Lord, Teach Me to Pray- Ch.2

• “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do” (John 14:13)
• “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14)
• To understand the meaning of prayer in Jesus’ name, we need to understand how the word “name” is used in the Bible. In Scripture, the name of God embodies all that He is.
• So when Christ commands us to pray in His name, He wants us to pray consistent with who He is- His person His will, and His purposes.
• So how do we know the will of Christ? Scripture gives us “the mind of Christ” in a very large measure (1 Cor.2:16)
• But the fact is many times we don’t know His specific will on an issue. At that pont we simply need to ask God for His will to be done (Matt.6:10)

ASK IN FAITH:

• If you don’t believe God’s promises, the Bible says you make Him a liar (1 John 5:10). As Christians, we dishonor God when we doubt Him.
• The Psalms will build your knowledge of God’s person; the Law reveals His righteous character; and the historical books recount how He displayed His power on behalf of His people. That is the right foundation on which to build your faith. As your faith grows stronger, you can proceed with life in peace even before God answers each specific prayer, because you will believe that He is going to answer in His own time for your good and His glory.

ASK IN THE SPIRIT:

• Offer prayers that are consistent with the Spirit’s prayers so that you are committed only to God’s will.
• Praying in the Spirit is the same as praying in the name of Christ- praying in a manner consistent with who HIe is and what His will is.
• As our lives are filled with the Spirit, as we walk in obedience to Him, and as we are constantly communing with God, the Spirit of God will govern our thoughts so that our prayers will be in harmony with Him.

ASK FROM A PURE HEART:

• What James is saying (in James 5:16) is that if you expect God to answer your prayers, you must be committed to living a righteous life.
• “Whatever we ask and receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John3:22)
• “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18)
• “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15)