it was given in response to their request for a prayer lesson,
so to speak.
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A Model Prayer
Our Father…
The prayer begins by acknowledging God as our heavenly Father. Early in His
ministry, Jesus spoke as God as our Father, and we as His children.
Matthew 5:44-45: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your
Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on
the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
Matthew 7:11: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your
children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good
things to them that ask him?
Matthew 23:8-9: But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even
Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth:
for one is your Father, which is in heaven."
Luke 11:11: "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will
he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a
serpent?"
Luke 11:13: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your
children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
them that ask him?"
Luke 12:30: "For all these things do the nations of the world seek after:
and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things."
Many similar references let us know that God in heaven wants to be our
spiritual Father, and us to be His children. The Apostle Paul made this
clear in the following writings.
Romans 8:14-16: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children
of God:"
Galatians 4:4-7: "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth
his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under
the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are
sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying,
Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son,
then an heir of God through Christ."
2 Corinthians 6:16-18: "And what agreement hath the temple of God with
idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be
my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a
Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty."
Our relationship to Him is to be that of obedient and loving children, to a
true and rewarding Father.
…which art…
You might well ask, "Why break the thought down into such small pieces?"
Because there is significance in each part of the prayer. God is. That is an
important concept, and one, which many reject. There are those who
scornfully (and to their own destruction) proclaim that there is no God!
Romans 1:28: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their
knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which
are not convenient;"
Romans 1:19-21: "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;
for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the
creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that
are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without
excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened."
God is!
Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him."
Exodus 3:14: "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus
shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."
Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou
shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy might."
…in heaven…
God resides in heaven above, where He is aware of all that goes on here on
the earth.
I Kings 8:30: "And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of
thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in
heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive."
2 Chronicles 20:6: "And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in
heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in
thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand
thee?"
Psalms 11:4: "The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in
heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men."
Ecclesiastes 5:2: "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be
hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon
earth: therefore let thy words be few."
Matthew 5:34: "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for
it is God's throne:"
Matthew 23:22: "And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of
God, and by him that sitteth thereon."
…hallowed be thy name…
Hallowed means holy, or revered. The name of God commands great respect,
because He is the Creator, and ruler of the universe. We owe our very
existence to Him.
Genesis 1:26: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our
likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the
fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
Genesis 2:8: "And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there
he put the man whom he had formed."
Isaiah 37:16: "O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the
cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the
earth: thou hast made heaven and earth."
Psalms 111:9: "He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his
covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name."
There are those today who use the name of God lightly, whether by "cursing"
and "swearing", or by otherwise vainly using His name, such as in the common
phrase, "Oh, my God!" That phrase is used more frequently all the time, and
shows great disrespect to the name of God. It is calling upon God without
actually expecting Him to answer, which is no small matter.
Our lives are in the palm of God’s hand: He can do with us, as He will. We
need to recognize that, and live our lives accordingly.
Acts 17:28: "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain
also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
We have no real control over our own lives. That is why the Bible instructs
us to yield completely to Him.
Matthew 5:33-37: "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old
time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine
oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is
God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by
Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by
thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your
communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these
cometh of evil."
Romans 6:13: "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are
alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto
God."
Hallowed be thy name!
.. thy kingdom…
There is such a fervor of patriotism in most countries that even those who
profess to be Christians often fail to acknowledge that God has a kingdom.
We must always remember that we are citizens of the kingdom of God, and
behave as such.
Matthew 4:17: "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you."
Matthew 21:43: "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."
Matthew 24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Luke 17:20-21: "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."
John 3:5: "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Hebrews 11:13-16: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
…come…
This prayer was that the kingdom might come in the future: "thy kingdom come". The throne of the kingdom of God is in heaven, but the boundaries of the kingdom extend to the earth. At the time, that Jesus taught this prayer to the disciples, the earthly province of the kingdom was near (nigh), but had not yet been established.
Luke 23:42: "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."
The eternal inheritance of everlasting life in heaven was a future component of the kingdom often referred to by Jesus and the apostles. Please do not confuse the two. In the flesh, we exist as ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom here upon this earth. In the future, we shall shed this flesh and move into the eternal realm of the kingdom of God!
