Prayer

Why should we pray?

Jesus modeled for us prayer. Though Jesus was fully God, He got up early in the morning and talked with His Heavenly Father. God also tells us to seek Him, talk to Him, and ask Him questions. 

 Luke 11:9-10 And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

When should we pray?

Our whole life should be a life of prayer, of constant closeness, intimacy, conversation with God. Prayer brings us into the presence of God, keeping us aware that He is with us, speaks to us, and Himself longs for relationship with us. 

Psalm 5:3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Matthew 6:9-13 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven,may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon.May your will be done on earth,as it is in heaven.Give us today the food we need,and forgive us our sins, aswe have forgiven those who sin against us.And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

Prayer includes ACTS

A - Adoration– Telling God how amazing He is – adoration focuses on WHO God is…good, kind, caring, loving, just, etc…

C - Confession– Confess your sins. Doesn’t matter how big or how small you may think it is. God will forgive any and all sin (I John 1:9) Forgive people who have wronged you even if they haven’t asked you for forgiveness. 

T –  Thanks – Thanks focuses on WHAT God has done…provides, protects, answers, listens, helps, etc…

S –Supplication(fancy word for Ask) Tell God what you need, tell Him what you desire, pray for family members, for anything that is on your mind.