Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Such were the words of the disciples in Luke 11:1. Many today have the same desire, the same questions about how to pray.
As we continue our look at Genesis 18 and our study on prayer, this conversation Between Friends demonstrates to us various aspects of prayer. Take note that in Abraham’s prayer, he was specific, persistent and expectant.
Abraham was specific in asking God to spare the cities for 50 righteous people; then 45; then 40; then 30; then 20; then 10. Prayer is not some “code” that we speak. We are not “windtalkers” with God. Abraham’s prayer was plain and specific. Have faith in God that He can and will answer your prayers specifically.
Abraham’s persistence is seen in that he did not stop praying until he felt he had adequately reached the heart of God.
Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes. – Genesis 18:27
And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: – Genesis 18:30
And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: – Genesis 18:32
Note that Abraham’s persistence was such that he felt as if he were intruding on God. He asked to speak one more time, to be a little more specific, to get assurance that God understood his request, to express the urgency of his request, to reach the heart of God.
When was the last time we were so persistent in our prayer life that we felt as if we were intruding upon God? We asked forgiveness to speak with Him one more time, to share our burden once more, to verify that we had communed with God that we had reached the very heart of God.
Abraham “returned unto his place” confident that he had communed with God. He expected God to answer his prayer.
And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: And he looked – Genesis 19:27-28
As an archer draws his bow, directs his arrows and examines the target, so must we direct our prayers and follow them expectantly to see if we hit the mark. We must look expectantly to our prayers waiting for the moment that we can give God the praise for the mighty work that he has done.
Specific, persistent, expectant prayer is an exercise of faith. Any other “prayer” is an exercise of futility.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much – James 5:16
[Article 5 of 7 in Series on Prayer]
Article 1 – An Anomaly of the Christian Life
Article 2 – Between Friend
Article 3 – The Hose of Prayer
Article 4 – Forged Prayer
Article 5 – Lord, Teach Us to Pray
Article 6 – The Praying Hands
Article 7 – God Remembered
Good stuff again. The question, “When was the last time we were so persistent in our prayer life that we felt as if we were intruding upon God?” gave me a little punch in the gut…I needed it. Thanks.
We are actually studying prayer in our small group tonight. We are looking at the second half of Acts 4. I can always learn and be challenged more in the area of prayer.
I’m afraid many of us fall short in this area. Studying this passage has challenged me and my walk as well. Prayer is crucial – I believe it. So do many others. The question is “Do we live it?”
Thanks for the comment Jeremy. God bless you and your small group tonight.
I love that,specific persistent expectant prayer is an act of faith. Again, every time we press in i.e become persistent the bonds of Satan over whatever we are praying about weaken.