How can we apply the father's approach to Jesus in our prayer life? Setting the Scene: One Desperate Voice “Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, ‘Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child.’” (Luke 9:38) What We Learn from the Father’s Cry - Urgency—he “cried out,” refusing to wait for a better moment. - Humility—he calls Jesus “Teacher,” placing himself in the position of a learner. - Specificity—he names the need: “my son… my only child.” - Dependency—“I beg You,” showing he has no other hope. - Confidence in Jesus’ compassion—he trusts that simply “looking” at the boy will move the Lord to act. Putting It into Practice: Simple Steps for Our Prayers 1. Come quickly. • Don’t postpone prayer; run to the Lord the moment a need surfaces (Psalm 46:1). 2. Come low. • Acknowledge His authority; submit your plans under His wisdom (James 4:10). 3. Name the need. • Spell out people, circumstances, deadlines—prayer is not vague wishing (Philippians 4:6). 4. Admit dependence. • Use phrases like “I cannot fix this—You must” (John 15:5). 5. Expect compassion. • Anchor expectation in His character: “He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). 6. Keep believing even when faith feels shaky. • Echo the parallel account: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Scriptures that Echo the Same Approach - Hebrews 4:16—“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” - Luke 18:38—Blind beggar shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” - Matthew 15:22–28—Canaanite mother’s persistent plea for her daughter. - James 5:16—“The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces results.” Daily Encouragement - Praying like this father is not complicated; it is childlike, honest, and bold. - Every urgent, humble, specific, dependent, faith-filled cry is welcomed by the same Savior who stopped for one desperate dad in a crowd. |
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