Teach Us To Pray

We can read about great men and women of God who prayed to God as a regular habit - people like John Wesley who prayed two hours every day. Sometimes however, instead of being inspired by their example, we can feel less than adequate. Yet even Jesus' disciples, who were well practised in prayer, said to Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray". There was something about His prayer life that inspired these men to ask the question.

One of the things that they observed was how He experienced an "open heaven" whenever He prayed. "And as He was praying heaven was opened". (Luke 3:21) This speaks of being connected with the source of power who would do the work on earth. This is effective prayer - when God by His Spirit moves and works. Prayer is about engaging with the Spirit of God who will even pray through us when we don't know how or what to pray. Jesus intercedes for us so that we will pray.

Another aspect of Jesus prayer life was that He never asked the question of His Father, "if it be your will?" He knew the will of God and He prayed according to His will. We do not have to, for example, ask God whether we ought pray for the salvation of people. It is His will that "none perish and that all come to the saving knowledge of Jesus." Therefore we can pray that whosoever can be saved because it is the established will of God. We know from the very first covenant promise that Abraham received, that it is God's will that "every family on the earth be blessed" (Gen.12:3)This is His will and therefore we can agree with this and pray accordingly.

Prayer can be learned and best practice learning comes from doing. Prayer ought be active - spoken,  and declarative. Believers are urged to "boldly enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus". Access to Him is given because He has 'cleared the way'. Therefore we do not have to beg or plead for an audience. He delights when we call upon His name. Prayer is about communing and communicating - both speaking and listening. Let Him teach us. He is willing to guide us and to encourage us.







This blog is based on a message called "Teach Us To Pray" by Ross Smith, at The Vine, Springwood, Logan City, Australia on 10th April 2016. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www. thevine.org.au/teaching.