TEACH ME TO PRAY - An Important Lesson
TEACH ME TO PRAY - An Important Lesson
INTRODUCTION:
“I want to hear you praying” This was a statement I regularly heard from one of my mentors during my school days. I later understood this statement not to mean exhibitive prayer but rather making prayer a habit. I love praying because I often heard my dad praying during his personal prayer sessions at night. I later established my own personal prayer time from observing him praying.
As a parent, has your child bumped on you praying at an unusual time? As a husband, has your wife suddenly finding you praying? As a wife, has your husband opened the door and find you praying?
We would never love praying and it would be a
burden until prayer becomes a pleasure and when we see prayer as a special time
of fellowship with our heavenly father, and not just a demand or emergency
channel. Prayer is a spiritual communication and relationship between man and
God. It requires spiritual language and connection. If prayer is only observed
during time of need and emergency, then we need to have a closer look at the
prayer syllabus as taught by Jesus.
1. In your own words, define prayer.
POINTS:
Spiritual communication
Spiritual relationship
Spiritual communication
process:
-Sender
-Receiver
-Feedback
-Follow up
Regular spiritual
exercise
Requires spiritual
language
Requires spiritual
connection
Communication gap is
possible (interference)
Spiritual platform
Requires regular practice
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Definition of Prayer:
Prayer is a spiritual practice where one communicates with God, expressing thoughts, emotions, and desires, seeking guidance, comfort, and strength. It is both a form of worship and a means to establish a deeper relationship with the God
Communication with God: Prayer allows us
to express our thoughts and feelings to God.
“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.” (Romans 8:26)
Worship and Praise: Through
prayer, we can exalt and glorify God, acknowledging His greatness and
majesty.
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us
kneel before the LORD our maker.”
(Psalm 95:6)
Seeking Guidance: To ask for
divine direction in issues and decisions.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be
given him.” (James 1:5)
Confession and
Repentance: Prayer provides an opportunity to confess sins and seek
forgiveness, creating spiritual renewal.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1
John 1:9)
Intercession for Others: Through
prayer, individuals can intercede on behalf of others, lifting their needs and
concerns to God.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
Finding Peace: Engaging in
prayer can lead to a sense of peace and comfort, reassuring believers in times
of trouble.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:7)
Developing a Personal
Relationship with God: Regular prayer nurtures a closer relationship with God, promoting
trust and intimacy.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to
you.” (James 4:8)
Expressing Gratitude: Prayer is a
means to express thankfulness for God's blessings in our lives.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
POINTS:
Better understanding
Trust development
Intimacy development
Togetherness
Unity
Less friction and
misunderstanding
Rapid/effective
conflict/differences management
True love/Charity
Easy correction
process/attitude
Application: Above
between man and God
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Strengthened Bond: Good
communication deepens the friendship, promoting a closer connection.
“A man that hath friends must show himself
friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs
18:24)
Spiritual Application: Our
communication with God strengthens our relationship with Him as we grow in
faith and trust.
Greater Understanding: Effective
exchange leads to better understanding of each other's thoughts, feelings, and
needs.
Spiritual Application: In prayer and
studying God’s Word, we gain insight into His will and our own hearts.
Conflict Resolution: Open dialogue
helps friends resolve misunderstandings and conflicts peacefully.
Spiritual Application: Honest
communication with God in prayer can help us address personal and spiritual conflicts
and receive His guidance.
Support and
Encouragement: Friends who communicate well can provide each other with the
encouragement needed during difficult times.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth
the countenance of his friend.”
(Proverbs 27:17)
Spiritual Application: As believers,
we are called to support one another in faith, sharing burdens and encouraging
growth.
Building Trust: Clear
communication develop trust, making friends feel safe and secure in each
other's presence.
Spiritual Application: Trust develops
in our relationship with God when we communicate honestly and dependently on
Him.
Shared Joy: Friends who
communicate effectively can celebrate each other's successes and joys.
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep
with them that weep.” (Romans 12:15)
Spiritual Application: Celebrating
victories in faith together creates living testimonies for the edification of
saints
Growth: Communication
allows friends to challenge and inspire one another towards growth.
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up
into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
Spiritual Application: Encouraging
one another in Christ helps us mature in faith and reflect His character more
fully.
3. Christ began the Lord’s Prayer with the words,
“Our Father which art in heaven.” What do these words imply regarding our
relationship with Him?
