A Biblical Prayer Guide

Greetings Family and Loved ones where ever you are!

It's been a looonng time, but I'm back. This time with a sermonette.

In this post modern age it seems the Biblical traditions of days gone bye are to be shunned in every respect. In so doing I believe we've thrown out the baby with the bath water.

Let me explain. In the days of Fundametalism vs Liberalism, we emulated our seniors [we didn't have 'mentors' back then] who prayed to 'Our Father, or 'Dear Jesus.' Now times it may just bluntly be addressed to 'God.' We closed the prayer often repititiously, 'in Jesus' name.' Seldom did anyone pray to the Holy Spirit, but the fervency seemed to indicate the praying was done 'in the Spirit.' And not only that, the old people as well as the youngsters were on their knees between the benches, cushioned pews were yet to come.

In some minds this may seem to clash with the contemporary conversational prayer. Nothing wrong with that, but it does seem a little disrespectful of the Creator and God of the universe. I do understand 'Abba" Father, but Daddy seems a little bit coarse. It's interesting to compare the reactions of Moses, Isaiah, Peter, John, et al., when they met God face to face. A rather stark comparison with believers of today.

Okay, so now I hope I have your attention. In Luke the disciples did not ask Jesus to teach them to preach! They asked for instruction in prayer. That might shock some parishioners as well as pastors.

Biblical teaching indicates we should pray [1] TO the Father, [2] THROUGH the Son, and [3] IN the Holy Spirit!

1. Pray To the Father "Our Father."
Luke 11:1-4 nkj
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." 2. So He said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name....'"

2. Pray Through the Son, 'in Jesus' name.'
John 14:13
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

John 16:23-24
And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

3. Pray 'In the Spirit.'
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Ephes. 2:18-22
18For through Him [Jesus] we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
19Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, 21in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephes. 6:17-18 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

It's good to know the Holy Spirit gives direction to our prayers when we'are not sure just how to pray. Having been born by the Spirit and with His inner presence we have access to God the Father. And with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit we will be kept from the frontal attacks launched by Satan in our post modern culture.

It's been good talking with you again. Hope to see you all at Family Camp

Gpa G