Pastor Register

Jesus gave us a perfect model for prayer. His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. He responded by saying, “Pray like this: …” He followed that by giving us what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” but what should be more accurately called “The Model Prayer.” In the teaching He is giving us a pattern for prayer.

Many times Jesus separated Himself from disciples and friends to go to the mountain or to lonely places to pray. When He prayed in public, His prayers were usually short. The longest prayer by Jesus that is recorded is in John 17. He prayed several hours in Gethsemane. He could pray briefly in public because He was with His Father God for long periods of time in solitude.

The model prayer Jesus put forth as a guide for His disciples only contains 50 to 65 words depending on the version of Scripture that you read.

I am not making a case for spending little time in prayer. Jesus life was the opposite of that. But when praying in public brevity is usually a virtue. In the solitude of your time alone with God, you should pray until the you know you have touched the heart of God. Regardless of the amount of time you spend in prayer, the important ingredient is not multitudes of words but faith in the God who loves us and wants to invest good things into our lives.

Jesus said the heathen believe their prayers to their gods will be heard because of their many words. (Matt. 6:7) We know it is faith the moves the hand of God.

How long are we to pray for anything? I believe we pray until the answer comes. There is so much to be said about prayer, we certainly cannot cover all the subject here. So I will give you this conclusion. Always pray. Pray in faith. Pray consistently. (Or as Paul wrote, “Pray without ceasing.”)

“Keep on asking and you will receive. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and doors will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8)

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Write the Pastor at PastorBill@firstagcc.org