Pray Big Prayers: When you pray

Matthew 6:9-13 I.) Normally begin your prayer time by focusing your attention and affections on your heavenly Father (6:9a) •Intimacy with God – “Father” •Reverence toward God– “in Heaven” •The corporate nature of the Christian life – “Our Father” II.) Pray with specificity like a laser beam (6:9b-13) •The more focused and specific your prayers the more spefici your answers. 1.) Pray for God’s glory – His name, His kingdom, and His will (6:9b-10) •Pray that God’s name (His person) be revered and honored •Pray for the expansion and consummation of God’s kingdom •Pray that God’s will be done on earth as it always is in heaven John 4:34 Matt. 26:39,42 2.) Don’t be concerned about bringing your concerns to your Father: provision, pardon, and protection (6:11-13) •Provision - Ask for your Father to meet your daily needs. •Pardon - Ask your Father to forgive you of your sins. •Protection – Ask your Father to protect you and your loved ones from Satan’s traps. III.) Don’t let bitterness and resentment endanger your prayer life (6:14-15) •Mark 11:20 Some final thoughts on a more effective prayer life . . .