“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.” Luke 11:1

First and foremost, the best way to learn about prayer is by just doing it… However if the Lord taught about prayer, then so shall we!

James 1:19 – “…Let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak” (Jer. 10:14)

If we are quick to speak, all we speak is our stupid knowledge, but if we listen God’s truth will guide our prayers, because He’s the smart one.

Exodus 30:1,6-10 – 

v. 6 – The alter of incense is put before the mercy seat (Lord’s Glory) where God will meet you. We meet God’s glory through prayer!

v. 7 – incense (invisible, yet smells sweet) = Prayer (Rev. 5:8, 8:3-4), 

lamp = Church (Rev. 1:20).  The priest burned incense while tending the lamps in the morning and then in the evening. 

v. 9 – No strange incense (Is. 59:1-5 Shows how God did not receive the prayer because sin dwelled in the heart & James 4:3. Shows that wrong motives = sin)

v. 10 – The blood covers it 

Heb. 10:19 (Christ’s Blood)

Dan. 9:15-19 (It is not because of our righteous deeds that we can come to God in prayer, but by His great mercy in Christ blood shed for our sins)

Jeremiah 15:1 – Tells us that certain people have more respect from God in prayer… Does God respect your prayers as much as these people?

John 15:7 – Effective prayer occurs when Jesus’ words abide in you, when His will is what you pray according to.

Acts 4:23-31 – This prayer was prayed out of persecution.  It’s important to note the unity of the early church, and how that relates to their persecution.  2 Tim. 3:12 tells us that those who live a godly life, calling sin for sin, and living by the scriptures, will be persecuted, which naturally leads to unity in the body.  

v. 24 – They begin by acknowledging God and what He has done!

v. 25-26 – They prayed God’s own words spoken years earlier by David.  They recognized the scriptures as living words to be applied to their present situation.

v. 27-28 – Stated the situation according to scriptures. 

v. 29-30 – Petitioned for boldness, healing, and signs and wonders, done in the power of Jesus name.

v. 31 – They were filled with the spirit and the place was shaken (Acts 2:4).

1 Cor. 14:12-15 – 

We are commanded to pray in the spirit (Jude 20, Eph. 6:18) and with understanding

Luke 18:9-4 – 

v. 9 – They were confident in their own righteous acts = no regard for the blood

v. 13 – the sinner humbled himself and was honest before God

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7