Prayer Is a Conversation

 

 

Our Sunday Morning Bible Study was guest teacher Donald and as he taught on Prayer, I took notes and present a digested lesson here for you.

Luke 11:1-5  Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray- -”

The disciples had been observing Jesus pray and desired to be able to pray like him.  Jesus gave them a Model to use as an example:  The Lords prayer found in these verses of Luke 11.

Our teacher had done more research to discover what others were saying about prayer.  Steven Chase likened the Lords prayer to a formula:  Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (ACTS) and adds silence and listening.

Jesus continued by using examples to help us understand God is our friend.   Suppose you have a friend and you go to him at midnight and ask for 3 loaves of bread.  He may delay because you persist and he is your friend he will supply your request. At first the friend gave excuses and was rude and contrary.  But because he was his friend, he honored his request.

We can learn from this that as friends we can disagree, but not be disagreeable.

We all have different personalities and we may understand differently. 

No matter how much we learn about a subject, there is always more to learn. 

Jesus was showing his disciples in verse 9 of Luke 11 to Ask, Seek and Knock and receive.  They were to come boldly and unashamed.

Why do we pray?

 

Prayer is a conversation with our Father God.  We are talking to God and He talks back to us.  We bring desperate situations to Him and He understands.  We also practice silence and listen as He speaks to us.

Realize we are communing with God in fellowship.  Prayer can be a journey; and there are many kinds of prayer such as the Salvation Prayer to receive Christ.  As we bring our self, our friends and family to God in prayer there is healing, love, praise, intercession, Casting and loosening.

On the mountain of Transfiguration, Jesus was holding a conversation with Moses and Elias.  Mark 9:4  And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Matthew 12:46-51  Jesus was talking with the people and was interrupted by one who said “Your mother and brethren are here and desire to speak with you.”   But Jesus answered and said unto him that told him, who is my mother? And who are my brethren? ^{- - -} For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Prayer requires change and a transformation. 

Life and death is a cycle.  Death to self is essential. We must stop playing games because we can’t fool God - - and He is patient and does not cut us off but He waits.
 

Prayer is a “Presence,” as we open our entire selves up to God’s presence.  Be aware of God’s breath, His beauty, His truth and His goodness as you seek His face.