Week 3 || Day 7
PRAYER FOCUS: OUR OWN NEEDS/WANTS
As we prepare to go before God today with our own concerns and requests, it is of utmost importance that we first remember that God’s Presence is greater than God’s Provision. Who He is FAR outweighs what He provides. Earlier in this study we looked at Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego who made it clear that EVEN IF God didn’t answer their prayers as they wanted - they wouldn’t stop believing in Him!
In light of that, it is also important to know that God is a FATHER - and one who loves to bless His Children! So much so that Jesus tells us in the Bible that “whatever you ask from the Father, He will give it to you in My name.” (John 16:23). This doesn’t mean ponies will appear in our kitchen or we’ll wake up to a barnful of cash. We should be praying according to the Word of God. If you’re not sure where to start - Jesus offers a great place - Matthew 6:9-13 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Following that prayer - we can ask for needs and desires. As our Father, He loves to bless us!
Illustration: “Among those in the court of Alexander the Great was a philosopher of outstanding ability but little money. He asked Alexander for financial help and was told to draw whatever he needed from the imperial treasury. But when the man requested an amount equal to $50,000, he was refused--the treasurer needing to verify that such a large sum was authorized. When he asked Alexander, the ruler replied, ‘Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity.’” - Today in the Word, August 1991.
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Kids SEEK, too!
Kids’ Illustration: A lady once took her children to a restaurant. Her six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As he bowed his head he said, “God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!”
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, a woman remarked, “That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!”
Hearing this, the boy burst into tears and asked asked his mother, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?”
As she held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at the boy and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.”
“Really?” the boy asked.
“Cross my heart,” the man replied.
Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.”
The mother bought her kids ice cream at the end of the meal. Her son stared at his for a moment, and then did something unusual. He picked up his ice cream and walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.” - source unknown
Kids’ Activities for Today’s Prayer Focus: Lord’s Prayer Coloring Sheet
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Bible:
“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” (Psalm 69:13)
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)“
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7)
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Quote for Today:
“If the request is wrong, God says, ‘No.’ If the timing is wrong, God says, ‘Slow.’ If you are wrong, God says, ‘Grow.’ But if the request is right, the timing is right and you are right, God says, ‘Go!’” - Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not To Pray
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Points to Ponder:
Start by praying The Lord’s Prayer.
List requests and needs. Think back to Day 5 of our 21 days and P.R.A.Y.
P- Praise and worship God
R - Repent as you confess sins and shortcomings
A - Adoration and thanksgiving
Y - Your needs and desires
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CLOSING PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you and we bring our worship to you. On a world where other things try to distract us from You we choose to focus on the wonder of who You are! We thank you that you are Good. We thank you that you are Holy and magnificent. We honor you. Today we ask that You would correct our hearts and clean up any YUCK that you find in us. We ask that you would enable us to turn from anything that stands against Your will and seek you wholly! We are so thankful for your mercy and grace. We are thankful for the blessings you have placed in our lives. And today Jesus, we also pray for (your requests and concerns) _____________. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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