Rolling Hills Community Church | Franklin | Kelly


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Rolling Hills Community Church | Franklin | Kelly Minter The Purpose of Prayer: More Than Words One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 The purpose of the Lord’s Prayer, in its simplest form, reflects Jesus’ Greatest Commandment: love God and love others. The purpose of prayer is revealed as we get to know the character of the One we’re praying to. God’s Character as it Relates to Prayer Our God is good. He delights in giving us good things, in particular His Presence through the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:11-12, Matthew 7:9-11) Our God is responsive. He responds lovingly and positively to our requests, searching and persistence, even if we don’t always understand His ways. (Luke 11:5-10, Matthew 7:7-8) Our God is relational. He isn’t interested in showy religious displays but in shared intimacy with His people. (Matthew 6:5-6) Our God is personal. Unlike the pagan gods who were capricious and unknown, Jesus says to us “your Father”. (Matthew 6:8) Our God is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful). He isn’t moved by long-winded, manipulative prayers, rather in children who trust His knowledge of our needs and power to provide for them. (Matthew 6:8) Many of us have questions about prayer and wonder if it works or if we have what it takes to pray effectively. Do what the disciples did: learn from Jesus. Not all of our questions about prayer will be answered during our lifetime, but we’ll discover that the more we get to know the One to whom we pray, the less our questions will matter in light of His goodness and glory.