The Privilege of Prayer

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Luke 11; Lord's Day 45
Psalters: 172, 175, 123, 233
Preparatory to the Lord's Supper
  1. Why are we to pray?
    1. Prayer is necessary because it is commanded as a necessary part of our spiritual warfare (Ps. 27:8; Eph. 6:18).
    2. Prayer is necessary because it is the primary way to thank God.
    3. Because the covenant is a relationship of friendship, prayer is our side in that holy conversation with the covenant God.
    4. Prayer is necessary because it is the means God would have us use to receive grace and the Holy Spirit.
  2. How are we to pray? This is determined by the character of Him to Whom we pray. This will be the attitude for proper preparation
    1. Prayer must be sincere, i.e., focused, using all of one’s faculties and efforts.
    2. Sincere prayer is focused on the one true God as He has revealed Himself in His Word.
    3. Pray with humility and contrition.
    4. Ground your prayers by faith on the merit and worthiness of Jesus Christ, the only Mediator.
    5. Pray forgiving if you have anything against anyone (Mark 11:25,26).
    6. Prayer is to be without ceasing, so it expresses the attitude of our life, consciously living as God wants.
  3. For what are we to pray? For all the things He has commanded us to ask of Him.
    1. “According to His will” (I John 5:14).
    2. Pray for whatever He promises - ask boldly that He fulfill His promises (when He is pleased to do so).
    3. Ask primarily for spiritual needs: His grace and Spirit (Luke 11:13).
    4. “Without ceasing” implies that we desire to see His infinite love and perfect wisdom in every event and circumstance of life.
    5. Conclusion.