The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly one.
John 18:36: "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."
2 Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
1 Corinthians 15:50: "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."
Colossians 1:13: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"
The kingdom has since come upon the earth, as Jesus later died on the cross and established His church.
Matthew 16:18: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus tells a parable in which a field is the world (this world), the good seed are the children of the kingdom, and the angels would gather the weeds (tares) from among the children of the kingdom at the end of this world.
Matthew 13:38-43: "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
In March 9:1, Jesus said they were those under the sound of His voice on that occasion who would not die before they had seen the kingdom come with power. It came in that generation to which Jesus spoke.
Mark 9:1: "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power."
The kingdom is here, now! The inheritance of the kingdom (eternal life in heaven) is still in our future.
…thy will…
The only plan, purpose, and will that matters is that of God Almighty! Jesus, our Savior, affirmed this.
Luke 22: 41-42: "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Hebrews 10:7-9: "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second."
John 7:17: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
John 9:31: "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
Acts 22:14: "And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth."
Ephesians 1:9-12: "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ."
1 John 5:14: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
…be done…
It should be our desire that God’s will be accomplished in everything. He has the perfect plan for the universe, and we look forward to the successful conclusion of that plan. John manifested his spirit when he concluded the writing of the Revelation.
Revelation 22:20: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
There is no way but God’s way, no salvation but in Him through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We should desire nothing more than that God’s will be done!
…on earth…
Acts 14:15-17: "And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."
Acts 17:29-31: "Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."
2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
1 Timothy 2:3-4:" For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
Ecclesiastes 12:13: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
John:17:4: "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."
Revelation 5:13: "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
Revelation 14:6: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,"
We are to live for the Lord upon this earth, to do the will of God, to preach the everlasting gospel of salvation in Christ Jesus. We are the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:13: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
It is our prayer that all men, everywhere, bow down and worship God. Our prayer is that God’s will be done on the earth.
…as it is in heaven…
God’s will is done in heaven, and so it should be done upon the earth. According to scripture, there were those in heaven who did not the will of God. These God purged from heaven. Those who remain obey Him, giving Him all praise, honor and glory!
Jude 1:6: "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
Revelation 12:7-12: "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
Revelation 4:8: "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."
Revelation 4:9: "And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,"
Revelation 4:11: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
Revelation 5:12: "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
Revelation 5:13: "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
Revelation 7:12: "Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen."
Revelation 19:1: "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:"
Those who would disobey God will never be admitted to heaven! That is why it is so important that we of the earth yield to His will, and obey Him!
Revelation 21:7-8: "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Revelation 21:23-27: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."
Revelation 22:14-15: "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."
…Give us…
Our very life comes from God, as does every good gift.
Acts 17:27-28: "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
I Corinthians 2:12: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."
…this day…
Matthew 6:34: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Luke 12:16-31: "And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
"And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
We must take each day that God gives us as a special gift, not worrying about tomorrow. He will provide for us daily, if we have faith in His power to supply!
…our daily bread…
As we just read, God supplies our daily needs. He does not want us to lay up treasures here on earth, but in heaven. We are to trust God to give us day by day the food we need to sustain us.
Matthew 6:24-25: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"
…And forgive us…
We are all in need of forgiveness.
Romans 3:10-12: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 5:12: "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
…our debts…
Acts 3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
Romans 4:7: "Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."
Ephesians 2:1: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"
1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Luke 7:47: "Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."
…as we forgive our debtors…
Luke 6:37: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"
Matthew 6:14-15: "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 18:21-22: "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."
Matthew 18:32-35: "Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
…And lead us not into temptation…
God does not lead us into temptation.
James 1:13: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
This is instead a humble plea for direction and guidance away from temptation.
Revelation 7:17: "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
John 16:13: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
John 10:3: "To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out."
…but deliver us from evil…
Galatians 1:4: "Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:"
2 Timothy 4:18: "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
2 Peter 2:9: "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:"
…For thine is the kingdom…
Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Romans 14:17: "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
1 Corinthians 15:24: "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."
1 Thessalonians 2:12: "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."
2 Timothy 4:1: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;"
Hebrews 1:8: "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."
