Intimacy and Reverence in Prayer: Jesus' Teachings

 

Summary

In Luke 11, we find a profound moment where Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. This passage reveals the intimate access we have to God, a concept that was revolutionary for the Jews of Jesus' time. They were accustomed to viewing God as distant and unapproachable, a perception shaped by their religious leaders. However, the Old Testament consistently portrays God as accessible and eager to hear the prayers of His people. Jesus' teaching on prayer is not a new doctrine but a fulfillment and refinement of what was already known.

The prayer Jesus teaches begins with addressing God as "Father," a term that signifies intimacy and relationship. This was a radical shift from the Jewish tradition, where God was rarely addressed as Father in prayer. Jesus invites us to approach God with the familiarity of a child to a parent, yet with the reverence due to His holiness. The phrase "Hallowed be Thy Name" reminds us of the balance between intimacy and reverence, acknowledging God's holiness and our need to honor Him above all.

The prayer continues with "Thy kingdom come," emphasizing God's sovereignty and our submission to His will. It is a call for God's redemptive purposes to be fulfilled on earth, aligning our desires with His divine plan. This is not a passive acceptance of the world as it is but a passionate plea for God's kingdom to advance, for His glory to be revealed, and for His will to be done.

The latter part of the prayer shifts to our needs, asking for daily provision, forgiveness, and protection. Each request is rooted in God's promises, reflecting our dependence on Him for sustenance, grace, and guidance. This structure teaches us that prayer is not about manipulating God to fulfill our desires but aligning ourselves with His will and trusting in His provision.

Ultimately, prayer is an act of worship, a declaration of our trust in God's character and His promises. It is a reminder that our lives are to be lived for His glory, and our prayers should reflect a heart that seeks to honor Him above all.

Key Takeaways:

- Intimacy with God: Jesus teaches us to address God as "Father," highlighting the intimate relationship we have with Him. This approachability is balanced with reverence, acknowledging His holiness and our need to honor Him. [15:46]

- God's Sovereignty: The prayer emphasizes God's sovereignty with "Thy kingdom come," urging us to align our desires with His divine plan. It is a call for His redemptive purposes to be fulfilled on earth, reflecting our submission to His will. [35:36]

- Dependence on God: The requests for daily provision, forgiveness, and protection are rooted in God's promises, reflecting our dependence on Him for sustenance, grace, and guidance. Prayer is an acknowledgment of our need for His intervention in our lives. [48:13]

- Prayer as Worship: Prayer is an act of worship, a declaration of our trust in God's character and His promises. It is a reminder that our lives are to be lived for His glory, and our prayers should reflect a heart that seeks to honor Him above all. [47:07]

- Rebellion Against Evil: Petitionary prayer is a form of rebellion against the world's fallenness, refusing to accept what is abnormal as normal. It is a passionate plea for God's kingdom to advance and for His glory to be revealed. [43:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - Introduction to Prayer
- [01:17] - Jewish Perception of God
- [01:58] - Old Testament Access to God
- [03:17] - Elements of Jewish Prayer
- [04:28] - Love, Praise, and Thanksgiving
- [05:41] - Confession and Purity
- [06:19] - Unselfish and Collective Prayer
- [07:45] - Perseverance in Prayer
- [09:12] - Jesus' Instruction on Prayer
- [11:03] - Structure of Prayer
- [14:51] - Addressing God as Father
- [16:26] - Hallowed Be Thy Name
- [21:13] - Reverence and Holiness
- [35:36] - Thy Kingdom Come
- [48:13] - Our Daily Needs
- [52:06] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 11:1-4
- Psalm 145:18
- Romans 8:15

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 11:1-4, how does Jesus instruct His disciples to address God in prayer, and what significance does this have? [15:46]

2. According to the sermon, what was the common Jewish perception of God during Jesus' time, and how did Jesus' teaching on prayer challenge this view? [01:17]

3. What are the key elements of the prayer Jesus taught, as outlined in Luke 11:2-4, and how do they reflect our relationship with God? [11:03]

4. How does the sermon describe the balance between intimacy and reverence in our approach to God in prayer? [21:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to address God as "Father" in the context of prayer, and how does this change our understanding of our relationship with Him? [15:46]

