FoundationsSample

Prayer

Have you ever tried to imagine what it would have been like to walk and talk with Jesus as He walked His life on this Earth 2000 years ago? Imagine what it would have been like to ask Him whatever question came to mind. Jesus' 12 closest followers, the disciples, could ask Jesus anything they wanted.

When the disciples saw Jesus perform miracles and teach, they didn't say, "Jesus, teach us how to heal!" or "Jesus, teach us how to walk on water." Instead, what captured their attention was hearing and watching Him pray, so they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray."

They wanted to know how to talk to God in prayer. Notice what Jesus gave them when they asked this question. In Luke 11:1–4 (ESV), Jesus gives His disciples a run down on how to pray.

This prayer can be broken down into four parts:

1. Adoration

Jesus says, "Hallowed be your name."

By saying hallowed be your name, Father, Jesus was saying that God's name is a holy name that should be revered, honored, and respected.

And it's almost like complementing our friends. We want to tell them how great we think they are simply because they are.

It's also a reminder that our God is a perfect, good, just, and holy God who deserves to be praised, not just for what He's done, but simply because of who He is.

2. Confession

Jesus says, "Forgive us our sins."

This second step involves saying, "God, I know I have sinned. Please forgive me."

Each of us has our habits and ways of living that separate us from God. It might be our pride, jealousy, unhealthy addictions, or gossip.

3. Thanks

Has anyone ever heard the phrase count your blessings? That is exactly what we do when we pray prayers of thanks. Telling God, "Thank you for the blessings and everything I have in my life!"

4. Ask

Jesus prayed, "Give us each day our daily bread, And lead us not into temptation."

Supplication means to "plead humbly" or to "ask for something humbly," so when we pray prayers of supplication, it just means asking God for something humbly.

Lastly, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing."

Try thinking of your prayer life as an ever-open line of communication. A phone call that never comes to an end with someone on the other end who never tires of hearing from you.

Exercise

Try praying as Jesus did, including the four steps in the devotional.