How To Pray!

Bible Text: Matthew 6:5-8  “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. “When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him.” Read Matthew 6:5-14.

Memory Verse: 1John 5:14, We have courage in God’s presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will.

Studying the word of God creates a good foundation for prayers and the passages of the scriptures which speaks about teachings of Jesus Christ are very interesting to study. Although Christ most times spoke in parables, this teaching is one of the very few He taught directly and the verses are those which can be easily understood by all. Prayer has never been very confusing but also not always very straight forward. A good number of believers today where born into Christianity, grew up or growing up in a Christian home and as such, have the privilege to understand the rudiments of prayer, know when to pray, what to pray about, basics of how to pray but not necessarily how to pray effective and prevailing prayers which avails much.

Prayer is one of the fundamentals of a Christian life and while Jesus was here on earth, He communicated with God so often through prayer, and He never did anything without talking to the Father. Interestingly, even the disciples which followed Jesus around during His ministry on earth still needed to be taught how to pray. When Jesus had finished communicating with God on one occasion, His disciples asked to be taught how to pray Read Luke 11:1-4.

Prayer is not a set of routine or automatic words to be said to God. Jesus taught His disciples where and how to pray. He is particular about prayers being rewarding, therefore we are already guided on prayers that yield result as seen in our bible text for today Matthew 6:5-8.

The directions given by Jesus are not the exact words to be said everyday but clear pointers on things our prayers must contain. Jesus used the phrase “This is how you should pray” as a guide on how we should pray to God the Father and not What we should say to Him.

There are different types of prayers to be prayed. Usually, I believe it should always be thanksgiving first before anything else because a thankful heart, creates a basis for receiving more from God, not just supplications, but most importantly, God’s attention.

1.  Adoration: Just like Jesus did, every communication to God must begin with Adoration(Praise) as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:9 ‘‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored;”.

2.  Forgiveness: Sin is a debt andthere is always a time of repayment for the sins committed either intentionally or unknowingly, Romans 6:12. Jesus has given us an opportunity to have that debt paid when we come to Him in prayers Matthew 6:12 “Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.”. Being a Christian does not qualify you for automatic forgiveness from God and ignoring your sins will block the communication line Psalm 66:18. You only get forgiven when you ask for forgiveness.

3. Provision: Your communication with God should contain an expression of what you desire. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:11 “Give us today the food we need.”. Although God knows exactly what we need and when but our daily responsibility is to ask Him, Matthew 7:7.

4. Direction: God is interested in guiding His children through the right path, Matthew 6:13 focuses on our running to Him for shield, shelter and direction. This is our recognition that we cannot depend on ourselves but see God as the voice behind, directing us all day, and this happens only if we commit ourselves to Him, Isaiah 30:21.

The focus of your prayer is not you, it’s all about God but it’s not simply moving your wish list into your shopping basket expecting God to just enter His card details to complete your shopping spree. Prayer in its genuine form, is an opportunity to let God know that you recognise His presence in your life and acknowledge Him as the controller of heaven and earth. Talk to him about your need, ask for forgiveness and invite Him into your everyday life.

PRAYERS:

• Father I thank You for a new week and for the grace to know You
• I receive the power to pray effectvie and prevailing prayers in this year 2020
• Help me understand that prayers is a solemn communication which draws me nearer to You and is all about you not just my desires.
• Forgive my iniquities Lord and let your mercy prevail over judgement
• Thank you Father and in Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.

I’m reading the YouVersion plan ‘Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel’. Check it out by clicking on the caption below.