Text: Matthew 6:9-13

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.   11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

Thursday, 21^st March 2024

TO CHANGE YOUR APPETITE 

Be Devoted to Prayer 2

Text: Matthew 6:9-13

 

Memory verse: James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

An honest request in faith is praying in God’s will and not in your lusts. Food, shelter, clothing, wisdom, safety, understanding, praying God’s Word. Not a name it and claim it attitude we see proclaimed in many religious circles today. As you approach God with a submissive attitude, your heart will be vitally linked with God’s. God’s focus becomes your focus, and you pray as God would have you to pray, in the Spirit. Your will is aligned with your heavenly Father’s. Salvation for lost souls, growth for believers, spiritual maturity within the body of Christ, a deepening love for others, and an impact for Christ upon our community.  

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Give and seek for forgiveness. Forgiving others that have wronged you and seeking personal forgiveness of sin. As you are praying before God, ask Him to search your heart. To reveal the sins in your heart. The closer we get to God the more He’ll reveal our hearts for what they are. We commit sin one at a time. We confess them the same way. Don’t look for one big blanket confession, God forgive me for my sins. You name them and confess them to God. Seeking and forgiving others who have wronged you. If you cannot forgive others, don’t expect God to forgive you. If you harbour unconfessed sin, resentment, or bitterness toward someone, get things right or God won’t hear your prayers. Prayer is a time for evaluation, an examination to see the true condition of your spiritual heart.

“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” Protection from all enemies. The tempter is always on the prowl as a roaring lion, especially during prayers. Believers has these three dominate enemies: The world, The flesh, and the devil. Jesus tells us to pray for deliverance from temptation and the devil. The devil is out to destroy you. Be prayerful for protection from the enemy.

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” Praise and thanksgiving with expectation. Notice our prayer should begin and end with worship and praise. We are saved by grace through faith. We pray in the name of Jesus. Have you ever wondered why? Why do I say, "In Jesus name, Amen"? I close my prayer "In Jesus Name" because Jesus is my access to the Father. He is the way. As a Christian we stand before God in the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ.

 

CGDS HYMN 4; SS&S 281:

COME, FOR THE FEAST IS SPREAD.

1. Come, for the feast is spread;

Hark to the call!

Come to the living Bread,

Broken for all;

Come to His “house of wine,”

Low on His breast recline;

All that He hath is thine;

Come, sinner, come.

2. Come where the fountain flows-

River of life-

Healing for all thy woes,

Doubting, and strife;

Millions have been supplied,

No one was e’er denied;

Come to the crimson tide,

Come, sinner, come.

3. Come to the throne of grace,

Boldly draw near;

He who would win the race

Must tarry here;

Whate’er thy want may be

Here is the grace for thee,

Jesus thy only plea:

Come, Christian, come.

4. Come to the Better Land,

Pilgrim, make haste!

Earth is a foreign strand-

Wilderness waste!

Here are the harps of gold,

Here are the joys untold-

Crowns for the young and old:

Come, pilgrim, come.

5. Jesus, we come to Thee,

Oh, take us in!

Set Thou our spirits free;

Cleanse us from sin!

Then, in yon land of light,

Clothed in our robes of white,

Resting not day nor night,

Thee will we sing.

   Prayers:

1.  Lord Jesus, put new things in me each time I come to You in the place of prayers.

2.  LORD God Almighty, do exceedingly, abundantly and above all I have asked from You in the place of prayers, in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.