The Focus of Our Prayers Psalm 145:14-21
Intro.
The focus of our prayers can vary depending on our personal beliefs, needs, and circumstances. Some people pray to express gratitude, seeking to give thanks for the blessings in their lives. Others may pray for guidance or wisdom, seeking insight and clarity on important decisions. Still, others may pray for strength, courage, or healing, asking for support and comfort during difficult times.
- Prayer is based on and the expression of the Christian’s relationship with God, Matt. 6:9; 7:11; 1 Pet. 3:10-12 (Psa. 34:11-16).
- God’s house (church) is a house of prayer, Isa. 56:7 (1 Pet. 2:5; Rev. 8:3-4).
- Prayer should have a regular place in our lives, 1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2. If it does not, then why not?
For many people, prayer is also a way to connect with a God. In this sense, the focus of prayer can be a deeply personal and meaningful experience.
Ultimately, the focus of our prayers is up to us and what we feel we need in our lives at a given moment. It's important to approach prayer with an open heart and mind, seeking to connect with the God in a way that feels authentic and true to our individual experiences.
--------Ads --
1. The focus of prayer.
Our Father in Heaven, Matt. 6:9.
Prayer to God as our Father in Heaven can also involve seeking to deepen our relationship with Him, to grow in faith, and to experience His love and presence in our lives. Ultimately, the focus of prayer to God as our Father in Heaven is to seek His will and to align our lives with His divine plan for us
It is Our Privilege to Seek Favor from Our Heavenly Father, Phil. 4:6-7. (cf. Isa. 55:6-7 – Salvation and continued favor)
- God as our Provider and Protector (physically and spiritually), Matt. 6:25-33; Gal. 4:4-7 (provisions, preservation and redemption).
- Prayer expresses our humble dependence upon our Father.
- Reverence is due Him in our prayers, Matt. 6:9.
It is Our Privilege to Seek Favor from Our Heavenly Father, Phil. 4:6-7. (cf. Isa. 55:6-7 – Salvation and continued favor)
Yes, seeking favor from our Heavenly Father through prayer is considered a privilege by many people who have faith in God. Prayer is viewed as a way to communicate with God, to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs, and to seek His guidance and blessings.
Prayer is considered a powerful tool for receiving divine assistance and intervention. By humbly approaching God in prayer, we can ask for His help and guidance, seeking His favor and blessings in our lives.
However, it's important to approach prayer with the right attitude and intentions. Prayer is not a way to manipulate God or to demand His blessings, but rather a way to express our faith, trust, and gratitude towards Him. Prayer should also involve a willingness to submit to God's will and to trust in His wisdom and love, even if we don't always understand His ways.
Ultimately, seeking favor from our Heavenly Father through prayer is a privilege that can bring us closer to Him, deepen our faith, and bring us the blessings and guidance we need in our lives.
1. Ask and receive, Matt. 7:7-8.
- a. With right motives, cf. Jas. 4:3.
- b. With the right faith, 1 Jno. 5:14-15.
- c. For right things, Matt. 6:10-13 (praise, needs, entreaty, intercession, blessings, confession, thanksgiving, etc.).
2. A child of God can pray about everything to his heavenly Father within the framework of faith in Him, respecting His will, and with a sincere heart, cf. Heb. 4:16; 1 Jno. 3:22.
Our Faith in Our Heavenly Father, Jas. 1:5-8.
- 1. Prayer expresses our trust in God (presence, power and protection), Psa. 40:1-4; 34:4-9.
- 2. Devotion (singleness of heart) must characterize our prayers, cf. Jesus, Matt. 26:36-44.
- 3. Trust God is not far from us: Hears and answers us, Matt. 7:7-11.
- 4. Don’t become discouraged in prayer, Lk. 18:1, 8.
-Persistence in our faith that prayer works, Jas. 5:16.
2. Why do we lose concentration (focus) when we pray
Self-reliance instead of humble dependency upon God, Lk. 18:9-14.
Do not expect God to answer: Little faith in the presence and power of God to hear and answer our prayers, Mk. 11:23-24.
Do not expect God to answer: Little faith in the presence and power of God to hear and answer our prayers, Mk. 11:23-24.
There can be several reasons why we may lose concentration or focus when we pray to God as our Father in Heaven. Here are some possible reasons:
1. Distractions: Distractions of the sinful world, Lk. 21:34-36. Our minds can easily become distracted by external factors such as noise, interruptions, or physical discomfort. We may also become distracted by our own thoughts or worries, which can make it difficult to focus on our prayers.
2. Lack of preparation: If we approach prayer without proper preparation, such as setting aside time and finding a quiet place, it can be harder to stay focused. Similarly, if we don't have a clear intention or purpose for our prayers, we may find it harder to stay on track.
3. Spiritual challenges: Sometimes, spiritual challenges such as doubt, fear, or guilt can make it harder to focus on prayer. We may feel unworthy or unsure of our connection to God, which can create mental barriers to concentration.
4. Physical challenges: Too busy with other things, Eph. 6:18. If we are tired, hungry, or in pain, it can be harder to focus on prayer. Similarly, if we are under a lot of stress or emotional turmoil, it can be harder to quiet our minds and focus on prayer.
5. Lack of practice: Discontented with God’s answers, 2 Cor. 12:8-10. If we are not used to praying regularly, it can take time and practice to develop the skill of concentration. Over time, with consistent practice, we can learn to quiet our minds and stay focused on our prayers.
-- Ads --
3. We can bring our prayers into focus
The Bible provides guidance on how to pray in several passages. Here are some key teachings on prayer from the Bible:
1. Approach God with humility and reverence: In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches his disciples to begin their prayers by addressing God as "Our Father in Heaven" and acknowledging His holiness and power.
2. Pray with faith and persistence: In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." He also teaches in Luke 18:1-8 that we should persist in prayer, not giving up even when we do not receive an immediate answer.
3. Pray according to God's will: In 1 John 5:14-15, the apostle John writes, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."
4. Pray with forgiveness and confession: In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches that we should forgive others in order to be forgiven ourselves. In 1 John 1:9, John teaches that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
5. Pray with gratitude: In Philippians 4:6-7, the apostle Paul teaches that we should present our requests to God with thanksgiving, trusting that He will give us peace and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- Who we speak to in prayer, Acts 1:24.
- What we want to pray about, cf. Col. 1:9.
- Why we are praying about it, cf. Col. 1:10-11 (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
- That God hears and answers our prayers, Jas. 5:16 (1 Jno. 3:22).
- When possible, to choose an environment that is conducive to prayer, Mk. 1:35; Acts 10:9-10. [We can pray anywhere, anytime.]
- Sermon about Worship: Preparing for True WorshipPsalm 100
- Sermon about Marriage: Building Trust in Your MarriageEcclesiastes 4:9-12
- Sermon About Encouragement: Encourage the Encouragers1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Conclusion
Overall, the Bible teaches us that prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God, a way to communicate with Him, seek His will, and receive His blessings. By approaching God with humility, faith, and gratitude, we can deepen our connection with Him and experience His presence and power in our lives.
Fonts: By: Joe R. Price Copyright © 2012 Bible Answers. With Permission for use. .
