1.      The Model Prayer (sometimes called The Lord’s Prayer) found in Matthew 5 gives us seven things we can pray for:

a.      For recognition of God as our Father who is holy.

b.      For the coming of His kingdom.

c.      For His will to be done.

d.      For our needs.

e.      For forgiveness from Him and to others.

f.      For deliverance from temptation or trials.

g.      For His glory to be displayed among us.

2.      Never pray for show (Matt. 5: 5ff).

3.      Pray without meaningless repetition (Matt. 5: 7ff).

4.      Pray with persistence (Luke 11: 5-8). The friend kept knocking until he gained bread.

5.      Keep on asking; keep on seeking; keep on knocking; (Luke 11: 9ff.). God’s answer will come to those who do.

6.      God’s answers to our prayers are not deceptive (Luke 11: 11-13). Good fathers don’t deceive their child with a rock when he asks for neither bread, nor a snake when the child asks for a fish; nor a scorpion when he asks for an egg. God gives His Holy Spirit representing His Son, and along with Him comes all good things.

7.      God answers according to His timetable (Luke 18: 1ff). The widow gained her relief by persistence, not because the judge was good. We gain our relief quickly because God is a just and good judge.

8.      God answers are to those who are humble and repentant (Luke 18: 9ff.). When you read the story the statement will become obvious.

—- Pastor Wayne Stockstill

Senior Pastor