Keeping prayer simple and powerful Start prayer journal Different series next week but same prayer focus Be intentional about lifestyle, about tracking About seeing God answer prayer Take notes in it –with bookmark Does the main points (focus on first part) Today – keep prayer simple and powerful like Jesus IF IT WILL BE A LIFESTYLE FOR US So far we have said in PrayFirst

When we pray: - we live like Jesus - we depend on God Jesus modelled this life We’ve looked at his prayer life in the gospel of luke during daily devotions in September From beginning to end – Jesus had a lifestyle of prayer The early church devoted themselves to prayer and look what happened in their lives and church

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and TO PRAYER. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

“44 All the believers were together and had everything in common “44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. “

 They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1. Talk to God “Father God, I need You!” “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven” (Mt 6:9) “ ‘Abba, Father,’ Jesus prayed, ‘everything is possible for you.” (Mark 14:36) Jesus modelled a way to pray that included this: He called God, “Abba” – dad (Picture of a loving father) In OT God is directly refered to as God 15 times In the Gospels, God is refed to as Abba 165 times Jesus modelled a simple idea: God is your dad you can talk to That’s what the book of Psalms is all about / Abba, I need you (like our song) Share your thoughts and feelings. No relationship stays healthy if you don’t Feelings about life, circumstances, yourself (These are the psalms – this is how I feel) That’s not emotionalism. Its healthy – you’ve got feelings. I want my kids to call me / To know how they feel / To turn to me – God has done that for you For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)

2. Hear from God “My Child, I love You!”  “Your will be done” (Mt 6:10) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened . . . learn from me”(Mt 11:28) Read His Word – knowing you are loved (not hated, not judged) Go grocery shopping Always forget what she said Write it down He has written it down for you His Word is the leader of His kingdom coming Can’t pick and choose – all of it in love

3. Give to God “Father God, all I have is Yours” “Forgive us our trespasses” (Mt. 6:12) “Give, and it will be given to you. (Lk 6:38) Your: Needs, praise, forgiveness, obedience, repentance, hopes Worried about a relationship Talk to God (how I’m feeling about relationships) - listen to his word (Matthew _ - against you) Still didn’t feel focused at peace Because prayer is more than talking WHEN YOU REALLY GIVE SOMETHING TO GOD, HE WILL REALLY GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO YOU IF YOU REALLY HAVEN’T GIVEN HIM ANYTHING YOU WON’T FEEL LIKE HE IS REAL (OR PRAYER) REAP WHAT WE SOW 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.b”

4. Be Filled with God “My child, believe and receive” “Give us today our daily bread” (Mt 6:11) “ how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:13) Not enough to be talk, listen, give – expect to be filled Jas 1:5-8

5. Finish in Unity “Father God, let us glorify you!” This, then, is how you [plural] should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come [to us & the world] your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts . . .” (Mt 6:9-12) That’s what the book of acts is That’s acts 2 when they are devoting themselves in prayer

What we pray together for Monday – Salvations (v47) Tuesday – Healings (v43) Wednesday – Reconciliation (v44) Thursday – Generosity (v45) Friday – Revival (v42-43) (v43) – many wonders and miracles signs Every day finish Lord – thanks for filling me Now let us see your glory

FIRST WEDNESDAY PRAYER Step Of Faith This Week FIRST WEDNESDAY PRAYER This Wednesday, 7-8p Worship & Prayer Children Ministry: Infant to 2nd Grade

Have Prayer Time Each Day Step Of Faith This Week Have Prayer Time Each Day Keep it simple (5 steps) Have your journal ready

Let It Begin Now Keep it simple (5 steps) Have your journal ready Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you.” “Father God, today I give to you . . .” Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Lk 6:38