2. How does the phrase "Thy kingdom come" in the Lord's Prayer reflect our submission to God's sovereignty and His redemptive purposes on earth? [35:36]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer is an act of worship and a declaration of trust in God's character and promises? [47:07]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of petitionary prayer as a form of rebellion against the world's fallenness? [43:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How often do you approach God with the intimacy of a child speaking to a parent? What changes can you make to deepen this relationship? [15:46]

2. Consider the balance between intimacy and reverence in your prayers. How can you ensure that your prayers honor God's holiness while maintaining a personal connection? [21:13]

3. When you pray "Thy kingdom come," what specific areas of your life or the world do you feel called to submit to God's will? How can you actively participate in advancing His kingdom? [35:36]

4. Think about a recent situation where you felt the need for God's provision, forgiveness, or protection. How did you express your dependence on Him in prayer, and what was the outcome? [48:13]

5. How can you incorporate worship into your daily prayers, ensuring that they reflect a heart that seeks to honor God above all? [47:07]

6. Identify a specific area of your life where you feel the world's fallenness most acutely. How can you use prayer as a form of rebellion against accepting this as normal? [43:36]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you address this in prayer, and what steps can you take to maintain a consistent and intimate prayer life? [18:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Intimacy with God as Our Father
Jesus teaches us to address God as "Father," highlighting the intimate relationship we have with Him. This approachability is balanced with reverence, acknowledging His holiness and our need to honor Him. In a time when God was often seen as distant, Jesus' invitation to call God "Father" was revolutionary. It signifies a personal relationship, akin to that of a child with a parent, where love and trust are foundational. Yet, this intimacy does not diminish God's holiness. The phrase "Hallowed be Thy Name" serves as a reminder that while we can approach God with familiarity, we must also honor and revere Him. This balance between intimacy and reverence is crucial in our prayer life, as it shapes how we relate to God and understand His nature. [15:46]

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy with God in your daily prayers while maintaining a reverence for His holiness?


Day 2: Aligning with God's Sovereignty
The prayer emphasizes God's sovereignty with "Thy kingdom come," urging us to align our desires with His divine plan. It is a call for His redemptive purposes to be fulfilled on earth, reflecting our submission to His will. This part of the prayer is not about passively accepting the world as it is but actively seeking God's intervention and transformation. By praying for His kingdom to come, we are expressing a desire for God's rule and reign to be evident in our lives and the world around us. It is a declaration of trust in His perfect plan and a commitment to participate in His mission. This alignment with God's sovereignty challenges us to let go of our own agendas and embrace His greater purposes. [35:36]

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations." (Psalm 145:13, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to God's sovereignty, and how can you actively seek His kingdom in that area today?


Day 3: Dependence on God's Provision
The requests for daily provision, forgiveness, and protection are rooted in God's promises, reflecting our dependence on Him for sustenance, grace, and guidance. Prayer is an acknowledgment of our need for His intervention in our lives. By asking for our daily bread, we recognize that every good thing comes from God and that we are reliant on Him for our physical and spiritual needs. Seeking forgiveness reminds us of our need for His grace and the importance of extending that grace to others. Asking for protection acknowledges the spiritual battles we face and our need for His guidance and strength. This dependence fosters a deeper trust in God's character and His ability to provide for every aspect of our lives. [48:13]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you express your dependence on God for your daily needs, and how can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for His provision?


Day 4: Prayer as an Act of Worship
Prayer is an act of worship, a declaration of our trust in God's character and His promises. It is a reminder that our lives are to be lived for His glory, and our prayers should reflect a heart that seeks to honor Him above all. When we pray, we are not merely presenting a list of requests but engaging in a dialogue with the Creator, acknowledging His greatness and our need for Him. This perspective transforms prayer from a duty to a delight, where we find joy in His presence and strength in His promises. Worship through prayer aligns our hearts with God's, allowing us to see His hand at work in our lives and the world around us. [47:07]

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!" (Psalm 95:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily prayer routine, and what impact do you think this will have on your relationship with God?


Day 5: Rebellion Against Evil through Prayer
Petitionary prayer is a form of rebellion against the world's fallenness, refusing to accept what is abnormal as normal. It is a passionate plea for God's kingdom to advance and for His glory to be revealed. By praying for change, healing, and justice, we are actively participating in God's redemptive work and standing against the brokenness of the world. This type of prayer requires faith and perseverance, trusting that God hears our cries and is at work even when we cannot see it. It is a reminder that we are not powerless in the face of evil but have a powerful ally in God, who is committed to restoring all things. [43:36]

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21, ESV)

Reflection: What specific issue of injustice or brokenness in the world can you commit to praying for regularly, and how can you be a part of God's solution in that area?

