This is part two, on answered prayer.   After all, we pray, hoping for answers that will better the lives of those we pray for.  

I think it is important to note, the prayer Jesus taught us.

Luke: 11. 1-3 

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 

Give us day by day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”

There are several points to look as t here:

   《  The disciples saw the example of Jesus,  He was always making a way to be alone, finding a place to pray.

     《  The disciples, did not ask to be taught a prayer, but how to pray.

     《   The Lord gave them an example….  we have used it as a by rote prayer,  we recite it, word for word and never use it as an battle plan.

Yes, the Lords prayer is a plan, a map, to show us how to pray.   We need to grasp this concept, if we are to live as Victorious Christians. 

The steps to enter the Holy of Holies, to find Mercy and Grace in our times of need, are simple and clear:

 Acknowledge who the Lord is, who are we praying to?

~  Our Father,  our Healer,  our Provider,  our Fortress, our Guide to all Truth,  our Friend,  a very present help in times of trouble. 

We are given many Names for the Lord, they describe His attributes, His desires to be our ALL IN ALL.

It is our choice, as to what we allow Him to be in our lives.    To be our Shepherd,  our Lord, our Saviour. 

At the same time, we acknowledge where He is and what He deserves and desires.

~  Praise, which leads to Worship.   Believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths.

I love you Lord, You alone are Worthy, Worthy,  Worthy,  Worthy is the Lamb, that was slain at the foundation of the world.   

I Exalt You, Praise You, Worship You…   You are Worthy of all Glory,  Honor and Praise…  ect…

True Praise is one of the most important aspect of Prayer.  Repeating the Word of the Lord, back to the Lord.  

Reminding Him of His promises,  His Power, His glory.

Acknowledge that it is His will, we are praying for.

~  It is all about Him, His desires, His will, His plan for our life.   He will give us the Desires of our hearts, this means, if we ask, He will implant His will, ways, desires into our hearts, so we can, Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness.  Then our physical, natural, daily needs and wants will be met.

~  Only then do we mention our needs.   Keep in mind, He knows we hat we need before we do, He has promised to answer before we ask.

Daily Bread… 

Forgiveness as we have forgiven…

Leading us, on the Right Path, always drawing us closer to Christ, as we Seek Him, He delivers us from evil.

 We should always end with Thanksgiving, acknowledging all He has done and what He is about to do.

James explains our most common errors. 

James: 4. 1-10 

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Study the truths in James, compare our prayers to both, James admonitions and the Lords teaching. 

How do we line up?