Listen to Sermon: Conversations with God - Prayer… Am I Doing It Right? [28Mb]

Prayer is simply a CONVERSATION with God.

“Pray as you can; don’t pray as you can’t.” Don Chapman

1 Once when Jesus had been out praying, one of his disciples came to him as he finished and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”  Luke 11:1 (NLT)

Getting Prayer Right

Where and when should I pray?

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  Luke 3:21-22 (NIV)

16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.  Luke 5:16 (NIV)

12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.   Luke 6:12 (NIV)

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,     Luke 22:39-41 (NIV)

33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  Luke 23:33-34 (NIV)

Conversation with God can happen in ANY PLACE at ANY TIME!

What kind of attitude should I have when I pray?

God wants me to be:

• REAL.
• RELAXED.
• REVEALING.

God wants me to LISTEN.
What is my objective in praying?

As I pray I am PARTNERING with God to accomplish HIS WILL.

Conversation with God isn’t about a place, perfection or performance. Conversation with God is all about pursuing a DEEPER more INTIMATE relationship with Him.

Questions for Reflection:

Are you too worried about where and when?
Are you approaching prayer with the right attitude?
Do you ever stop talking and listen?
Are you performing for God or partnering with God as you pray?