“Prayer is not asking.
Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God,
at His disposition,
and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.”
~ Mother Teresa
Down through the ages prayer has been twisted, formulated, and regulated. Do not make this mistake. Prayer is a conversation with a God that delights in every moment we spend with Him. Tell Him what’s going on, and what you think. He already knows it, but He wants to share in our process, hopes, dreams, pain and needs. Pray with a simple heart, vulnerable and authentic.
Pray with Simplicity:
5 “And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for fifteen minutes of fame! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. ~ Matthew 6:5-8 (The Message- MSG)
What should we do and not do when we pray according to Matthew 6:5-8? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will [a]spit you out of My mouth. ~ Revelation 3:15-16
What does Scripture warn about mediocre prayers in Revelation 3:15-16? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what they want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
~Matthew 6:7-13 (The Message)
What should your prayers sound like? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.” ~Psalm 143:10
How will we become teachable to God’s will? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
