Daily Word
Prepared By: Suzy Naber
26/10/2006
Why is it important to pray? It is very important to pray because it is through prayer that you communicate with God. Paul wrote "Pray without ceasing" The more you pray the more you commune with God and the better you get to know Him.
Christianity is not a religion made of rules to obey and follow; Christianity is more than merely believing and abiding by commandments; Christianity is a relationship with God. And a relationship undoubtedly requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential because you build a relationship with your Heavenly Father. When Jesus was with the disciples on earth, they saw the effective prayers in his life and they realized the need to know how to pray. They had a hunger to learn and asked him: "Lord, teach us to pray". Jesus said,
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you pray go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from the evil one.'
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:5-14)
Jesus taught his disciples to pray in a specific manner and not to use meaningless repetition. The Lord's Prayer was not meant to be a prayer said by repetition but rather an index for an effective prayer. Jesus taught the disciple to pray according to the outline of the Lord's Prayer, a prayer that avails much.
We will study the Lord's Prayer, but meanwhile, why don't you tell God that you are coming to Him as a learner. Talk to Him as a Child talking to Her Father. He is waiting and eager to have that time alone with you.
Scriptures to Read:
Luke 11:9-10 "And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, find: and to him who knocks, it shall be opened."
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you asking you to teach me how to pray. Teach me the effective prayer of a righteous man that avails much. I want to be able to communicate with you daily. I want to know you better every day because knowing you is all what life is about.
Thank you Lord because I know that you have heard my prayer and will teach me. Amen.
Add a Comment
<<Home