Prayer Meeting                                     Notes 1999

Text: Luke 11:2-4  (Matt 6:9-13)                                 12 April 1999

Cultivating Our Relationship With God As "Our Father In Heaven"  (Cf. Ex 4:22; Deut 1:31)

References To God As Our “Father In Heaven”

“That you may be sons, of your Father in Heaven...”  Matt.5:45

“Just as your Father in Heaven is perfect...”   Matt.5:48

“Pray to your Father in Heaven...”   Matt.6:6

“Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him...” Matt.6:8

Relating To God As “Our Father In Heaven”

1.  We have every encouragement to relate to God as our Heavenly Father.

2.  We have every reason to cultivate our relationship with God as our Heavenly Father.

3.  We are admonished to spare no effort to cultivate our relationship with God as our Heavenly Father.

The Classic Example Of How Jesus Related To The Father

A Relationship Of The Strongest Love (Cf. Gospel of John)

John 2:13-17  “Do not make My Father’s House a house of merchandise”

1.  A strong sense of love for His Father’s House (Temple)

2.  A love that is associated with strong zeal

3.  A love that touches the depths of one’s emotions

4.  A love that dares to confront that which is wrong

5.  A love that dares to make strong and bold decisions

6.  A love that has obviously been nurtured

(“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might”  Deut. 6:5)

Where Prayer Is Most Meaningful (and Effective)

1.  Where there is a strong sense of love for God as our Father in Heaven.

2.  The stronger the love for God, prayer will be that much more meaningful.

3.  This love however must be cultivated carefully, nurtured through years.

4.  The passing of time is an important test of genuine love.

5.  The kind of love is best expressed by one’s regard for God’s House, God’s work, etc.

The Problem Of “Empty Prayers”

1.  The mere recitation of prayers         Matt.6:7

2.  Hypocritical prayers        Matt.6:5