5 Things Jesus Taught His Disciples They Need to Pray
I did a quick search on Amazon for books on prayer and the results included more than 70,000 titles.
So, it appears that many people continue to ask…
“Lord, teach us to pray.”
Luke 11:1
Jesus replied with a model for prayer…
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
Luke 11:2b–4
May your Kingdom come soon.
Give us each day the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
5 Things Jesus Taught
His Disciples The Need to Pray For
A Relationship to a Holy Father
When you and I pray we are going to the God of the universe who alone is worthy of all worship and honor . . . who knows every detail of our lives and still He loves us and wants an intimate and personal relationship with us.
His Coming Kingdom
Jesus brought God’s Kingdom to earth and when you and I pray for His Kingdom to come we are asking for more people to come into the Kingdom through faith and for Jesus to return to celebrate His victory with all His followers.
His Provision
God’s provision is daily; so, we need to pray daily. He does not give it all at once and then walk away. He gives us what we need one moment at a time that we might learn to fully depend on Him.
His Forgiveness and Ours
God’s love and forgiveness are overwhelming. He completely erases every sin that is ever brought to Him in humble repentance. And for those who have received the Father’s forgiveness . . . forgiving others becomes a grateful response.
His Protection
Paul wrote, The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
When you and I ask God to keep us from yielding to temptation we are praying for the wisdom to set healthy boundaries and the strength to walk away in obedience.
Personalizing the Prayer Jesus Taught
Father, thank you for being my perfect loving parent. I love you and ask that You will help me honor You in all I do and say.
Please help me to faithfully focus on You that I might courageously, gently, and respectfully share Your love with others. And by Your grace help me to maintain an eternal perspective always anticipating Jesus’ glorious return for all who love, trust, and follow Him.
Please keep me free of worry and anxiety. Help me trust You with all my needs and the needs of those I love and care for. Today I specifically lift up ________________.
Please forgive me for __________. I want to obey You. I’m so sorry for failing to follow Your will and I ask You to please give me everything I need to quickly and humbly forgive those who hurt me.
Please give me a hunger to KNOW Your commands and promises, and give me what I need to fight temptation with the Sword of the Spirit—which is the truth of Your Holy Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Jesus knew that we need to pray!
And He knew we need to pray with persistence.
I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9–10
Persistent prayer changes our hearts and minds to understand our need for Him and recognize His work in us, around us, and through us.
On today’s note write:
Persistently pray to the Father about everything.
May the Lord bless you today as you persistently pray the way Jesus taught.
Praying with persistence, today and every day.
Blessings, Deb!
Deb, your prayers are so beautiful…you are such an inspiration and I hope you don’t mind when I borrow a prayer or two or three from you! And I love your Daily Notes Thoughts also!! My sticky note pad is getting thin!! Sweet Blessings and soul thank you’s!
Thank you so very much for your kind encouragement, Kathy! God bless you!
Me too, Martha! Blessings!
Thank you so much for your email daily devotionals. They have really helped me!
I am so very glad, Anne! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know! God bless you!
Thank You Deb ♥️ ???????? VERY inspirational ! Also Thank You FOR Breaking Down The prayer For us???????? G-d♥️Bless