…the power…
Revelation 11:17: "Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned."
Revelation 15:8: "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled."
1 Corinthians 6:14: "And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power."
…and the glory…
Luke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Romans 5:2: "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Romans 11:36: "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
1 Corinthians 10:31: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Jude 1:25: "To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
Revelation 7:12: "Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen."
Revelation 11:13: "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven."
Revelation 14:7: "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
…forever.
1 Timothy 1:17: "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 1:8: "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."
1 Peter 4:11: "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 5:11: "To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
Revelation 4:9: "And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,"
Revelation 4:10: "The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,"
Revelation 5:14: "And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."
Amen.
1 Corinthians 14:16: "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?"
2 Corinthians 1:20: "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
Revelation 3:14: "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;"
Revelation 5:14: "And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."
It is best to remember that this is a model prayer. Jesus did not say that it had to be, or even should be, exactly word for word this way. If you will read the prayers of Jesus (Matthew 26 & John 17), you will find them passionate, from the heart, and suited to the occasion.
Note also that many of the psalms of David are worded prayerfully. From these examples, we can learn to pray earnestly, from the heart.
Pray Without Ceasing
We are to be ever prayerful. This denotes readiness to pray, a willingness to pray and the heart that is constantly in prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."
Colossians 1:9: "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;"
2 Thessalonians 1:11: "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:"
Acts 6:4: "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
Acts 12:5: "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
Romans 12:12: "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"
Ephesians 6:18: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
Colossians 4:2: "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
1 Thessalonians 3:10: "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?"
Luke 18:1: "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"
Ask, and You Shall Receive
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Although we are to be instant in prayer, constantly praying, praying often, praying long and hard as the occasion warrants, we are not to waste our requests by vainly repeating ourselves. There is good reason for this, as is shown in the following:
Matthew 6:5-8: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."
We are not to keep saying the same thing repeatedly in the same prayer in order to impress others with a long prayer. God hears us the first time! In fact, He knows what we need before we ask. Nevertheless, if something is important to us, we should continue to petition God in prayer.
Luke 18:1-5: "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me."
God hears the prayers of the righteous.
1 Peter 3:12: "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."
John 9:31: "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
He knows how to give good gifts to His children.
Matthew 7:11: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
Matthew 21:22: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
1 John 3:22: "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Even the righteous do not know how to properly address God, but we have help in this. God’s Holy Spirit resides within the righteous, helping us to pray.
Romans 8:26-28: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Note that the Spirit intercedes for the saints, or righteous. He asks in a language the human cannot utter. He also frames the prayer according to the will of God. It is important that we ask according to the will of God, not just foolishly, for consumption upon our own fleshly desires.
1 John 5:14-15: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."
James 4:1-3: "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."
Not For Show
There is no place in prayer for theatrics or showmanship. Jesus made this very plain. Prayer is not like preaching or teaching. It is not a way to get a message across to the public. It is communication with God. Sometimes it is held in public, so that several may pray together.
Private prayer is between an individual and God.
Matthew 6:5-6: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Luke 6:12: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Matthew 14:23: "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."
Mark 6:46: "And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray."
Acts 10:9: "On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:"
Public prayer occurs when a group of people prays together for the same thing.
Acts 1:13-14: "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
Acts 12:5: "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
I Corinthians 14:15-17: "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified."
Pray Humbly
Luke 18:9-14: "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
For Whom Should We Pray?
We should pray for each other, our fellow Christians.
Hebrews 13:18: "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly."
2 Thessalonians 3:1: "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:"
1 Thessalonians 5:25: "Brethren, pray for us."
Acts 8:24: "Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me."
We should pray for ourselves.
Acts 8:22: "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
Luke 21:36: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Luke 22:40: "And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation."
We should pray for our enemies.
Matthew 5:44: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
Romans 12:14: "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."
We should pray for leaders, that we may lead a quite and peaceable life; for all men, that they might be saved.
1 Timothy 2:1-4: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
We should continually give thanks to God in prayer, for the many good gifts He gives us.
Ephesians 5:3-4: "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."
