By Pastor Tom Beutler, Watson & Hamburg Baptist Churches

Matthew 6:9-13 “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen.”

Prayer is a blessing and a privilege that will strengthens our closeness to God. It will strengthen us spiritually and it will have an effect on our lives. Prayer is very important in the Bible. Prayer is talking to God. Prayer leads us to a greater understanding of God’s will. 1st Peter 3:12: “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” Proverbs 15:29: “The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.”

Righteous have instant access to God. Evil people – ungodly people – can not expect to have prayers answered. The power of prayer! God is the moving force. God expects us to rely on Him and to be concerned about all people! The Old Testament is full of men praying. The Israel Nation was established in prayer. Moses was talking to God all the time. The Psalms are full of prayer. Psalm 6: “For healing and strength in distress…” Psalm 57: “Seek protection and safety…” Psalm 63: “Praises – joy in loving God…” Psalm 107: “Giving thanks to God…”

Prayer is important to all the prophets: 15 years were added to Hezekiah’s life. Jonah’s prayers were heard out of the belly of a whale. Today’s scripture tells us how to pray, not what to pray. The New Testament Jesus’ prayer life should teach all of us something about prayer. Matthew 6:5: “Do not pray to impress others.” 6:7: “You do not have to be long winded. You can not manipulate God!” Luke 6:12: Jesus prayed all night. Paul prayed a lot. Our prayer must be in accord with the will of God. Back to Jesus and His praying at the beginning of his ministry after feeding the 5,000. He went to pray, and He thanked God for hearing Him before He called Lazarus from his grave. John 11:41-42: He prayed the night of His betrayal. Jesus shows us praying is a part of daily living. Matthew 26:41: “Jesus said pray to overcome temptation.” Jesus said to pray to confess, to ask forgivingness. Pray for truth-tribulation-society-enemies-church-leaders-strength-needs-giving thanks.

In praying we need humility and faith and must pray in the name of Jesus. Pray with a good attitude. Do not be hypocritical – doubtful – selfish = corrupt things. Problems keep going unsolved because divine help is not asked for! Prayer is talking to our Father. He knows our need, yet we must ask Him, He is ready to answer, but we must be persistent. Prayer is powerful and effective and has been important to God in dealing with His people. For prayers to be answered, we need to have biblical conditions and attitudes honored! We must accept that God will answer in accord with His will. A good prayer life leads to better communication with God, greater understanding of His will, more faithful and production service in the church. We will have more confidence, satisfaction, and happiness in our lives!

Lord, we thank you for praying! We thank you for Jesus, who asks us for forgiving, if we ask in prayer! We thank You for everything we have, because everything comes from You! We thank You for Jesus’ saving us! We thank you from the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! We thank and ask all in the name of Jesus! Amen!