Kingdom Prayer
What does the prayer life of a Kingdom person look like?
Jesus offered a model prayer because of the disciples request,
Lord, teach us to pray —Luke 11:1 (ESV)
We will use this prayer today as we explore 5 aspects of Kingdom prayer.
And it happened as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught His disciples. —Luke 11:1-4 (ESV)
PARALLEL Matthew 6:9-13
1 So first for this morning, we see God is usually our focus. The fact that God is referred to as our Father speaks of our relationship with Him. We have a God with whom we are personally related and to whom we can come to about anything at any time!
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
What’s ironic about this prayer is that people often forget this first lesson. Jesus didn’t give us this model as a “magical” prayer to recite mindlessly over and over and over.
And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. —Matthew 6:7-8 (ESV)
Kingdom Prayer is like a conversation with your best friend.
God wants to hear how things are going with you. He wants to listen to you. He’s your friend … he likes you.
2. The passion of the prayer – That God’s name be hallowed! Luke 11 V 2
Hallowed is a word not used much today, it’s an adjective meaning deserving honor and respect especially by reason of age. The passion of every kingdom disciple is to bring glory to God!
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. —Habakkuk 2:14 (ESV)
What every kingdom-oriented child of God should be chiefly passionate about is God’s glory!
Paul said,
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
3. The purpose of the prayer – That God’s kingdom come - Luke 11 v. 10!
The kingdom disciple will pray for God’s will to be done on earth, that means 3 things…
A. He will pray with his eyes on the horizon…to the future.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. —Revelation 22:20b (ESV)
B. We will pray with our eyes on our fellow man.
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. —1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)
C. He will pray with his eyes on himself.
4. The practicality of the prayer. Luke 11 vs. 11-13
The Kingdom refers to God’s rule and reign; and the church exists to demonstrate what life is like lived under that rule and reign. A kingdom disciple daily depends on the Lord for …
A. Provision - “Give us” - v. 11
B. Pardon - “Forgive us” - v. 12
C. Direction - “Lead us” - v. 13a
D. Deliverance - “Deliver us” - v. 13b
Every powerful testimony has its basis in consistent personal time with God.
5. LAST, The power of the prayer - Luke 11v1 The power is found in the beginning of the prayer… Father.
God says about Himself
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. —Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)
If God has touched and transformed us; then we will also want Him to touch and transform others. We should pray and seek to be used of God by His power
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. —John 14:13-14 (ESV)
Kingdom Prayer seeks to honor and glorify God First, and seeks to bring God to others to change this world.
How is your intimacy with the Father?
How much time do you invest in that relationship?