Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord… I. WHAT IS PRAYER? The presenting of our requests to God, and breathing out our desires before Him. In prayer — 1. The heart must be the agent. 2. God is the object. 3. Jesus Christ the medium. 4. Prayer must be our constant exercise. II. WHY SHOULD WE DESIRE TO BE TAUGHT HOW TO PRAY? 1. Because of the importance of prayer. 2. Because of our natural ignorance of this duty. 3. Because God desires us to be proficient in this duty. III. WHY SHOULD WE DESIRE THE LORD TO TEACH US HOW TO PRAY? 1. Because He was distinguished for this holy exercise. 2. Because He is our Master, and in all things we are to hear Him. 3. Because with Him is the spirit of prayer. 4. Because He is our great High Priest. Application: 1. Let us cultivate the gift of prayer. 2. Covet the true spirit of prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5). 3. Commence and conduct all our affairs in connection with prayer (Philippians 4:6.) 4. Continue instant in prayer (Luke 18:1). 5. In the exercise of faith look for the returns of prayer. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. |
    |