Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always… and supplication in the Spirit… watching with all perseverance… for all saints.
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:9-13.
Introduction: Prayer, simply put, is communion with God. Every relationship is sustained and nourished by interaction. From the very beginning, God and man spoke to each other regularly, even frequently- Gen.3: 8-13. In Genesis 4:26, “…men began to call upon the name of the Lord” in prayer. Prayer unlocks and deploys the awesome power of the Creator of heaven and earth. Elijah was a human being with the same passions, emotions and limitations common to man, yet he prayed and heaven was closed for three and a half years. He prayed again and the heaven opened and rain fell and the earth yielded fruit, James 5:17-18. In essence, by prayer he controlled one of the most uncontrollable and unpredictable phenomena known to man, that is, the elements and the weather. Therefore, prayer can positively impact all politics, health, economy, academics, marriage, child bearing and training.
Postures
We must admit we do not have answers to all life questions and therefore, need help from a higher authority. This will necessarily show in our attitudes and postures when we pray. Our body language in prayer speaks volumes and provides an insight into what we really believe. We could lie down with our face to the ground or sit bent over face between knees or bow down, kneel or stand with head bowed or look up hands raised. Josh.5: 14; Mt.26: 39; 1 Kgs.18: 42; Gen.24: 26; Ex.4: 31; Ex.12: 27; Ex.9: 5; Ps.95: 6; Acts 7:60; Eph.3: 14; Mk.11: 25; Lk.18: 11-13; Ps.28: 2; 1 Tim.2: 8. Ultimately, what matters most is the state of mind. Two people prayed at the same place and time yet one came back more justified than the other- Lk 18:10-14
We must admit we do not have answers to all life questions and therefore, need help from a higher authority. This will necessarily show in our attitudes and postures when we pray. Our body language in prayer speaks volumes and provides an insight into what we really believe. We could lie down with our face to the ground or sit bent over face between knees or bow down, kneel or stand with head bowed or look up hands raised. Josh.5: 14; Mt.26: 39; 1 Kgs.18: 42; Gen.24: 26; Ex.4: 31; Ex.12: 27; Ex.9: 5; Ps.95: 6; Acts 7:60; Eph.3: 14; Mk.11: 25; Lk.18: 11-13; Ps.28: 2; 1 Tim.2: 8. Ultimately, what matters most is the state of mind. Two people prayed at the same place and time yet one came back more justified than the other- Lk 18:10-14
Reverence
We must always approach God with due reverence, in humility and submission in the knowledge that He is the sovereign Senior Partner, whose help we need. A servant is never greater than his master. No one can teach Him or improve His design. He is holy and perfect in all His ways. So, when we pray we must be alert, attentive and sometimes fast, praise and be grateful. Lk.21: 36; Col.4: 2; Jam.5: 16; 1Kgs.8: 33; Dan.9: 3; Jer.31: 19; Hos.12: 3; Ps.66: 17; Phil.4: 6; Ps.48: 1-3; Ps.18: 3-46.
We must always approach God with due reverence, in humility and submission in the knowledge that He is the sovereign Senior Partner, whose help we need. A servant is never greater than his master. No one can teach Him or improve His design. He is holy and perfect in all His ways. So, when we pray we must be alert, attentive and sometimes fast, praise and be grateful. Lk.21: 36; Col.4: 2; Jam.5: 16; 1Kgs.8: 33; Dan.9: 3; Jer.31: 19; Hos.12: 3; Ps.66: 17; Phil.4: 6; Ps.48: 1-3; Ps.18: 3-46.
Conclusion
The Bible asked us to pray without ceasing. This means we should always remember to take God’s opinion into account in all we do, say or think. He is only a prayer away. Call Him today and He will answer you in the mighty name of Jesus.
The Bible asked us to pray without ceasing. This means we should always remember to take God’s opinion into account in all we do, say or think. He is only a prayer away. Call Him today and He will answer you in the mighty name of Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment