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More Praying Thoughts

It's been a couple of Sunday teachings now on Prayer.  All I can say is that I felt strongly that I was to encourage us to learn more about prayer.
I've spent the last two weeks talking about Prayer as Spiritual Warfare and it is important to know how true that is, but it is also relationship.  Here's where I find what Jesus says about Prayer to be so crucial.


Matthew 6:5-13 (NKJV)
5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: 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 forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Six quick things to say:

        1.  Prayer leads us God’s Love - Intimacy
                “Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name...”
        2.  Prayer leads us to Purpose and Wonder - “the Kingdom”
                “Your Kingdom Come...”
        3.  Prayer leads us to trust and surrender -
                “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven...”
        4.  Prayer leads us to trust in God’s Provision - Abundance
                “Give us this day our daily bread...”
        5.  Prayer leads us to Transformation -
                “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors...”
        6.  Prayer leads us to Preservation - Safe
                “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one...”

It's crucial that we learn that God has great delight in us as we turn to him in prayer.

Peace

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