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Title: Coming to God in Prayer
Date: May 9, 2008
Topic(s): Prayer
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 8:26, Mark 14:38, Psalm 105:4, Daniel 9:16-17, Matthew 6:9, Luke 18:1, Colossians 1:3, Jude 1:20, Luke 11:1

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The disciples of Jesus had been watching Him for some time. It became apparent to them that He prayed often, and He prayed with confidence that His prayers would be answered. It also was obvious that their own prayers were not like His. Finally, they came to the Lord with a humble request: "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1).

Have you ever asked the Lord that question? Since the disciples of Jesus wondered how and what to pray, you may be sure that many other believers have struggled with the same questions at some point in their lives.

Daniel was a man of God who knew how to pray. He knew how to approach God, and he prayed with conviction, believing that God not only heard him but that He would answer. Look at part of his fervent prayer for his enslaved nation and think about the way he came before the Lord.

What Does God Say?

"O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate" (Daniel 9:16-17, ESV ).

On your notepad, record your answers to the following:

• What do you see in Daniel's prayer that shows his understanding of the nature of God?
• What does Daniel confess to God about Israel 's relationship to Him?
• What did Daniel ask God to do about his prayer and pleas?
• What were Daniel's specific requests for the city of Jerusalem and the temple of God ?
• Was his prayer primarily for his own sake, for his nation's sake or for God's sake?

My Thoughts

How should you approach God in prayer? The Bible has many pointers for you. Below are several Scripture verses that give guidance about what your attitude should be as you come to Him in prayer. Write down all that you see.

• Psalm 105:4
• Matthew 6:9
• Mark 14:38
• Luke 18:1
• Colossians 1:3
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Jude 1:20

There are many more things that the Bible teaches about prayer. Use your concordance to look up the words "pray" and "prayer" in order to see what other lessons you can learn about a proper attitude in prayer.

My Part

Here is a verse you should put into your mind and heart. It tells you what the Lord will do for you when you pray, and it encourages you to have complete trust that He hears you and will answer every need.

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, ESV ).

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