POINTS:
Spiritual relationship
Acknowledging God’s
Supremacy
Acknowledging God as the
Source of our being
Personal connection
Universal/Whosoever will
access/possession
Expressive endearment
Approachable (with
boldness)
Worship attitude/approach
(Humility)
Guidance
Correction/Discipline
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Intimacy and
Relationship: Personal relationship where believers can approach Him with
intimacy.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he
power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John
1:12)
Spiritual Family: The use of
"Our" emphasizes that God is the Father of a communal family, uniting
all believers as brothers and sisters.
“For ye are all the children of God by faith
in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)
Divine Authority and
Sovereignty: "Which art in heaven" acknowledges God's exalted
position and authority over all creation.
“The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
(Psalm 103:19)
Trust and Dependence: Calling God
"Father" expresses dependence on Him, as children trust their father
for provision and care.
Love and Care: This address
reflects the unconditional love and care that God has for His children.
“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 7:11)
Guidance and Discipline: The
relationship of a father includes guidance and, at times, discipline, showing
God's desire for our growth in righteousness.
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:6)
Heavenly Perspective: Recognizing
God's position in heaven reminds us to seek His will above our earthly
desires.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Assurance of Forgiveness:
As
children of God, we have the assurance that we can receive forgiveness and
restoration through Him.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1
John 1:9)
POINTS:
Malachi 1:6 A son
honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is
mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts
unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised
thy name?
Hallow?
- very
respected and praised because of great importance
- to give
something great importance and respect
Fatherly honour and
respect
How?
- Approach -Words
-Response -Action -Reaction -Obedience -Acknowledge authority
- Trust His
words -Trust His judgement
Obedience
Best is best for God
God first
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Reverence for God: To hallow
God's name is to acknowledge and honor His holiness and perfection.
“Holy and reverend is his name.” (Psalm
111:9)
This attitude cultivates a deep respect for
God's character in our prayers.
Recognition of His
Sovereignty: Hallowing His name indicates an acknowledgment of God’s supreme
authority and position over our lives.
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory
and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure
they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
Recognizing His sovereignty helps align our
requests with His will.
Acknowledgment of His
Attributes: By hallowing God's name, we reflect on His attributes, such as
love, justice, mercy, and grace
This established a more meaningful and
personal prayer experience.
Desire for God’s Glory: To hallow His
name is to desire that His glory be recognized and manifested in our lives and
the world around us.
“For of him, and through him, and to him,
are all things: to whom be glory for ever.” (Romans 11:36)
This perspective shifts our focus from
self-centered prayers to God-centered expressions.
Cultivating Humility: Approaching
God with a hallowed mindset demonstrates humility, acknowledging our need for
His guidance and grace.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty
hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
A humble attitude in prayer allows us to
submit our desires to His higher purpose.
Promoting Holiness in Our
Lives: When we hallow God’s name, we are reminded of our call to live
holy lives that reflect His character.
“Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter
1:16)
This leads to an earnest desire to seek His
righteousness in our actions and attitudes.
Setting the Tone for
Requests: Starting our prayers by hallowing God’s name reminds us of His
greatness and prepares our hearts to present our requests with respect and
sincere faith.
“...and whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
A foundation of reverence sets the right tone
for the entire prayer.
5. Verse 10 includes the words, “Thy will be done in
earth, as it is in heaven.” If these words are said sincerely, they reflect a
spirit of submission. What are some of the specific areas which would then be
submitted to the will of God?
POINTS:
God’s will is the best
God’s will is designed to
make us fit for God’s purposes
God’s will are revealed
in His words and through His spirit
God will not enforce His
will on us
The earth is the LORD”s –
Best to let Him have His will
Our will must
submit/surrender to God’s will
The demonstration of
God’s begins with you – your obedience
Submission is the key
Submission?
- the action of accepting or yielding to a
superior force or to the will or authority of another person
- obedience, compliance, subordination,
conformity, surrender
SPECIFIC AREAS TO SUBMIT
TO GOD:
-Heart -Mind -Body -Thoughts -Plans -Actions
-Reactions -Family -Career
- Resources – Success –
Struggles – Past – Contemporary issues - Future
- EVERYTHING
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Personal Plans and Desires: We submit our
personal ambitions and life plans to God, trusting His wisdom over our
own.
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy
thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
This acknowledges that God's plans are often
greater than our own.
