Approaching God and Understanding Prayer

Jul 24, 2024

Approaching God and Understanding Prayer

Key Points and Concepts

Introduction

  • The speaker emphasizes understanding and wisdom for approaching God.
  • They note the common deficiencies in prayer and the importance of knowing how and when to pray properly.

Common Misconceptions about Worship and Prayer

  • Worship is not about following programmed protocols or just making noise; it’s about genuine love for God.
  • There are various incorrect beliefs about worship, like thinking humans were created solely for worship.
  • True worship stems from a revelation of who God is and cannot be forced.
  • Misunderstood notions like starting prayer with repentance or treating it as a therapeutic tool rather than communication with God.

Understanding Righteousness and Faith

  • The law of God states that one cannot approach Him without righteousness, which is obtained through Jesus, not personal deeds.
  • Faith and hope are closely linked; faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1-7).
  • Biblical figures obtained good reports by faith, not by their works.

Approaching God in Faith

  • Prayer should not be about repeating vain words but should be based on faith and understanding (Matthew 6:7-8).
  • By faith, people like Enoch and Abel pleased God; they acted out of a deep understanding and trust in God.
  • Jesus emphasized that faith is essential to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
  • The greatest gift, eternal life, is received by faith, demonstrating faith’s primary role in obtaining other blessings.

Proper Attitude and Mindset in Prayer

  • Understanding that God is our Father changes our approach to prayer. Jesus taught to pray “Our Father in heaven” to emphasize relationship, not formality.
  • When we pray, we should recognize God’s will and maintain a Heavenly perspective.
  • Provision from God reflects His acceptance and forgiveness; asking for daily bread is a sign of trust in His provision.

The Importance of a Spiritual Perspective

  • Our spirits are seated with Christ in Heavenly places; physical distance does not affect our spiritual connection with God.
  • Faith, not works, moves God. Prayer should align with faith and the understanding of our spiritual standing.

Practical Prayer Guidelines

  • Begin prayer acknowledging God’s greatness and His will. Recognize spiritual truths over physical realities.
  • To fulfill righteousness as Jesus did, our actions and prayers should align with God's righteousness and will.
  • Understand that spiritual life and practices, like prayer and fasting, should be driven by revelations from God, not mere traditions.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Effective prayer requires a renewed mind and a deep understanding of the spiritual implications of our words and actions.
  • God desires a heartfelt connection, not just rote rituals and formalities. True worship and prayer stem from a genuine revelation of God’s nature and our relationship with Him.
  • Maintain a perspective that pleases God through faith and spiritual understanding.

Practical Steps

  • Approach God as a father, not a distant deity. Embrace the relational aspect of prayer.
  • Align your prayers with God's will, seeking His kingdom and righteousness first.
  • Recognize and eliminate programmed behaviors that hinder genuine connection with God.