Bible Studies

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Prayer

Bible Reading.
Luke 11:1-13./ Romans 8:26-28.

“And whatever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father
may be glorified in the son” “If ye shall ask
anything in my name, I will do it.”
(John 14:13,14.)

Communicating with God.

Be As a dad I love to talk and listen to my children. What they did during the day, their stories of fun, what their problems are. I especially enjoy it when they ask me for things like a biscuit or "can you fix my bike dad". It makes me as a dad feel special. Children ask us as parents things because they want answers or they want something. Thus showing the helplessness of a child who is learning and has a need. Now keep this in mind. Please turn to (Matthew 7:9-11)

"Or what man is there of you whom, if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him? Now turn to (Luke 11:11-13) "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

Two different books of the Bible yet saying the same thing. This shows us that Jesus thinks it is important for us to know and understand the Father heart of God. Notice that Jesus gave in Luke another example "if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion." it seems that the disciples didn't quiet get it so He gave an extra example in this parable. I want to draw your attention to five points here. (1) We cannot out give God. (Luke 11:13/ Matthew 7:11) “how much more shall your Father,” (2) God knows how to give much more. (3) There is an asking. (John 16:23,24.)(4) There is a need. (5) God desires to give.

Basically God is not going to give us something that will hurt us, and be assured He will give us good gifts.
Please note these scriptures are talking about needs not wants. Talking or communicating to God is important it shows us the intimate relationship we have with Him, or don’t have with Him. Communicating with God is prayer, God loves to hear from us. It shows forth our faith and trust in God and that we need His help. We are showing a heart of helplessness. Remember communication requires; talking and listening. We will look at listening to God in another lesson.
Jesus’ Example of Prayer.

Turn to Luke 11:2-4. “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, who art in heaven” Here we see that our prayer is based upon a personal relationship so close as a family. We as believers can honestly cry out Father for we believe in Jesus and it is only through Jesus are we son/daughters of God Almighty, whom we now can call Father. John 1:9-14. ”Hallowed be thy name.” This is an attitude of reverence that God the Father is Holy, this is our worship to him, for what God is and does. Basically giving thanks to God. ”Thy kingdom come.” This is putting God’s kingdom first even in our needs, our desires etc. What God has laid on our hearts to pray for. First in the spiritual, then in the natural. Let your Spirit/Power come is another way of putting it! The kingdom of God is within men. Luke 17:21. “Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” We need help from the Holy Spirit! Romans 8:26,27. The word kingdom in the Greek is basileia: a realm, rule. This comes frombasileus: through the notion of a foundation of power. So we can see a kingdom is a foundation of power where one rules. In other words, when we say thy kingdom come; we are really saying- let your power come so you can rule. The foundation is Jesus. Read: Mark 9:1/1Cor 4:20.
“Thy will be done.” It is the will of the Father that must be attained, this is only through the Holy Spirit who teaches us His will, the Word of God is God’s will but the Holy Spirit enlightens it so we can understand God the Father’s interpretation thus His will be done. ”As in heaven, so in earth.” In heaven God’s perfect will is carried out in full, God want’s His will on earth as well, so we are praying God to manifest His will in earth just as it does in heaven.
“Give us day by day our daily bread.” This is asking God to supply our needs on a day to day basis. So we need to ask every day for our needs. Matt 7:7./ Mat 18:19./John 14:13./1 John 5:14./Phil 4:19. Through these scriptures it is obvious that God wants to supply all our day to day needs. Read also Psalms 23. “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.” We are to daily ask God for forgiveness, but we also have to forgive everyone else, this includes ourselves. Matt 6:14,15./Matt 18:21,22. “And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” We need to ask God to help us not to sin in any manner or form. God alone can keep us from falling. Jude 24.
Conditions for Successful Prayer.

With a whole heart. Jer 29:13.

By Faith. Matt 18:19. / Mark 11:24.

Of Righteousness. James 5:16.

In Obedience. 1John 3:22.

According to His Will. 1John 5:14.
God says in his word that: “ And it shall come to pass that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24./ Jeremiah 33:3.
There is a lovely Hymn about prayer.

Our father hears us when we pray; A whisper He can hear
He knows not only what we say, But what we wish or fear.

Tis not enough to bend the knee, And words of prayer to say;
The heart must with the lips agree, Or else we do not pray.

Teach us, O Lord, to pray aright; Thy grace to us impart,
That we in prayer may take delight, And serve Thee with the heart.
John Burton. 1803-77.

Remember to spend time in prayer unto God daily!

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