TEACH ME TO PRAY ~

Luke 11:1-13  New International Version (NIV)

Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer
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One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”




2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come. 
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
    for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

LORD TEACH ME TO PRAY ~ 
Prayer changes me, which changes things!

As I grow older, I see the importance of prayer more everyday.  Just a little faith can go along way and prayer works.  Not only does it change me and my view of things.  We grow in God as we seek him.  God works through us calling upon him.  Verse 9 ~ ASK ~ SEEK ~ KNOCK 

God gives us freedom to serve him and faith to hold onto in life.  So many changes can happen in one day and just a little light helps your path to become clear.  A clear walk with God doesn't mean that trouble won't come, it means that faith will lead the way.  God has amazing things ahead for each of us and his promises are true.  God will give the desires of your heart, but maybe not in the way you think at times.  I've tried to figure everything out and think I have the plan made. Then God shows us and directs my path a little different.

For example:
I got hurt extremely bad by people who went to church.  My plan was to never go back to the church building again, but wait, it was some people, not all people who went to that church.  This was many years ago, but God sent his holy spirit to draw me back.  Through the pain and sorrow of somethings in life, God would use that sorrow to help others and the victories.  I saw this last night as I taught the Wednesday service at church.  I said YES to God and he open my heart up to serve him and lead others.  My life has been turned around to his grace and I see the how bad things turned into good things.  I see how letting go of what I couldn't change and allow God freedom to mold me. 

CALL UPON GOD ~
His power can move mountains

Psalm 30:11-12  Amplified Bible (AMP)
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;
You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Last night as I taught, I brought out how I saw older people (70's) stay at that altar to pray.  I wasn't sure why they did that in my 30's.  But I understand it clearly today and I have learned from them.  Women of God who knew the power to kneel, pray and seek God.  Who taught me to wait on the plan of God to unfold and how to raise my hands in surrender to God. So many things I didn't know because I really didn't grow up in a home of praising or going to church much.  

I find that we see things different. I am not sure how you view me after reading one blog, but I hope you view me as caring and knowing that God cares about you too.  You are important and never let anyone bring you down.  God purposes people in our lives, but positive people.  People who become real friends and you don't feel alone anymore. Just one phone call changes things.  Just one phone call o God, changes you and that changes things!  Wow, happy new day my friends. 

My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.  
​Thank you for reading this and sharing time with me today! 
~ Sparkie 

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