Scripture References: Luke 11:1-4 / Matthew 6:9-13; Ephesians 2:18; Romans 8:15-16, 26-27; Mark 14:36; John 17; Matthew 7:7-11
Intro: Welcome to our series, "Lord, Teach Us to Pray." Like Jesus' first disciples, many of us feel inadequate or unsure about prayer ("Need to pray more," "Am I doing it right?"). The good news is prayer can be taught! While prayer styles are often "caught" from others, Jesus grounds prayer not in technique, but in relationship – specifically, understanding Who we are praying to, starting with "Our Father."
Key Points:
- Prayer is Relational: "Our Father" (Luke 11:2): Jesus begins His model prayer by directing us to God as "Father." This immediately shifts prayer from mere duty to relational connection. It reflects God's own nature as a relational Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our prayer engages this divine community (Eph 2:18).
- Prayer by the Spirit (Rom 8:15-16, 26-27): We don't pray alone. The Holy Spirit actively partners with us:
- He confirms our adoption, enabling us to intimately cry, "Abba, Father!" (v. 15-16).
- He helps in our weakness, interceding for us according to God's will when we lack words or understanding (v. 26-27).
- Prayer through the Son (Eph 2:18; John 17): Jesus is our access pass. Through His perfect life, death, and resurrection, He opened the way to the Father. He shares His intimate relationship with the Father with us (John 17). We approach confidently based on His merits ("in Jesus' name"), not our own performance, ensuring equal access always.
- Prayer to the Father (Matt 6:9; Matt 7:7-11): Jesus primarily modeled prayer to the Father. We approach Him knowing He is:
- Available & Attentive: He invites us to ask, seek, knock, and loves to respond (Matt 7:7). He hears and values every prayer.
- Good: He desires to give good gifts, far exceeding earthly fathers (Matt 7:11). He answers prayers (Yes, No, or Later) according to His perfect wisdom and commitment to our ultimate good.
- From Duty to Delight: Understanding the Father's goodness, the Son's access, and the Spirit's help transforms prayer. It's not a complex ritual or duty, but a confident, delightful privilege of connecting with the Triune God who loves us and invites us into relationship.
Conclusion: Jesus taught that prayer starts with recognizing God as "Our Father." This relational foundation, understood through the active involvement of the Son giving access and the Spirit giving help, frees us from insecurity and performance. Prayer becomes a confident drawing near to our good, available Father.
Call to Action: Shift your prayer focus from technique to the relational God: Father, Son, and Spirit. Address God confidently as "Father," leaning on the Spirit's inner witness. Rely solely on Jesus' merits for access. Trust the Father's goodness and availability. Practice praying with this Trinitarian understanding, expecting deeper connection and delight.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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