Scripture Text: Luke 11:1-4
Memory Verse: He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15
Lesson Aim: To expand on the framework Jesus gave to help the believer develop a consistent and effective prayer life.
Key Points - You must believe that it is God’s will to prosper you. - An attitude of unforgive- ness and bitterness will hinder our prayers. - Victory over temptation is only possible if we are properly equipped and prepared for the battle.
As we continue with our study on prayer, let’s consider the other topics covered in the prayer pattern that Jesus gave His disciples. In the previous lesson, we embraced the segments of praise and priorities. In this week’s lesson, we will consider provision, pardon and protection.
“Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). Jehovah-Jireh is our provider. He is more than enough and He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. We must believe it is God’s will for us to prosper. Note that God is not moved merely by need. There are thousands, even millions, of people who are more needy than we are. God is moved by our faith. So to claim God’s provision, we should first make sure we are walking in agreement with His will. Make sure our priorities are right. Being in God’s will includes fellowship with the Savior (James 4:7-8) and fellowship with His people (1 John 1:7). Diligent and balanced work habits also play a part, as well as obedience in giving.
“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4). All of us at some time carry the debt of sin. We must confess our sins to God because “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). True repentance requires conviction, godly sorrow and a turning away from sin. However, the same way we expect God to forgive us, we must be willing to forgive others. An attitude of unforgiveness and bitterness will hinder our prayers. Learning to forgive is a necessary element for growth in any relationship. Forgiveness is an act of the will.
“And do not lead us into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6: 13). This is a vital segment of prayer if we want to be victorious over the enemy. Sometimes we are simply drawn away by our own lust. Other times, the adversary specifically targets us to entice us to sin. Regardless of the source, victory over temptation accomplishes several things: (1) we learn to resist the enemy, are thereby strengthened and matured; (2) we are purified and perfected in our faith; and (3) God receives great glory. However, victory over temptation is only possible if we are properly equipped and prepared for the battle. We have to put on the whole armor of God and build a hedge of protection about ourselves. Let us clothe ourselves head to toe with Jesus in prayer.
Questions and Discussion
- Focus on provision. Part of our prayers will involve having our needs met. How do the following Scriptures relate to our provision? 1 John 1:7; Matthew 6:33; 7:7; Philippians 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
- Focus on pardon. The willingness to repent and forgive are essential to getting along with God and our fellow man. Discuss their impact on our prayer life. Luke 11:4a; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 5:46; Proverbs 4:23; Galatians 5:22-25
- Focus on protection. The promise of God’s protection is important. In this light, how should we view temptation? James 1:2-4, 13; 2 Peter 2:9; Judges 3:1-2
- What can we learn from these Scriptures about our protection from evil? 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15; Psalm 91