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. 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

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”

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

God

Me

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.

When we pray about God’s honour, the Gospel & changing places where we are we find:-a. We become involvedb. We support each otherc. We find our problems are not so big –

Mt.6:33What 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”

4. Prayer is essential

God is our creator – we depend on himGod is our father – we should come to hima. “Give us today our daily bread” – what

we need for the dayb. “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

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.”

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