Meet God in Prayer
It is good to develop pathways to meet with God in prayer. The Lord’s prayer gives us a good place to start and a form that can be developed.
What does the Bible say about meeting God in prayer -
- Father - Exodus 33v14-17
- Your name be holy - Psalm 8:3-9
- Your Kingdom come - Psalm 24
- Give us food - Psalm 107:4-9
- Forgive us - Psalm 32:1-5
- Not into temptation - Psalms 7:12-16
Father
Exodus 33:14-17
The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”
The LORD replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How comfortable was Moses in meeting with God and asking big things of him?
- How willing was the Lord to go with Moses in relationship?
Thoughts to consider
It is through our relationship with the Lord that our lives are changed and life takes on a new quality. The Lord delights to work in us as we walk with him.
Your name be holy
Psalm 8:3-9
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What difference is there between people and God?
- What ways of relating with God honour that difference?
- How can you relate with God?
Thoughts to consider
This psalm mixes enthusiasm about God and all he does along with a recognition of his greatness compared to us as humans. This mix can be a helpful tone as we approach God. We recognise who he is, we also recognise that he delights to be with us.
Your Kingdom come
Psalm 24
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.
Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies— he is the King of glory.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- Who is welcomed into God’s place?
- What happens to a city when doors are opened and its king admitted?
- What would it mean in your life to open up the gates and let the king enter?
Thoughts to consider
When the king comes in there will be changes. There will be a sense of approval at how our hearts have been prepared for him, there will be a degree of challenge where we have failed to understand him. There will be power and authority available for the changes that need to be made.
Give us food
Psalms 107:4-9
Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died.
“LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress.
He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live.
Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What was the people’s need and how did the Lord answer?
- What response are they asked to give for the Lord’s answer?
- How could you pray in need?
Thoughts to consider
Psalm 107 tracks a variety of people in need – food is one of many needs. The prayer though is always, “Lord Help!!” This is a good prayer to learn to pray. It is one of humility and urgency. It recognises that things are out of our hands and in God’s hands.
Forgive us
Psalms 32:1-5
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
Interlude
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What holds people back from asking God for forgiveness?
- What is the underlying root of our doing wrong?
- How can you pray in order to put things right?
Thoughts to consider
If I am to ask forgiveness, I have to first take responsibility for what I did wrong. If I admit I am doing wrong, then I know that I cannot pray this while I continue. It is often this surrender of future options or present reputation that holds me back. Until I come to this place of surrender, I cannot go on with God.
Not into temptation
Psalms 7:12-16
If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He will prepare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows.
The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies. They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves. The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What effect does our falling into temptation have on our relationship with God?
- How does Jesus ask us to pray for protection?
Thoughts to consider
Temptation is not the same as actually doing something wrong. The more I am tempted the more I become "pregnant with trouble." I need God to save me from that temptation.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- How do you meet with God?
- Is there something that is holding back your development in meeting with God?
Thoughts to consider
The Lord takes us from where we are. Where we have been is entirely secondary, what status we have reached among spiritual people is irrelevant. His primary desire is a deeper intimacy with you from where you are. This can be really freeing as we develop in prayer.
