공동체와 양육

Learning to Pray - Part 1 (Lk. 10:38~11:13)

2019.06.09P. Stephen Cha

Prayer grows when we make it our priority, trust God's limitless promise, build a practice that works, and pray kingdom-centered prayers for God's honor, not only for ourselves.

Jesus was a praying person (11:1)

Luke emphasizes Jesus and prayer. Jesus prayed at his baptism, in temptation, on the mountain, and before choosing the twelve. He often prayed aloud, as in John 17, so the disciples heard him. In Luke 11:1 they did not ask for lessons on casting out demons or healing the sick. They asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." They saw that his prayer life energized his ministry, and that his power and authority flowed from deep communion with the Father.

One thing is necessary: be near Jesus (10:38-42)

The story before the Lord's Prayer is Mary and Martha. Martha was frantically serving, grew angry, and even rebuked Jesus. Jesus answered, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. But one thing is necessary." The most important thing he wants is that we come near him and commune with him. Doing things for God cannot replace time with God. Like a driver who skips the gas station and misses his meeting, we must stop and be filled. Psalm 27:4 and Paul's "one thing" call us to pursue him. Let us make time to be holy this summer.

God's promise of prayer has no limit (11:9-13)

A parent shopping at TJ Maxx has a spending limit, but Jesus' promise has none: ask, seek, knock. God will provide all we need to live as his children. Sometimes he answers at once. Sometimes he leads us on a journey so that we find him, his face and his smile. A closed door may become a new chapter of grace. Even imperfect fathers give good gifts, so how much more will God, who gave his Son? Often we do not have because we do not ask.

Plan to pray with a practice that works

We often fail to pray because we do not plan to pray. Set times this summer, such as 15 minutes in the morning, five after lunch, or 30 minutes a day. Pray three times a day and watch how God answers. Write down a prayer list and keep a journal of what God whispers. If God keeps saying "don't worry," repent and pray back, memorizing a passage on his faithfulness. Ask others to pray with you, and pray for what is ahead on your calendar. Start with five or fifteen minutes and expand.

Pray kingdom prayers, not only for yourself

A Buddhist professor named Goseki criticized Christians: "You always say, give me this, give me this." His point stings, because so much of our prayer is about my needs. The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray for God's name, kingdom, will, provision, healthy relationships, and protection, and so we grow into kingdom people. A woman prayed daily for 25 years for her husband's family, and all came to believe. Another family prayed for generations of leaders, and about 40 relatives are now in ministry. This prayer expires when Jesus comes, so pray big now and live for his kingdom, not for things.

Apply to Life

  • Let us make time to be near Jesus this summer, above all our busyness and service.
  • Let us come to God and ask, seek, and knock, trusting his promise to give what we need to live as his children.
  • Let us plan specific times to pray each day and keep a list or journal to see how God answers.
  • Let us ask a friend to pray with us regularly through the summer.
  • Let us pray bold kingdom prayers for God's honor and for the people around us, beyond our own needs.

This summary was made automatically from the sermon's captions and may differ from the sermon.

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