Sermon Luke 11:1-4 When You Pray Introduction

Scripture is your map, and prayer is your spade.

The Institutes of The Christian Religion John Calvin The Institutes of The Christian Religion

“Prayer Which is the Chief Exercise of Faith, and by Which We Daily Receive God’s Benefits”

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:1-4 ESV)

Jesus is assuming that his disciples will pray. “WHEN YOU PRAY” Jesus is assuming that his disciples will pray. Prayer is something we learn to do by doing it.

Lead with affection for God - What we believe about God will shape our prayer life. Acknowledge His worth in reverent adoration - He is both present and powerful. Align your heart with God’s agenda.

Admit sin and acknowledge His forgiveness- God is the source of spiritual renewal and restoration and forgiveness is at the heart of both. Embracing God as a refuge

“Hypocrites Deficient in the Duty of Prayer” –Jonathan Edwards Those made alive by the Holy Spirit have within them a Spirit who cries out, “Abba, Father.” The neglect of the duty of prayer seems to be inconsistent with supreme love to God.

How can you expect to dwell with God for ever, if you so neglect and forsake him here? If you had a hope of salvation, but see no fruit or desire for secret prayer, don’t allow that false hope to keep you from true salvation. True conversion is rare, but to be moved off a false hope is even more rare.

Hypocrites can omit secret prayer and no one will know Hypocrites can omit secret prayer and no one will know. Their reputation before others does not oblige them to practice it. If others knew of the neglect they would be shocked, but because the neglect is in secret they may do other things in public and still have credit for being a converted person.

If you live in the neglect of secret prayer, you show your good will to neglect all the worship of God. He that prays only when he prays with others, would not pray at all, were it not that the eyes of others are upon him.

He that will not pray where none but God sees him, manifestly does not pray at all out of respect to God, and does in effect cast off all prayer. And he that casts off prayer, in effect casts off all the worship of God, of which prayer is the principal duty.

He that casts off the worship of God, in effect casts off God himself. If your initial fruit is withering then take hope in knowing that you can call out to God, and he can give you a true heart of faith.

ROOTS, BRANCHES, FRUIT – all are included in Lord’s Prayer

PRAY JESUS INTO EACH AREA OF YOUR LIFE. He is the exact image of the FATHER, and Jesus and the father are one. He has a name that is given that is above all names. He is the king who reigns.

He is the living bread that we need daily. He is the one who purchases our forgiveness and who defeats the enemy. He will return in glory and power .

The ABC’s of coming to faith – A - Admit that you’re weak and need grace and strength – That means there is GOOD NEWS FOR YOU   B- Believe that Jesus is the only savior who can heal your heart. C- confess to God that you want to trust Jesus as your savior and Lord