“A Manual on Prayer”

Luke 11 Our greatest need is not “how” to pray but to pray. When asked, Jesus gave his followers a simple manual consisting of three essential elements of prayer followed by two parables to show the relevance of prayer and ended with these words: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”[vs 28]

First, begin at the beginning: Hallow the Father’s name, for he is holy and abides in heaven: “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven.” [Ps 11:4]

Secondly, seek God’s forgiveness for sins of omission and commission so that you can forgive others. “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” [1Jn 1:9]

Lastly, we seek God’s protection and direction to remain faithful. Claim the promise that Jesus has “Disarmed the rulers and authorities; he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” [Col 2:15]

We ask then how should we pray. Pray shamelessly and confidently: “Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.”[Heb 4:16] for “we have boldness and confident access to God because of Christ’s faithfulness” [Eph 3:12]

Beloved, prayer is how we remove the barriers that keep us from true fellowship with God.