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Prayer 

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Prayer 

By Brent Davis, Salt and Light Coordinator 

As I was praying about what to write, the Lord indicated I should write about prayer. What is prayer, and why is it important? Prayer is simply talking to God, and there is no one more important to talk to.  How do we talk to God? When Jesus’ disciples asked this question, he gave them a model: 

2 Jesus said to them, “When you pray, this is what you should say. 

“‘Father,
may your name be honored.
May your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
    as we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
Keep us from falling into sin when we are tempted.’” (Luke 11: 2-4) 

 

 

There are two parts to this prayer: God’s glory and rule, and our needs.  The order is important. Start your prayer with a focus on God’s purposes. Ultimately, the key to happiness and peace is life in God’s kingdom. This also establishes your right to ask for help. You are acknowledging that God is your king, and kings are expected to respond to the petitions of their subjects, non-subjects not so much. If you have not seen much happen when you talk to God, maybe you have not established that he is your Father and king.  

 

As for the second part, notice that the pronoun is ‘us’ not ‘me.’  We should show our concern for each other in our prayers. Notice, also, that the issue of sin and forgiveness gets more weight than our physical needs. Food is necessary, but sin blocks our communication with God which blocks His blessing:  

 

If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God has surely listened.
    He has heard my prayer.
20 Give praise to God. (Psalm 66: 18-20) 

 

 

    He has accepted my prayer.
    He has not held back his love from me. 

 

 

When you pray, be sure that God is your king, and that you have received forgiveness so that He can give you what you need.  One other point about forgiveness is that we get what we give:  

 

37 “If you do not judge other people, then you will not be judged. If you do not find others guilty, then you will not be found guilty. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount will be poured into your lap. It will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same amount you give will be measured out to you.” (Luke 6: 37-38) 

 

Keep these points in mind, and pray!