What Does Petitioning God do?

Matthew 6:9-11

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread,

Review

Step 1 - Adoration

Step 2 - Purpose

Step 3 - Petition

Matthew 6:8

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

It refers to 3 types of need:

Actual need. Necessity- ie- food, health, etc.

Desires. Car with a/c that really works, computer, extra stuff

Anxiety and worry- causing need. That which torments your mind and heart.

Matthew 6:31-33

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

So why then do we need to ask Him to respond to that need?

What Does Petitioning God do?

1. It correctly positions us in reliance on Him

We are not reminding God that we need Him- We are reminding us that He is where our help comes from.

2. It is an act of faith.

Need doesn’t activate God- Faith does.

The petition is the prescribed act of faith- that gets God involved.

3. It gives legal access/authority to Him over our circumstances and situations

In Prayer- I’m lining up with His Will and His Word- activating heaven through faith- and preparing the way for Him to do what only He can do.

God loves partnership.

He loves to build with us.

God always uses humans to accomplish His work on the earth.

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread,

This one line of Scripture tells us when to pray- and what to pray for.

When do we pray- Daily.

What do we pray for-

Our Daily Bread.

Physically-

Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Our Daily Bread.

Spiritually-

Jesus also says that He is our Living Bread.

He sustains us spiritually.

We need that daily Bread both physically and spiritually- and He knows that - which is why He teaches us how to access it daily

Do we only pray when we realize we have a great need?

God wants to be invited to answer our need, but that’s not the only time He wants to hear from us.

When we don’t spend time with Him daily - our spirit becomes emaciated.

Practice Daily:

1-3 Minutes per step:

Matthew 6 Prayer Pattern

Step 1- Adoration - Our Father- Hallowed Be Your Name

We start by recognizing WHO we are praying to and giving Him the praise and

adoration He deserves.

Step 2- Purpose - Your Kingdom Come- Your will be done

We recognize that we are here to serve the King and prioritize His Kingdom over our comfort and desires.

Step 3- Petition - Give us this day…

We position ourselves in reliance on Him- the petition gives legal

access/authority to Him over our circumstances and situations.

Step 4- Forgiveness - Forgive us our sins, as we forgive

We ask God to search us and show us areas we need to repent.

We forgive others and don’t allow bitterness to block our prayers.

Step 5- Protection - Let us not succumb to temptation, deliver us from evil

We pray from a place of His victory- not just for victory. We pray the Word of God.

Step 6- Listen & Respond - For Yours is the Kingdom & power & Glory forever- Amen

We give Him time and attention to speak back to us. Then respond.