Ephesians 5:20: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Colossians 4:2: "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
Special Circumstances
We are to pray daily, throughout the day, as warranted. There are occasions that arise that call for special instances of prayer. This is illustrated in events in the life of Jesus, and the apostles.
Jesus prayed before His betrayal, and crucifixion.
Matthew 26:36-46: "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.: Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
"And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
"He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
"And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
"And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
"Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me."
In John chapters 17 and 18, Jesus prayed for the disciples that He knew He must soon leave behind.
James said that we should pray for the sick.
James 5:14-15: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
He also wrote that we should pray for our sins (faults).
James 5:16-18: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."
To Whom Should We Pray?
Various religions teach people to pray to different individuals. Some say that one should pray to Mary, the mother of Jesus. I have heard some pray to Jesus Himself. Others pray to various apostles or other saints, or some "saints" so-called by their specific religious leaders.
What does the Bible say?
We have already examined that prayer is to be to God, our heavenly Father, the Creator of all things. Jesus prayed thusly, and instructed His followers to do the same.
Matthew 6:6: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Matthew 6:9: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
Nowhere in Old or New testaments are we told to pray to anyone else! Therefore, we must conclude that we are to pray to God, and to Him alone. After all, it is a matter of these facts:
God is the Almighty; the Eternal; the Creator; worthy of all praise, honor and glory.
He is our heavenly Father, when we do His will and obey His instructions and commandments.
There is no higher power in the entire universe! He holds all power, controls all things.
Why would we want to pray to anyone else? If God cannot (or will not) help us, who can (or will)? It makes no sense at all to pray to any other being. We have not been instructed by God, by Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, or by the apostles, to pray to anyone else but God the Father.
Any other teaching is a man-made doctrine, and perverts the doctrine of Christ!
In Whose Name Should We Pray?
Again, some religious teachers say that it is proper to pray to God through Mary, or an Apostle, or another so-called saint. They say that that individual then intercedes for us, speaking to God on our behalf.
Again, I ask: What does the Bible say?
Ephesians 5:20: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
Colossians 3:17: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
John 14:13: "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
John 14:14: "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
John 14:26: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
One might well reason that if the apostles and others were holy, and have access to God, why not call upon them? Paul gives good insight into the answer by what he wrote to the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 1:12-13: Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 3:4-11: "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
"According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Acts 14:11-15: "And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:"
Revelation 19:9-10: "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
As Paul is ready to point out, it is Christ who was crucified for us, not a man. We are all ministers (servants) together in the church, but Jesus is the foundation of the church. Jesus is the author (originator) and finisher of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Revelation 1:8: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.'
Revelation 1:11: "Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."
Revelation 21:6: "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
Revelation 22:13: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
We are told to pray in the name of Jesus, and for good reason! He is our savior, our Lord, our master, our teacher! We are saved by His blood.
Acts 4:10-12: "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Philippians 2: 9-11: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Amen!
Why Pray?
Matthew 6:8: "Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."
Why should we pray at all? If God knows our every need before we even breathe a word of it, or think it in our minds, why should we even bother to pray?
It is communication. When Paul was describing how to prepare for spiritual warfare between good and evil, he wrote the following:
Ephesians 6:10-20: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
As in all battles, it is of vital importance that communication lines be open. This is one of the major goals in any combat, to keep information flowing in both directions. So it is in our spiritual warfare. We speak to our commander in heaven; He directs our movements "on the ground".
The Holy Spirit plays an important role in prayer, one that many fail to realize. He translates our needs, our pleas and longings, into a language God fully knows. He also frames the requests according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
We want the Holy Spirit of God to dwell within us, to speak on our behalf. Therefore, we must live the kind of life that makes us the children of God, so that our Father in heaven will answer our prayers.
Like any good father, He enjoys hearing from His children! You and I might know what our children need, but it is always good to hear them asking us. This lets us know that they respect, love, and trust us.
Matthew 7:11: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
Romans 8:15: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
Galatians 4:6: "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."
1 John 5:13-15: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."
God enjoys the fact that we recognize Him as our God, our Creator and our loving heavenly Father! He desires the praise of our lips, the thanksgiving that we express.
Hebrews 13:15: "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
Revelation 8:3-4: "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand."
The prayers of the saints are an offering and an incense to God.
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