Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church
What's the Secret to Prayer?
for the next few weeks we are going to look at ancient practices that we see demonstrated in Scripture, that have served God’s people well, then and now?
Celebration
Simplicity
Friendship
Prayer
Scripture
How might we see these practices & rhythms as opportunities to enter into more presence and freedom with God and one another? At the end of our time, each person in our community will have a chance to leave with their own rule of life as a guide into the next season ahead.
The ACTS acrostic (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication) helps us with the words for prayer. Today we will look at the Attitudes and Expectations for prayer
Luke 11:1-4 NIV
The fact that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray indicates their humility. They expressed their need to learn. So the 1st attitude of prayer is humility.
In verse 2, Jesus said when you pray, not if. He had a habit of prayer and He calls them and us to do the same.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Brother Lawrence, who worked in the kitchen of a French Monastery in the 1600's, did this by what he called, "Practicing the Presence of God"
In verse 2 Jesus says to address God as Father. The Greek work translated Father is an intimate familial relationship. So the 3rd attitude of prayer is" Relationship
In verses 3-4 Jesus uses the transformational words: Give, Forgive and Lead. So the 4th attitude of prayer is transformational.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
As we come to God with our problems and wait on Him to give us direction, we experience His peace which passes all understanding. He transforms our fear into faith.
So, part of the secret to prayer is these 4 attitudes and expectations that Jesus teaches in Luke 11: 1-4. Pray with humility, make prayer a habit, remember that it is a relationship and know that it is transformational and expect God to change you.