God hears us above the waves II
Have you ever been asked for something that you would have been happy to give, but because of the way you were asked, you struggled to give it? Perhaps you’ve asked for something the wrong way and learned from it? In Matthew 6:8 Jesus makes it clear that God already knows what we need before we ask in prayer. In Romans 8:34 we read that Jesus is seated at God’s right hand and that He is praying for us. Knowing this, it should be clear that How we pray should be at least as important as What we pray. Jesus’ lesson on prayer clearly lays out the most critical things to include in prayer, but it’s entirely possible to ask for the right things in the wrong way.
Prayer is not about a technique, and should be authentic and sincere. Jesus uses the example of the prayer of a tax collector to show us the simple power of earnest and honest prayer in Luke 18:13-14. We can pray simply and spontaneously, but we should also take time to remember and reflect on Scripture’s teaching on how we should pray. We should meditate on Why we pray and How we should pray before drawing near to God in an intimate and devoted space.
Throughout Scripture and especially through Jesus’ teaching and example, we learn how we should pray. The letters P.R.A.Y.E.R.S remind us of words that are useful to mediate on before or while we’re praying to check our attitudes, motives and behaviours. They help us to pray the way God call us to through His Word the Holy Scriptures.
Scripture.
Matthew 6:5-15 ESV “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Bible Study.
Ephesians 6:18 and Luke 18:1 remind us to Persevere in prayer. This can mean praying for the same thing for extended periods, trusting God and growing in faith. Bartimeus (Mark 10:46-52) shows us that it’s not just overcoming delays in prayer that requires perseverance. How have you experienced the need to persevere in prayer?
Jesus calls us to desire to rely on God for every detail of our lives (Matthew 6:11). This requires Regular prayer, not just a devoted intimate time (Matthew 6:6) how else should our prayer be regular and reliant on God? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How does Abiding in God and His Word in our daily lives influence our prayer lives? John 15:7, 1 John 3:22-24
What Yearning does Isaiah express in Isaiah 26:9? What does it mean to yearn for God? What else should we yearn for in prayer? Matthew 5:6
Being Earnest in prayer is praying like we mean it, and trusting that God can do it, despite our doubts and fears. 1 Thessalonians 3:10, Acts 12:5. God sends Jesus an angel to strengthen Him in prayer, what does He do with this strength? Luke 22:42-44
What two things should we Remember and proclaim about what Jesus did and what He does for us as we pray? Romans 8:34. What should we express to God in response to these two realisations?
What Scriptures do the Apostles pray in Acts 4:25-28? What do they ask for, and how does God respond?
Worship.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Service
Intercessory prayer is prayer devoted to seeking the best for others. It is a supreme act of service to other people. We can pray with them or for them from a great distance away from them. Prayer changes us, and can change the way we see the people that we pray for regularly. Why not connect with a friend or two to regularly pray for the people you know and love and for those who mistreat us.