This is How You Pray

This is How You Pray

Prayer – communicating with God

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.  When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…”   Luke 11:1 (NIV)  

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”    Matthew 6:9 - 13 (NIV) 

FIVE THINGS TO DO WHEN PRAYING

Approach God with a heart of worship. 

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”    Matthew 6:9 (NIV)

Hallowed: hagiazo (hag-ee-ad’-zo); to make holy, purify or consecrate.

Place God’s will above your own.

“…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”     Matthew 6:10 (NIV)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.    Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Trust God to meet your daily needs. 

“Give us today our daily bread.”    Matthew 6:11 (NIV)

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.    Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Ask God to forgive your sins.

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”     Matthew 6:12 (NIV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.    1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Rely on God’s power to overcome temptation.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”     Matthew 6:13 (NIV)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.    1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)