How to Spend Time With God (Pt. 2)

How to Spend Time With God (Pt. 2)

                                                                  Robert Lail Jr

Summary:

Prayer is not a religious act; it establishes a relationship with Almighty God. While in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wanted His disciples to watch and pray with Him for one hour, but they fell asleep while on their prayer watch. Today, the Body of Christ must guard against neglecting consistent prayer. When we pray for a significant amount of time, and honor and praise the names of God, we can expect a supernatural breakthrough.

   A. Jesus expected His disciples to pray with Him for one hour (Matthew 26:38-41).

      1.Jesus wanted the disciples to stay awake and pray so they would not succumb to temptation.

                A.      He soon discovered they could not stay awake.

                B.      Today, Jesus is still praying, yet in many ways the Church is asleep.

                C.      Something supernatural happens when we pray for one hour.

            2. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1).

                 B.    The Lord's Prayer is a model prayer with seven topics; Jesus said we should pray in this    

                        manner not recite his words its a template to follow.                           

                 C.      Take your time with each topic until you have the peace of God.

            3. Here are the topics:

                 A.      Our Father in heaven: This signifies approaching God on the basis of intimate  

                         relationship. Only children can call the master “Father”. Only those who have come to the

                         saving knowledge of God through Jesus  Christ can call God father.

                 B.       Hallowed be Your name: This is worship. Our prayer must include worship. Though 

                         children of God, we  must devote ourselves to worship, service and praise of His name.

                 C.      Your kingdom come: Jesus before His ascension said to His disciples, “the Kingdom is 

                         within you”  (Luk.17:21). He was referring to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of 

                         those who believe.

                 D.     Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven: God’s will is that everyone becomes saved 

                        and comes to the knowledge of truth.

                 E.      Give us this day our daily bread: After you have put God first in worship, devotion to His 

                        kingdom, and  saving of souls, then you can ask for your own daily bread. This refers to 

                        your daily needs.

                 F.       And forgive us our sins as we forgive those indebted to us:  Sin breaks the fellowship of 

                        God with man. Following salvation, it is not expected that there be any sins in your life. 

                        God expects that there be no grudge in your heart as you approach Him in prayer. We are 

                        instructed by Scriptures to love one another

                 G.      And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one: God is the one who 

                         keeps us from  the afflictions of the evil one. James 4:7 says “submit yourselves to God, 

                         resist the devil, and he will  flee from you”. Your submission to God’s authority in prayer 

                         will move Him to protecting you.

             4. What should be your course of action if you just do not feel like praying?

                 A.      Begin your prayer by singing songs of praise to the Lord.

                 B.      God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3)

                 C.      Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).

                 D.      Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence singing (Psalm 100:2).

                 E.       Remember that you are not racing against the clock

                 F.       Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you.