Quotes

"Luke chapter 11, verse 1: 'And it came about that, while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.' And He said to them, 'When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation."'" [00:00:00]

"Jewish prayers had several elements. First of all, we could say love and praise. Psalm 34:2, 'I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.' Psalm 51:17, 'O Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall show forth Thy praise.' And then there was, very closely related to that, gratitude and thanksgiving." [00:04:17]

"They also marked their prayers by perseverance. They did pray with importunity. They did pray with pleading. And you see a number of those kinds of things. I would say that Daniel chapter 9 is a wonderful indication of the pleading of the man of God who goes over the same things repeatedly and does all those kinds of things that emphasize a heart that is wholly given over to the urgency of this." [00:07:45]

"First thing: 'Father.' God is called 'Father' only fifteen times in the Old Testament. Never is He addressed as 'Father' in a prayer. God is called 'Father' sixty-five times in the Synoptic Gospels -- Matthew, Mark and Luke -- and a hundred times in John. Something has happened. To bring God near, to open up this filial relationship among us and this parental relationship with Him." [00:15:11]

"This invocation says that you have the right to approach God the Creator, the Sovereign, the Eternal, Holy One and to call Him 'Papa.' To the conventional wisdom of the Jews of that day, this is frighteningly presumptuous. But God is so eager to introduce Himself in this way and we are reminded again, aren't we, of the seventh chapter of Matthew where God presents Himself as a Father who responds to His people?" [00:16:06]

"Secondly, I want to see the next statement here: 'Hallowed be Thy Name.' Let's just say that's God as sacred. God as sacred. And it's good that this comes right away because we could get a little sentimental with 'Father', couldn't we? It's really a very important balance. 'Hallowed be Thy Name.' While we are so thrilled to have this kind of access to Abba, while we can rush into His presence and cry out, 'Daddy!' and lay out all the issues of our hearts before Him, it is also incumbent upon us to understand that His Name is to be hallowed, and that is to say He is to be honored above all things." [00:20:44]

"When you hallow God, you are affirming that He is set apart from everything common, that He is set apart from everything profane, that He is to be prized, and esteemed, and honored, and reverenced, and adored, and glorified, and praised, and worshipped as the One who is infinitely blessed. It's so easy to say, 'Hallowed be Your Name,' and have absolutely no thought." [00:30:25]

"The kingdom of God was a central matter in His preaching. I don't want to get too technical. Let's make it real simple: the kingdom of God is the sphere over which God rules, right? And there are two kingdoms of God, two elements of this: there is the universal kingdom -- that is to say God is the ruler of the entire universe -- but there is the redemptive kingdom, and that is to say that is the kingdom of those over whom God rules by virtue of salvation." [00:36:54]

"You're praying for the advance of the gospel. You're praying for the salvation of the lost. 'Let Your kingdom come down.' In the prayer in Matthew 6, which I purposely didn't use because I wanted to use this one to make it clear to you that this is not a formula; it's a structure (and that's why the two are not the same), but in that prayer in Matthew 6, He says, 'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'" [00:38:30]

"David Wells wrote, 'What then is the nature of petitionary prayer?' He said this, 'It is, in essence, rebellion. It is rebellion against the world in its fallenness; the absolute and undying refusal to accept as normal what is pervasively abnormal. It is in this, its negative aspect, the refusal of every agenda, every scheme, every interpretation that is at odds with the norm as originally established by God.'" [00:43:46]

"Psalm 69:9, the psalmist writes, 'Zeal for Your house has eaten me up.' 'The reproaches that fall on you, have fallen on me.' What a statement. He's saying, 'God, when you're dishonored, I feel the pain.' And Jesus experienced it, didn't He? He went into the temple and He cleaned the place out, and in a sense, He said, 'I'm the fulfilment of Psalm 69,' for He'd quoted it: 'Zeal for Your house has eaten me up.'" [00:46:02]

"Well, verse 3, we get to our side of this prayer: 'Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.' Once you put God in the rightful place, you can get to you. We don't have time to develop all of this, but suffice it to say each of these requests is tied to a promise. Each of them." [00:48:13]

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Transcript
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