Congregational Theme: Daily Disciples
Acts 2:42 – And they continued steadfastly in [ devoted themselves to ] the apostles’ doctrine & fellowship, in the breaking of bread, & in prayers.
Luke 11:1 – Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples [?] said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:2-4 – So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
LEARNING TO PRAY FROM JESUS PRAISE: “ Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name.” PURPOSE: “ Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” PROVISION: “ Give us day by day our daily bread.” PARDON: “ Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” PEOPLE: Addressing God on behalf of others. PROTECTION: “ And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER PERSISTENT FRIEND (Luke 11:5-8) PERSISTENT WIDOW (Luke 18:1-8) – If selfish human beings will responds to persistent petitions, how much more will a loving & generous Heavenly Father!
PROMISE IN PRAYER PERSISTENCE REWARDED (Luke 11:9-10) A FATHER’S GIFTS (Luke 11:11-13) – If an earthly father gives what is best to his children, surely the Father in heaven will do even more – to point of giving them His own wisdom & guidance.
PRACTICE OF PRAYER SELF-DISCIPLINE – Daily reminders & the willingness to change habits. DEPENDENCE ON GOD – Realizing our utter dependence on Him (Acts 3:1).
Make time to pray to the Father every day. That’s what “Daily Disciples” do!