HOW TO PRAY IN YOUR LIFE

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“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1 NIV)

All you have to do to pray, is start an honest conversation with God.  None of us are hiding anything, God knows all. You don’t have to pretend with Him, you can be completely honest.  Some of my conversations with God have started with these words, “I know You already know, but I (fill in the sin), please forgive me.”  There is freedom when you’re completely honest about what you have done, to whom you have done it, and why you did it. Confession is freeing and God is all forgiving.  Prayer is starting a conversation with God.

Prayer is starting a conversation with God.

Jesus gives the disciples an example of prayer to answer their request in today’s verse:

“Father,

Reveal who you are.

Set the world right.

Keep us alive with three square meals.

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.

Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”

Luke 11:2-4 MSG

The Message translation gives a different perspective on the traditional Lord’s prayer.  The wording is more straightforward and a little easier to understand. First we acknowledge and honor who God is and ask Him to reveal Himself to us.  Then we pray for His will to be done and His provision in our lives. And we ask Him to forgive and protect us, from ourselves and the devil. If having a formula for prayer will help you start your conversation with God, this is the model to use for it.

I’m a prayer because I’m a worrier.  Worry is actually sin, it’s not trusting in God.  Worry, in my life, is my cue I need to pray:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 NIV).

We’re living in a time of worry and fear, use it as your cue to pray.  Lift up your worries to God. Thank Him for what He has done in your life.  Give Him whatever is weighing down your heart, then ask Him for His peace. Let His peace guard your heart and mind.  Don’t allow the devil to steal your joy today, no matter what the focus is. Keep the Son in your eyes by giving Him your cares and worries.

Prayer is starting a conversation with God.  If you want a place to start, try this: “Hey God, it’s me.” Then go from there.  Pour your heart out to the One who loves you more than anyone. The One who created you, the One who calls you His.

Question of the Day:

What’s stopping you from saying, “Hey God, it’s me”?

Further Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 NIV, Luke 10:38-11:13 NIV, Psalm 76:1-12 NIV, Proverbs 12:15-17 NIV

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