The Lord’s example Prayer

I love that God is honoring my request to learn more about prayer, love, and trust. Today, Pastor Chris spoke about the Lord’s Prayer. Here is a link if you would like to hear it straight from the horses mouth: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media

Below are some notes from the sermon: 7/20/14 – Teach Us to Pray

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“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” – John 11:1

Immediately following this scripture, God gave us the Lord’s prayer. It was meant to be an outline of things to cover in prayer; teaching us how to pray. Instead of using it as an outline for our prayers, we have turned it into the prayer, losing the connection and power of the real deal. The following details how to use this prayer appropriately.

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Matthew 6:9-13 – “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.”

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Topics covered in the Lord’s example Prayer:

1. Connect with God relationally
2. Worship His name
3. Pray His will first
4. Depend on Him for everything
5. Get your heart right with God and people
6. Engage in spiritual warfare
7. Express faith in God’s ability

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1. Connect with God relationally
“Our Father in heaven”

“The Spirit you received does not make you fearful slaves; rather, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15

Greek from Aramaic: ῾abbā equals daddy.

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11

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2. Worship His name
“hallowed be your name”

“The name of the Lord is a place of protection; the righteous can run there and be safe.” – Proverbs 18:10

In the original text of the Bible, God has many names. His names alway signify what he is to us; by knowing him for who he is, we can praise him for who he is; which is everything we need.

Jehovah – I Am
Jehovah Shammah – God who is near
Jehovah Nissi – the Lord my banner
Jehovah Shalom – the Lord of peace
Jehovah Jireh – The Lord who sees/provides
Jehovah Rapha – the Lord who heals
etc.

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3. Pray His will first
“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”

What is his will? He asks us to love God first and for most, which we did in step 2; so step 3 follows his second command, to love others. Simple pray for the people and situations around you.

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4. Depend on Him for everything
“Give us today our daily bread”

Ask him for your own daily needs.

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5. Get your heart right with God and people
“forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”

My last post on The Process of Renewal is a great resource for steps 5 & 6.

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6. Engage in spiritual warfare
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”

Ask God to help you spot the schemes of the enemy and turn them into a way to show love to people. And to help you notice when you are acting in the flesh.

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7. Express faith in God’s ability
“for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.”

“Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

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Personal Example Prayer:

Present God, I praise you for being the God of peace and purity; an all sufficient God.

Lord, I ask that you be present in our country; that you help bring peace and pure motive to other nations, and that you bring peace and purity to our nation as well. Lord, purify us; sift out the waste in our government system; keep us from corruption. Daniel 4:32 says that “the Most High God rules over all of the kingdoms of men. He gives them to anyone He wants.” Lord, these are your words; your promise. Lord, remove the rulers who stir up needless war. Raise up truthful leaders and news stations who serve the people instead of their own agendas.

Lord, I ask that you bring peace to my life as well. I ask that you shed light on the lies I believe and purify me.

Lord, forgive me for having blessing and cursing from the same mouth. Purify my mouth, teach me how to control it, and how to use it for your glory. Show me where I am weak, and make me strong. Continue to be present, point out issues as they arise, and give me the truth of your word to combat my obstacles.

I thank you that you are willing and able to do these things for your glory, in Jesus name.