Coming to the Father in Prayer

Coming to the Father in Prayer

Introduction

I want to show you a profound reality this morning from Luke 11. When the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray, instead of giving them a method, he reminds them of who their Father in heaven is.

A Parable on Prayer (v.5–8)

the story is not a comparison, but a contrast. “The sleeping householder is not like God; he is precisely unlike God. If the householder fails to respond out of friendship alone (Outrageous! Impossible!), how much more may God be counted on to respond promptly out of unfailing love and devotion (Luke 11:13).”^[1] 

The Father not only hears our prayers the first time and responds freely, but also our coming is never shameless to Him! There is no such thing as bad timing with God.

The Comand to Pray (v.9-10)

Ask with Confidence - The Father Will Give (v.9)

John 14:14 — Asking in Jesus Name. Misunderstanding is that there is a secret special way to repeat Jesus' name before success is eventually given from God in heaven. Response: Confessing Jesus' name is equivalent to submitting to his Lordship, so asking in Jesus' name in John's gospel involves praying according to the character of this one and only Son.

Ask with Faith in the Father's Answers - To Everyone (v.10) 

Mark 11:23–24 — All things are possible for those who believe. The misunderstanding of these verses is that the power of faith could turn the impossible into reality for anyone who has enough faith. A great faith is necessary. Response: When we pray, we must come to God confidently believing that “with him all things are possible.” Jesus is not saying, “if you have such faith, then your prayers will be answered.” Jesus is saying you can’t have both doubt and faith simultaneously, therefore have faith in God. Pray, and you will be answered.

The Certainty of the Father's Response (v.11-13)

The Father Gives What is Best (v.11-12) 

In response to Luke 18:1–8, Jesus is teaching that the reason people are kept waiting is not because we need to get God's attention or that he is uninterested, but that He has determined, as the heavenly judge, that we need to wait. It is not repetitious prayer, but patient prayer.

The Good Gifts of God (v.13)

The "good thing" is the Holy Spirit. The Father gives what is best; Himself!

Just ask! You are always heard because you are always loved!

^[1]Crump, Knocking on Heaven's Door, 70.