Decisions: In areas such
as career, marriage, and ministry, submitting to God's will means seeking His
guidance and direction rather than relying solely on personal judgment.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be
given him.” (James 1:5)
This encourages seeking divine insight before
making significant decisions.
Health and Well-being: Submitting our
physical and mental health concerns to God involves trusting Him to work in our
lives regardless of circumstances.
“And the Lord shall guide thee continually,
and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like
a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” (Isaiah
58:11)
This reveals our trust in His provision and
care.
Life’s circumstances: Surrendering
our trials and difficulties, recognizing that God's will can be at work even in
difficult times.
“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.” (Romans 8:28)
This assures us that God can bring purpose
and growth from our challenges.
Finanances: Submitting our
financial decisions to God’s will involves trusting Him for provision and using
resources in ways that honor Him.
“Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with
the firstfruits of all thine increase.”
(Proverbs 3:9)
This shapes our approach to giving and
managing resources according to His will.
Authority: Accepting
God’s will includes respecting and submitting to the authorities He has placed
in our lives, including family, church, and governmental leaders.
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher
powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of
God.” (Romans 13:1)
This reminds us to honor God through our
attitudes toward authority.
Growth: Submitting to
God's will opens our hearts to grow spiritually and serve others according to
His purposes.
“For we are his workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should
walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
This encourages active participation in God's
mission.
POINTS:
Romans 8:32 He that
spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with
him also freely give us all things?
Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Psalm 37:25 I have been
young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed
begging bread.
The Giver of life
The Giver of all
Natural blessings
Covenant blessings
Specific blessings
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him
that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us
Your faith works to
actualize covenant blessings
What you ask is what you
get
The door you knock will
be opened
What you seek is what you
find
Don’t limit God:
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Dependence on God: Other
Areas of Dependence
Spiritual Nourishment: We depend on
God for the spiritual sustenance that helps us grow in faith and understanding
of His Word.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
This highlights the importance of God's Word
as our true source of life.
Guidance and Direction: We rely on God
for wisdom and guidance in our decisions and life paths.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and
lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he
shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
This illustrates the need for divine
direction in our lives.
Strength and Endurance: God's strength
is essential for overcoming challenges and enduring difficult times.
“I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
This reassures us of His empowering presence
in our struggles.
Peace of Mind: We depend on
God to provide peace amid life's storms and uncertainties.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:7)
This reminds us to seek His peace in our
worries.
Protection and Safety: We rely on God
for protection from harm and guidance in times of trouble.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still
waters.” (Psalm 23:1-2)
This conveys the comfort of His safeguarding
presence.
Healing and Restoration: We depend on
God for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I
will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 30:17)
This affirms our need for His restorative
power in our lives.
Provision of Needs: Beyond daily
bread, we rely on God for all our physical and material needs.
“But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
This reassures us of His generous provision.
Faith and Trust: We depend on
God to strengthen our faith, especially in times of uncertainty or doubt.
“Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
(Mark 9:24)
This emphasizes our need for His assistance
in anchoring our faith.
POINTS:
Spiritual virtues enabled
our spiritual life
You cannot give what you
don’t have
God’s standard is non-negotiable
Do unto others – as you
would want God to do unto you (Food for thought)
Our forgiveness is
conditional to our interpersonal relationship
Examine your
interpersonal relationships
Love is the key
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1. Acknowledgment of Our
Need for Forgiveness:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the
glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Understanding our own need for forgiveness
encourages humility. It reminds us to approach God with repentant hearts,
acknowledging our faults and seeking His grace.
2. Extend Forgiveness to
Others:
- The necessity of
forgiving those who have wronged us, positioning our willingness to forgive
others as reflective of our receiving forgiveness from God.
“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
6:14-15)
A reminder that our
relationship with God is interconnected with our relationships with others. It
calls us to practice forgiveness as a testament to our understanding of God’s
grace in our own lives.
Further Application Points:
Reflection on God’s
Grace: Acknowledging our debts to God helps us appreciate His grace and
love, inspiring us to reflect that same grace in our relationships with
others.
“And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath
forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Spiritual Freedom: Extending
forgiveness to others sets us free from bitterness and resentment, promoting
mental and emotional well-being.
Forgiving
Heart:
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger,
and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”
(Ephesians 4:31)
Recognizing the grace we've received
motivates us to let go of grudges.
Christ's Example: Our
willingness to forgive mirrors Christ’s ultimate act of forgiveness on the
cross, reinforcing our role as His disciples.
