Lord, Teach Us To Pray (Part I)
We actually pray amiss on some occasions. The ones we put as our key prayer points are sometimes not the primary requirements. How can one pray without the direction of the Holy Ghost? It is the Spirit of God that directs. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26, King James Version).
Prayers should be directed straight to the Throne of God through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jesus has been given a Name that is above all names. A Name that opens the Heavens; a Name that transfers blessings from God to people. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11). God bestows the Power on His Son to link us with Heaven. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18). The Trinity also works together in the prayer process. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Ephesians 2:18).
One of the disciples, despite the fact that he had watched their Master pray so many times and had also prayed on many occasions, still asked for the direction concerning how to pray. And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (Luke 11:1).
Jesus in His Wisdom gave a response that portrays the order in which to pray. He also explained the core of Prayers in His answer.
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13).
Praying is a Divine process. It has well-laid down stages that should be followed in the process. The essence of prayers is to feel The Heart of God. God speaks to men according to His Will with reference to our thanksgiving, petitions and supplications. A prayer that is truly from a man's heart coupled with faith goes farther than the ones that are offered with an unbelieving heart. "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." (Matthew 6:5).
Our God should be recognised as the Receiver of our prayers and the Sender of the answers. Whatever He says should always be honoured. It does not matter if the answers are not our expectations. His Name and Judgment must always be hallowed. Even when it seems that He is quiet, one still has to give Him the glory that He deserves as The El Shaddai (Our God Almighty). He is The Alpha and The Omega, who completed the work before the inception. Who can understand His deeds? His mind cannot be read. He does as it pleases Him. Who can question His Authority? He is always busy with the fulfillment of His purpose. 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).
Prayers should be directed straight to the Throne of God through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jesus has been given a Name that is above all names. A Name that opens the Heavens; a Name that transfers blessings from God to people. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11). God bestows the Power on His Son to link us with Heaven. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18). The Trinity also works together in the prayer process. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Ephesians 2:18).
One of the disciples, despite the fact that he had watched their Master pray so many times and had also prayed on many occasions, still asked for the direction concerning how to pray. And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (Luke 11:1).
Jesus in His Wisdom gave a response that portrays the order in which to pray. He also explained the core of Prayers in His answer.
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13).
Praying is a Divine process. It has well-laid down stages that should be followed in the process. The essence of prayers is to feel The Heart of God. God speaks to men according to His Will with reference to our thanksgiving, petitions and supplications. A prayer that is truly from a man's heart coupled with faith goes farther than the ones that are offered with an unbelieving heart. "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." (Matthew 6:5).
Our God should be recognised as the Receiver of our prayers and the Sender of the answers. Whatever He says should always be honoured. It does not matter if the answers are not our expectations. His Name and Judgment must always be hallowed. Even when it seems that He is quiet, one still has to give Him the glory that He deserves as The El Shaddai (Our God Almighty). He is The Alpha and The Omega, who completed the work before the inception. Who can understand His deeds? His mind cannot be read. He does as it pleases Him. Who can question His Authority? He is always busy with the fulfillment of His purpose. 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).
