Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. It’s a very simple yet potent prayer.
We can come to God with our needs and grow our relationship with Him.
A model for prayer is A.C.T.S. –
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Solicitation
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Video:
Message Notes:
The disciples ask Jesus how to pray and he shares with them a brief but potent prayer which reminds us that:
God is our Father in heaven
His reputation needs to be honored and uplifted by how we live as we represent Him
His Kingdom is already here and expanding through the hearts of those who choose to follow Jesus
It’s ok to ask for what you need like food, like help in forgiving others, and help overcoming temptations.
Then he tells a story of “shameless audacity” and persistence followed by the following:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 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!” (Luke 11:9-10, 13 NIV)
I have young adult children who don’t live at home anymore. I love when they call – even if it is for help! Even better than that is when they call to share what’s happening in their lives.
Some of us need to start going to God for help. Lean on Him. Take your concerns, frustrations, and worries to Him in prayer.
Some of us need to start going to God beyond just when we need help. We need to learn to develop the relationship.
There’s a great acronym for prayer – A.C.T.S.
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication or Solicitations
Most of us just ask for things – which we can do and should do, but don’t forget to build the relationship by praising Him for who He is (which reminds us too), confessing ways you’ve fallen or gone your own way, and thanking Him for answers to prayers and for all the good gifts He’s given to you in life. “Every good gift we’ve received is from God.” (James
The rest of the chapter includes a debate about whether Jesus’ power to cast out demons was from God or from Satan which makes no sense as evil wouldn’t want to get rid of evil.
He also confronts the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and for imposing rules and rituals that get in the way of the people experiencing a relationship with God.
