Reference

Matthew 6:32-33; 6:9-10; Luke 11:9; 11:11-13; 1:26-37

Self-preservation Prayer

Self-preservation prayers is presenting our needs and desires to God. Asking him ...

  • To grant us what we need
  • To turn a difficult circumstance around
  • To solve our problems
  • To resolve conflicts
  • To keep us safe
  • To protect us from calamities
  • To heal our sickness
  • To provide us with comfort
  • To give us opportunities
  • To bless our families
  • So that we may live long and prosper

Gentiles are experts in self-centred, self-serving, self-preservation prayers.
Disciples should seek God’s kingdom first because they trust that God knows what they need. (Matthew 6:32-33)

Sons and Daughters Prayer

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10)

  • This sermon series is as much about falling in love as it is about praying.
  • To pray is to enter the Father’s heart.
  • To pray is to come home.
  • To pray is to let go of all the bargains, trade deals, and contracts you thought you have made with God.
  • To pray is to re-nurture a long-lost relationship with the Heavenly Father.
  • To pray is to fall in love with your Creator all over again.

Promise to Sons and Daughters

  • Ask for His kingdom, and it will be given to you.
  • Seek Him, and you will find.
  • The Father’s heart is open wide. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9)
  • Why should we pray like the Gentiles when we could have prayed like sons and daughters?

Case Study: Mary’s Story (Luke 1:26-37)

  • The affirmation: Do not be afraid, for you have found favour with God
  • The promise: For nothing will be impossible with God
  • The response: Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be tome according to your word.
  • Mary’s simple one-line prayer of consent would lead to one thousand other miracles in her lifetime.

Invitations

  • What if you make a commitment today to pray everyday?
  • What if you make a commitment to not just come to God for stuff, but with a heart and a desire to know him more?
  • What if you make a commitment to seek His kingdom first and trust that your life will be taken care of?
  • What if you learn to pray like Mary? “Let it be to me according to your word.”
  • What if you make a commitment today to pray this prayer at every difficult situation you will encounter in 2019?
  • Why should you pray like a Gentile when you could have be praying like a son or a daughter?