The Pattern and Power of Prayer
This sermon explores the meaning of prayer using Luke 11:1-13 as its basis. It emphasises the importance of a heavenly perspective, understanding God as a perfect Father, seeking God's kingdom, the need for persistence in prayer, and the promise of the Holy Spirit to those who ask. It encourages believers to engage in a transformative prayer life that shifts their focus from earthly needs to a relationship with God.
In the scripture Luke 11:1-13, where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, it is packed with wisdom that can transform our lives. The disciples watched Jesus and they wanted what he had. They saw the results of his intimacy with the Father, and they knew this was the key. So, they asked him to teach them to pray. It's not just a formula, it's a revelation of the Father’s heart.
The Lord's Prayer starts with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”. Notice, it doesn't begin with our earthly needs, but with God’s holiness and a focus on his character. This sets the tone for our entire prayer life. It’s about shifting from an earthly view to a heavenly one. Like when I went to New York, I thought it was awful, but when I saw it from the Empire State Building, it changed my perspective. Prayer is like that. It elevates us to see God and His perspective.
Jesus gives us a picture of what a father is supposed to be. God is the perfect Father. Whether you've had a good father, a bad father, or no father at all, God can be the best Father you could ever imagine. He's full of love, power, joy, and peace. He wants an intimate relationship with us. He desires to give good gifts. Everything comes from the Father. So, when we pray, we’re not just talking to a distant deity but to a loving Father.
After honouring God, the prayer continues, “Let your kingdom come soon. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. This is about bringing heaven to earth. What's heaven like? It is full of joy, peace, love and worship. If we want to see God's kingdom come, we need to see what heaven is like. It’s not selfish but outward-looking. And this is a possibility when we humble ourselves and pray and seek his face. We then can believe for our daily bread.
Jesus teaches us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. It's not a one-and-done transaction, it’s about bold, consistent engagement with God. He uses the story of a man asking for bread at midnight. This is a picture of persistence and even a bit of shamelessness in our prayers. It is not about a single push but many pushes. So keep at it church!
Ultimately, Jesus says that if earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask? The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus who reveals the Father. This gift is the crown jewel, the culmination of a life of prayer. Prayer is not just about getting what we want; it's about developing a relationship with our Father who wants to give us what we truly need
In closing, prayer isn't just a religious duty; it's a powerful connection to our Father in heaven. Let's embrace the pattern and the persistence and watch as God transforms our lives and our world.
We thank you for inviting us into this incredible relationship with you. We thank you for giving us the wonderful privilege of communicating with you directly. We want to know you the father so we know our identity. Help us to embrace the pattern of prayer and the power of persistence. May we seek you with all our hearts. Let your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
