Luke 11:1-13 Selected (NIV) Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer
11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’” …… 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
So, what if I ask God for something and He doesn’t give it to me? How do I ask? What do I say to Him? I don’t really know how to pray. These are all things I have heard.
Jesus disciples were not really sure how to pray either. They saw Jesus take time regularly to pray to communicate with his Father. Jesus spent time speaking with his Father for guidance. It was a conversation with God. That is what God designed it to be; a conversation. God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden in the cool of the afternoon. They spoke face to face. They had a relationship.
The disciples wanted to know how to have a conversation with God the Father. They wanted to better understand how to be close to God just as Jesus was. There is a formula for prayer called ACTS.
(1. Adoration, 2. Confession, 3. Thanksgiving, 4. Supplication) that comes from this prayer. If we follow this formula, it builds the relationship we are supposed to have with Him. He is your Heavenly Father and He wants to give you good things. Not necessarily what you want; but what you need and what is good for you. So when you ask for something and you don’t get it, go to three and be thankful. If it was supposed to be yours, you would have it. God is never rejecting you; He is refining you. He is working all things together for your good. God’s answers are yes, no or wait. They are all good answers for you. One more thing should be in here – not my will but Thy will be done. You have not because you ask not. When you ask, ask Him for what He wants for you. But ask!
Hello Lord! Thank You for listening to me and my rants. I love to speak with you. Thank You for caring and answering. Have I mentioned that I love You? Oh, and thanks for sending Your Son to redeem me. I don’t deserve it but You give me grace anyway. Thank You! In Your name I pray!