Prayer Meeting                                     Notes 1999

Text: Luke 23                                                                               22 March 1999

“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do...”  Luke 23:34

1.  Note how the focus on the Father-Son relationship comes to the forefront

2.  “Our Father in heaven” concept in application (Luke 11:2)

3.  The example of the Lord Jesus in His relationship with His Father must challenge us to cultivate our relationship with God... as our Father in Heaven

4.  How the Father affects the Son... and how the Son reflects His Father

5.  How deep this relationship was... for even in His dying moments, the Lord Jesus related to His father in prayer (not everybody will be able to relate to the Father if found in similar circumstances)

6.  The prayer for forgiveness of those who sinned against Him is truly remarkable...

     a)  For those who crucified Him (the soldiers... they were merely carrying out orders)

     b)  Those who shouted “crucify, crucify Him” may not have fully understood what they were saying

     c)  Those who may have regretted their actions

     d)  How about His enemies who plotted His death?

“Father, into Your hands, I commend my spirit”  Luke 23:43

1.  Once again, the deep, long-lasting relationship between the Father-Son appears

2.  This particular statement reveals much about the relationship between Father and Son

3.  A short study of this relationship:-

     a)  It is real

     b)  It is a bond

     c)  It is cultivated carefully

     d)  It is sustained

     e)  It is living

     f)  It is dynamic

     g)  It is precious

     h)  It involves understanding

     i)   It involves trust

     j)   It involves obedience on the part of the Son

A Challenge To Cultivate This Kind Of Relationship With God

1.  It involves a genuine love for God

2.  It involves keeping in touch through prayer

3.  It involves a deepening understanding of God through a constant study of God’s Word

4.  It takes much to cultivate this relationship with the Lord:-

     a)  Time

     b)     Reflection

     c)  A heart/mind that respond to God in positive faith and trust