Becoming Like Jesus: PrayerSample

Spirit of Truth

As we come to the last day of this part of our journey through Jesus’s prayer, let’s recap what we’ve been learning.

We have been learning how to pray prayers of petition, asking God to give us what we need. Why? Because when we bring our requests to God we are actively engaging in our relationship to Him. Yes, God wants to answer our prayers, but even more than that, God wants us to know and be known by Him.

We petition God because it’s one more way for us to connect with Him, and we petition God because that’s what Jesus teaches us to do. Jesus had a closer relationship with the Father than anyone in history. When it comes to learning how to pray, there’s nobody better to learn from.

As we close out this week of prayers, we are going to direct our attention to our Advocate, the Holy Spirit.

Pray…

God, thank you for sending your Spirit to live in me. He is changing me from the inside out to make me more like Jesus. I know you love me. Your power is coursing through my veins. Help me to never take for granted how ridiculously generous you are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me. John 16:12-15 NLT

Consider…

The Holy Spirit is our advocate. He comes alongside us to help us through this messy thing we call life. He gives us wisdom when we’re overwhelmed and strength when we’re struggling. He transforms us to become more like Jesus and empowers us with gifts and talents to advance the Gospel. The Holy Spirit leads us to the truth of who God is and He shows us what that means for us. He is the Spirit of truth and He wants to guide us into all truth.

What aspects of God do you want the Holy Spirit to show you? Are there things you’ve questioned or doubted? How do you want your Advocate to help you deal with those questions and doubts?

Practice…

Pray to God by asking for what you need. Ask the Spirit of truth to help you clear out the clutter so you can focus on what’s good, true, and beautiful. Let the Holy Spirit direct your thoughts away from the lies so you can see God clearly and know Him more fully.

As you do, imagine you are talking to God face-to-face. Because, at its most basic level, that’s really what prayer is: talking to God.

When you’re ready, pray to your Father using Jesus’ words, “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy… give us today the food we need…” Matthew 6:9,11 NLT

Listen…

Create space to experience God’s presence by getting quiet, getting alone, and asking Him to speak. Start by setting a timer for five minutes.

Next, ask God to speak to you.

When you get distracted, because you will get distracted, bring your focus back to God by repeating the first words of this prayer: “Our Father…”

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you got to spend with Him, then head into your day looking for opportunities to better serve Him and serve others.