But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12).
Imagine you're sitting quietly in your home, minding your own business, drinking your favorite morning coffee/tea, when you hear a knock on the front door. Who is it ,you wonder? Quickly, mentally you check your calendar for the day. You realize that you don’t have any appointments, no obligations, nothing that you can think of that would bring someone to your door. What then? You pull yourself together and straighten out your disheveledness. When you open the door, there HE is! The very God of the universe, your Creator, at your house! Why? He is asking to be let in because He has come over for a visit. He wants to hear from you. He has missed you - His favorite person! He brings all the fullness of who He is to your house to share with you. He loves you that much. What do you say? How do you act? One of the benefits that come with receiving Jesus and believing on Him is access through prayer. It is as easy as opening the door and letting your Savior in! The lesson today is Jesus teaching about prayer and how we talk to our heavenly father. Let’s dive in!
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
This verse hits at the very heart of mankind. There is a desire among believers to measure holiness and degrees of righteousness when a person prays. To our ears, the kind of words you say matters. Notice that Jesus calls the desire to pray to impress others hypocrisy. Loving to be heard and to impress men is not at all the purpose of prayer. Should we have prayer public prayer? Absolutely. But Jesus says if you are looking for praise, you may or may not get it from the people around you, but God certainly isn’t impressed if that is the intent of your heart!Â
So we can label Jesus’ first requirement for prayer as being the attitude of the heart. Who are you talking to? Better yet, why are you talking? Are you welcoming the God of heaven into your midst, or are you flinging open doors and windows to impress your neighbors? Don’t look for the praise of men- focus your petitions on God.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18: 11-14).
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Our conversations with God are personal. They are real, honest, and sometimes difficult. We can hide nothing, though we may try. Who better to discuss everything with? Who else has the authority to revive our hearts and renew our purposes? Notice Jesus doesn’t say how often to pray, but He does say that God wants our full attention. He simply asks that our hearts be bent toward Him in submission. Daniel prayed three times a day. Paul says to pray without ceasing. Stay open and ever ready, to thank, to repent, to forgive, and to praise. Jesus says, what you whisper in secret, God hears. Not only does He hear, but He knows when you can’t find the words to even know how to pray. He has a solution for that as well!
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.(Romans 8:16). When you invite God into your house, let your visits be real.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
We all know people who we love to hear pray. Their prayers inspire and encourage. We are thankful for those who teach us to call upon God. Thank God if your church has seasoned, elder christians that strengthen your prayer life. Jesus teaches not to use vain repetitions. God doesn’t measure the sincerity of our prayer by how many times we repeat phrases or how long it takes to get through. God already knows you and what you need before you ask. Jesus says we are not heard because of all the correct words we say. Yet we continually try. After your visits with God, help prepare His other children for Him to visit their houses. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6).
Prayer is not about being impressive. It is about an impressive God who wants to speak with and hear from you!
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.Â
It is called the Model Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer, and the Pater Noster in Latin. Most Christians have learned the words but can miss the message. Repeating the words is not a substitute for sincerity of heart. We are approaching the ultimate authority, Creator, and being. Our minds and hearts are in submission. It is good to remember who you are talking to! Clean off a chair for your visiting guest. Recognize who it is that is that you have welcomed into your presence.Â
Our Father: Not just my father or your father, Father to all believers. Who are we talking to?The ultimate Father and Creator. The children of God all have the same access. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. (Mark 10:15).
In Heaven: God’s place, high above, while we are here on your footstool. Where is His house? A place we can’t even imagine! But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Hallowed be Thy Name: Holy, honored, high above, glorious, gracious, praiseworthy is God’s name. Why should we talk to Him? He is the epitome of love and worthy of exaltation. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psalm148:13). The King is visiting you!
Your Kingdom and Your Will be Done: God’s purposes are the ultimate goal! Prayer is a serious thing. We submit all of our desires and plans to His authority. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33).
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Â
You may have to excuse yourself from your guest, for just a minute, to attend to some personal details! In prayer, it is much the same!Â
Give us Our Daily Bread: Feed us like you did those in the wilderness. You didn’t forget them, don’t forget us. We rely on you for all things, including our food and raiment. Try not to be too self-focused! And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (1 Timothy 6:8).
Forgive our Debts as We Forgive our Debtors: How can we approach God without first asking for forgiveness. Clean up! If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9).
Lead us Not into Temptation and Deliver us from Evil: Hedge us about. Protect us from ourselves. Guide our steps and our paths. Don’t allow us to be tricked and fall into traps. Get dressed!  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11).
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Your house guest is reminding you that forgiveness is something He knows a lot about! After the scourging, the crown of thorns, nails, and the cross, He said Father, Forgive them- they know not what they do. Yet we like to hang on to our anger and hurt as if we have the right! Jesus teaches us to forgive. He lived the example for us to follow. Peter said it best when he asked… how many times must we forgive?
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18: 21-22).
In our words, Jesus said every time. How many times do we want forgiveness when we ask? EVERY TIME. If we do not forgive, the consequences are very dire! Â
After applying the pattern of the model prayer with your house guest, you may be amazed at how much better you feel. You may even want to share this experience with others. He stopped by to share some reminders, listen to your concerns, and encourage you to continue the course. Isn’t that what a true friend, maybe one that’s closer than a brother, would do? A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24). Â
You are always better after every visit. The best part of it all is that He will visit you as often as you choose. He is always available. He reminds you that one day, you will visit Him at His house. You will never have to leave. This great friendship will never be separated by distance or time. Now, we visit in faith, but then, you can drink His coffee/tea and enjoy His conversation for eternity!
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!