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what
they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Following His example encourages us to
forgive even in the most challenging situations.
POINTS:
Temptation?
- the desire to do
something, especially something wrong or unwise
- something you want to
have or to do, even though you know you shouldn't
- something that causes a
strong urge or desire to have or do something and especially something
that is bad, wrong, or unwise
God does not tempt us
God may allow trials of
faith – for promotion and blessings purposes
God will not lead us into
what He would not see us through
However, don’t lean on
your own understanding and strenght
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Recognition of Human
Weakness: This phrase acknowledges that we are prone to temptation and may
fall into sin if left to our own devices.
“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh
is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
It underscores our need for divine assistance
to navigate life’s challenges.
Request for Guidance and
Protection: Asking God to prevent us from entering situations where we might
be tempted beyond our ability to resist.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such
as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,
that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
This highlights God’s role in providing a way
out of temptation.
Desire for Spiritual
Strength: The phrase conveys a yearning for strength to withstand trials
and temptations that may arise in our daily lives.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might.”
(Ephesians 6:10)
Being led away from temptation reinforces our
need for God’s power to resist sin.
Pursuit of Holiness: It expresses a
desire to walk in righteousness and avoid compromising situations that could
lead us away from God's will.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so
be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
(1 Peter 1:15)
This reflects our aspiration to live
according to God’s holy standards.
Application Points:
Praying for Awareness: Regularly
seeking God’s protection helps us become more aware of potential temptations
and encourages us to make wise choices.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me,
and know my thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)
This prayer invites self-examination and
awareness of areas of vulnerability.
Building Spiritual
Discernment: Actively praying this request enhances our ability to discern
situations that may lead us to sin.
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are
of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to
discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
This encourages growth in spiritual maturity
and decision-making.
Surrounding Ourselves
with Support: Seeking to avoid temptation often involves surrounding ourselves
with positive influences and accountability partners to help keep us on the
right path.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth
the countenance of his friend.”
(Proverbs 27:17)
Focusing on God’s Word: Engaging with
Scripture equips us with the truth to combat lies and temptations.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
This reinforces Scripture's role in providing
strength and guidance in moments of temptation.
Attitudes Toward God:
1. Reverence and
Worship:
- Acknowledging God's kingdom, power, and
glory reflects deep respect and honor for His divine authority.
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory
and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure
they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
2. Acknowledgment of
Sovereignty:
Recognizing that all
authority and dominion belongs to God signifies acceptance of His supreme rule
over all creation.
“The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
(Psalm 103:19)
3. Gratitude and
Praise:
Expressing that God’s is the glory suggests
an attitude of thankfulness, acknowledging His greatness and the blessings He
bestows.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
This encourages an attitude of gratitude in
all circumstances.
4. Confidence in His
Power:
Claiming God’s power reinforces faith in His
ability to provide for our needs, protect us, and fulfill His promises.
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose
heart is perfect toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
This instills trust in His omnipotent
nature.
5. Eternal
Perspective:
The phrase “forever”
highlights an understanding of God’s eternal nature and the lasting impact of
His kingdom.
“Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and
thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.” (Psalm 145:13)
This encourages believers to look beyond the
temporary and focus on the eternal.
Application Points:
Cultivating a Life of
Worship: Regularly recognizing God’s sovereignty in our prayers and daily
lives help establish an ongoing attitude of worship and reverence.
Trusting God’s Plan: Accepting His
kingdom and authority leads us to rely on God’s guidance during uncertain
times, allowing us to find peace amidst challenges.
Regularly Giving Thanks: Developing a
habit of thankfulness enhances spiritual growth and a heart aligned with God’s
will.
CONCLUSSION:
(Daddy my daddy, teach me how to pray.)
One night a sleepy little boy knelt beside my bed
He smiled and looked into my eyes and this is what he said
Daddy, my daddy, you've taught me lots today
So daddy, my daddy, teach me how to pray
You brought me home a brand new kite showed me how to fly
And there ain't no wonder kid who's dad can knock a ball so high
I'd like to thank God for you, but I don't know what to say
So daddy, my daddy, teach me how to pray
I'd had to turn and leave his room, he began to cry
I didn't want my boy to know but so did I
His best pal forsaken him but what was there to say
For daddy, yes daddy, had forgotten how to pray
(Daddy, my daddy, teach me how to pray.)...
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