The Model Prayer

Learning to pray can be enhanced if we study the great prayers of the Bible.  From Abraham to Moses, to Elijah, to Nehemiah, to David, the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, to Jesus and to Paul, all these men got answers to their prayers.  Their prayers are recorded in scripture, so we know they were audible. 

Many of Moses’ prayers got God’s attention.  He was a great intercessor – he cried out to God on behalf of the people.  Many of David’s prayers were worshipful in nature.  We can learn from them. 

I encourage you to get your Bible and read Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-11.  It begins with praise.  It includes confession and petition.  Notice the sequence; although Nehemiah desperately needs something from God (vs. 11), he begins with praising God for who He is (vs. 5).  This is a great pattern for us to follow. 

A prayer of Jesus, that is given the title “The Lord’s Prayer” is actually a model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).  In this prayer, Jesus taught the same sequence of prayer as Nehemiah.  Might we learn not to rush to God with our needs until we have paused to thank Him for being the awesome God that He is.  Then, we bring our petitions before Him.  It’s a scriptural way to pray.  Study the great prayers of the great men of the Bible. 

The Pastor’s Pocket

Pastor Bruce Freeman

 

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