This Sunday, July 24, 2016, we at Bay Area will learn how to pray based on Jesus’s instruction to his disciples on prayer. Prayer is a life rhythm for Jesus in the gospels resulting in connection with the Father and power from the Father. It was so important to the disciples that they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray his way. They wanted the same connection with God and power from the Father that Jesus has. For you and I, prayer is equally important. As disciples of Jesus we want to be connected to God and walk in his power. Prayer is the key. In case you were not able to feverishly take notes on Sunday, here is the prayer pattern with the link to the “names of God” we discussed for your use in prayer.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. (Worship Him)
Spend time worshiping God in prayer. Praise him by listing the names of God from the Bible. Praise him for being your Messiah, Savior, Refuge, Strength, Shade, Bread of life, Holy One, Banner, etc. Don’t ask for anything. Just worship.
Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Submit to His Lordship)
Pray for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done in our circles. Pray for His Kingdom and will in your life. Submit yourself to Him for His glory. Pray for his Kingdom to come and will to be done in your family. Pray for your street, your church, your work, and your world. Pray specifically for people in all of those circles. Pray that our Father would expand his Kingdom and have His way in every aspect of your life and pray that Jesus would return soon.
Give us this day our daily bread. (Thanksgiving and Dependence)
Give thanks to God for His provision in your life. Acknowledge your dependence on Him for your most basic needs. Ask Him to supply and be content with His provision.
And forgive our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Forgiveness and Grace)
Ask the Lord to reveal your sins to you. Listen and receive conviction. Repent of your sins one by one as God brings them to your attention. Think about people that have sinned against you. Forgive them by name as you talk to the Lord. Ask him to remove your anger, bitterness, hurt associated with those who have sinned against you.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. (Guidance and protection)
Ask the Lord to empower you so that you will not succumb to temptations you will face in life today. Pray on the full armor of God (Eph.6:10-17) piece by piece. Ask Him to protect you acknowledge the spiritual battle that you are in every day. Pray for spiritual victory today as you take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the very Word of God. Ask God to lead you to be strategic and effective in the world with His words every day.
Other Prayer Resources:
If you need prayer immediately… visit our iPray ministry and submit a prayer request. A team of intercessors will begin praying for you and with you immediately.
Praying the Scriptures – When we pray using God’s word our heart aligns with His.
Prayer:Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God – Tim Keller
Prayer: Does it Make a Difference – Phillip Yancey
Draw the Circle: 40 Day Prayer Challenge – Mark Batterson
Brian Haynes 