1. In Luke 11:1 someone made a request of Jesus that will serve as the theme for our lesson: "Lord, teach us to pray." 2. In our study of prayer we will make some observations from: a. the request that was made b. occasions when Jesus prayed c. the Lord's instructions relating to prayer. 3. Let us begin by making some . . .
Discussion:
I. OBSERVATIONS FROM THE REQUEST THAT WAS MADE
A. This request related to a very important activity -- "prayer" [talking to God]. B. The person who made this request was a disciple of the Lord. 1. Followers of the Lord realize that talking to God through prayer is a special privilege. 2. The Lord's followers should have a desire to pray to the Father. C. Talking to God through prayer is something that we have to learn how to do. 1. We have to be taught how to pray. 2. John had taught his followers how to pray. D. To learn how to pray properly we must go to the right source for instruction. E. If we go to the wrong sources for instruction we will not know how to pray properly. 1. Jesus warned against praying like hypocrites (Matthew 6:5-6). 2. Jesus warned against praying like heathens (Matthew 6:7-8). 3. Jesus warned against praying like the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23:14). F. To learn how to pray properly we must let the Lord teach us. G. With this information before us, let us make some . . .
II. OBSERVATIONS FROM OCCASIONS WHEN JESUS PRAYED
A. Jesus prayed when special events occurred. 1. He prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21). 2. He prayed at His transfiguration (Luke 9:28-29). B. Jesus prayed in seclusion after doing a great work (Luke 5:16). C. Jesus prayed before making an important decision (Luke 6:12). D. Jesus prayed for Peter (Luke 22:31-32). E. Jesus prayed before He faced His great trial (Luke 22:41-44). F. Jesus prayed while receiving cruel treatment (Luke 23:34; Matthew 5:43-48). G. Jesus prayed when His life ended (Luke 23:46). H. We can learn much from the occasions when Jesus prayed, but we also need to make some . . .
III. OBSERVATIONS FROM THE LORD'S INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO PRAYER
A. Jesus taught that the Father answers prayer (Luke 11:9-10; James 5:16b). B. Jesus taught His followers to be persistent in prayer (Luke 18:1-9). C. The Bible contains many more instructions concerning prayer that we need to study and practice.
Conclusion:
1. Prayer is a special privilege for God's children. 2. Let us take advantage of it. 3. Poem: "God Answers Prayer"
