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Presented March 26, 2006

FOR WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS PRAY?

Prayer is an important subject that is addressed extensively, both in the Old Testament and New Testament.  Because of that it is something we want to examine from time to time.

Prayer is the general term given for addressing God.  It is the way He has provided for us to communicate to Him.  It is a crucial part of the Christian’s development that is often misunderstood, abused or neglected.  There are many things to note about the subject of prayer.  Tonight we want to address the content of our prayers – according to God’s word.  What can and should Christians pray for?

I.                     The Lord’s Prayer –  a Model

a.        Recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 as a part of the Sermon on the Mount and in Luke 11:2-4 where Jesus is teaching His disciples to pray at their request.  NOTE:  These are two different occasions which shows it was something Jesus repeated, probably often.  They are similar but they do contain different elements.

b.       Today, this is a very well known passage (Esp. Matt. 6) that is often repeated in unison in some civic organizations and churches.  In some religions, it is a ritual uttered frequently (and with little or no feeling).

c.        Jesus did NOT intend for this to just be words that we repeat as a liturgy (a prescribed form or set of forms for public religious worship – dictionary.com).  His intent was for it to be A MODEL or guideline to help us understand what we can and should pray for. 
Matthew 6:9 says, “In this manner pray.”
Luke 11:1 finds it as an answer to the request of His disciples to teach them HOW to pray.
It is NOT a detailed list of everything we can and should be praying for. 

d.       In fact, it is a prayer that we cannot pray as is because of the way it mentions the kingdom.  Jesus was praying for the coming of His kingdom, which has already come and been established (cf. Mark 9:1, Colossians 1:13)

e.        Its content will be addressed in our next section.

f.         Some thoughts to consider about this model prayer that will help us as we learn to properly pray.

                                                   i.      Its brevity.  While there are times for long prayers, this prayer is brief and too the point.  As someone once said, a prayer doesn’t have to be eternal to be immortal.

                                                  ii.      It is simple and direct.  God KNOWS our hearts and doesn’t need an explanation why we are asking for something.  And He doesn’t need flowery words that demonstrate how intelligent we are.

                                                iii.      It gives us a good order to consider as we pray.  (Begin by addressing God, submission to His will, then our requests and needs).

II.                   The Content of Our Prayers

a.        ALWAYS begin by addressing God – consider Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:2
Jesus began by recognizing this prayer was offered to His Father in heaven.  We need to understand that our prayers are to be offered to God.
 “Hallowed by Your name” – a statement of praise.  This is where prayer begins.  We MUST understand WHO we are addressing and approach Him with reverence.  We are addressing our Creator and Judge.
“Hallowed” – a form of the word, “Holy” and “sanctified.”   Consider Hebrews 12:28 – serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
A constant tone we find in the psalms of David is praise for God.  David knew his place and recognized that as he approached His heavenly Father.   In Acts 2:47 we read that the disciples preferred one another and were “praising God and having favor with all the people…”
We should not address God in a flippant or common way.  There are some who in their prayers use the words “thee” and “thou” based upon the KJV to address God.  This can be a good thing, if it is intended to help one understand the distinction between God and man, provided it is not bound upon others.

b.       Thanksgiving –
A good thing to consider as we begin our prayers is to thank God for all He has already given us.
David did this often in the psalms.  In fact many of the psalms are objects of praise to God (cf. Psalm 19:1).
Philippians 4:6 says, that in our prayers and supplications, let them be with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 – abounding in thanksgiving.  Also 4:2, etc.
Thankfulness toward the beginning of our prayers keeps our needs in proper perspective.  They can serve to humble us, help us appreciate what we have and prevent selfish requests.

c.        May HIS will be done in all things –
Note in the model prayers, Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:2 that Jesus said to pray, “Your kingdom come, you will be done on earth as it is in heaven”
Even Jesus in the Garden prayed for this, Matthew 26:39, 42, etc.
Acknowledge this as you begin and it can help keep you from asking for that which you should not be asking for.
It also serves as a reminder to us of our responsibilities to do our part.  NOTE: While we cannot pray for His kingdom to come (it already has) we CAN pray that its effect will prevail.  And that reminds us to do our part.

d.       Our needs – both spiritual and physical
The first need we ought to prayer for is forgiveness of our sins – Matthew 6:12.  NOTE: The only part of this Model Prayer Jesus elaborated upon was requesting God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:12, 14-15).
1 John 1:7-9 points to the Christian turning to God confessing our sins.
Luke 18:13 – an example, the tax collector that would not even look up.
 Strength in overcoming sin – Matthew 6:13.  A privilege Christians have is God’s help in overcoming temptation.  1 Corinthians 10:13.  ASK for it.
Spiritual growth – we need to be growing.  Consider James 1:5, if any of you lack wisdom, ASK!
Physical NEEDS – not our wants, but our needs.  Matthew 6:11 – give us our daily bread.
NOTE the promise of God in Mathew 6:33 – IF we put God first, He will provide.
We may have some specific needs that we desire God’s help with – pray for them. 
Some question whether or not they should be praying for something.  A good rule to consider in this is to ask yourself, “How will this make me a better Christian?”  You KNOW your motives for what you ask for.  Consider James 4:3, don’t ask amiss.

e.        Intercessions – a major portion of our prayers ought to be for others
Christians should be thinking about others.  This borne out continually in the N.T.  Jesus came for others.  Paul served others and urged us to do the same.  Some things we are instructed to pray for others include:

                                                   i.      Our families – our children, spouse, parents, etc.  We need wisdom in being part of families.  Ask God.  They fit in many of the following categories.

                                                  ii.      Our brethren – Ephesians 6:18

                                                iii.      Our leaders – 1 Timothy 2:2

                                                iv.      The sick – James 5:14-16

                                                 v.      That the word of God will spread – Philippians 1:9, Ephesians 6:19

                                                vi.      For ALL men – 1 Timothy 2:1

                                              vii.      The lost – Romans 10:1 – Paul prayed that His brethren be saved (he wanted it).  For open doors – Colossians 4:3

                                             viii.      Even our enemies – Matthew 5:44, Luke 23:34 – Jesus on the cross.

f.         Conclude in His name
Prayer needs to be offered in the Name of Jesus – John 16:23, Ephesians 2:18, 5:20,
1 Timothy 2:5 – one Mediator
What if we forget to say, “In Jesus name”?  As long as that is understood, I believe the prayer to be acceptable (cf. Romans 8:26-27 – the Spirit intercedes).  HOWEVER, don’t make leaving out His name a habit!  Especially in public prayers where we want others to UNDERSTAND how to properly pray.

 These are a few thoughts on what we should be praying for.  Let us consider these things and, by all means, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!