1. Enjoying God in prayer – Mt.6:5-15 1. How can we talk with God? a. God has spoken/speaks to us – Bible b. We speak to him – Prayer The “Lord’s Prayer” helps us to pray:- a. It covers the main things in life b. We can use it as a guide

2. 2. Prayer is possible – “Our father in heaven” God has made prayer possible:- a. We are made for prayer b. We are saved to pray c. We are helped to pray – Rom.8:16,26,27 When we pray we come to:- 1. A loving, caring father – “Our father” 2. A powerful, wise father – “Our father in heaven”. He is the GREAT KING

3. Therefore when we pray:- 1. We should come eagerly, confidently AND humbly & respectfully 2. We bring all our needs BUT God is not our servant 3. We pray – “Pray you fool” “Come to God. Come to your father.Come”

4. 3. Prayer is work God has called every Christian to be a co-worker with him. God must come first. God Me

5. a. “Hallowed be your name”- we pray that we will bring honour to God – show his character b. “Your kingdom come” – we pray that more people will hear & believe the Good News of Jesus. - 12 “living stones” c. “Your will be done on earth ----” – we pray that God will help us to be transforming agents in the community, school, place of work etc.

6. When we pray about God’s honour, the Gospel & changing places where we are we find:- a. We become involved b. We support each other c. We find our problems are not so big – Mt.6:33 What stops us praying like this:- a. We are selfish – we focus on “me” b. We are lazy/apathetic “Embrace God’s plans. Embrace God’s plans”

7. 4. Prayer is essential God is our creator – we depend on him God is our father – we should come to him a. “Give us today our daily bread” – what we need for the day b. “Forgive us our debts ----” - we come humbly to ask for forgiveness - we come in faith because of the Cross - we come thankfully – ready to forgive others

8. Prayer is essential c. “Deliver us from the evil one” – we need protection & spiritual strength 1. We face struggles & trials 2. We will have temptations God is our provider, deliverer & protector “Trust him, trust him, trust him.”

9. 5. Enjoying God in prayer – let us make sure we:- a. Enjoy God as our loving father b. Enjoy the exciting plans he has c. Experience the peace & joy of knowing God as provider, deliverer & protector 1. Start each day with God & go through the day with God 2. Get together with other Christians to pray