The Pattern for Prayer

The Pattern for Prayer (Luke 11:1-4)

In Luke 11:1, Jesus is talking to his disciples after they asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus does not mean to literally speed through prayer but to use each one of the statements as a pattern for our prayers. Jesus was a man of prayer and He handled every aspect of His life with prayer.

“Before we start doing something—why not pray first.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

The first part of the pattern for prayer is Praise

Verse 1. “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Praise is the fruit of your lips giving praise to His name. As we begin to praise God, we need to say something. We get into His presence through praise. God is your Father. He is the ideal Father.  Read Psalm 100.

“Praise is the key to His presence.”- Pastor Billy Johnson  

The second part of the pattern for prayer is Priorities.

Verse 2. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Tell God that your heart needs to be prioritized according to His will. God will begin to rearrange the priorities of your heart. Make a declaration of “Come thy Kingdom—be done.” Let Heaven’s priority be seen right here on earth—now. Come in agreement with what God wants to do. The purpose of prayer is to get God’s will done on earth. You are praying to get heaven’s agenda in your life.

“God’s plan for your life is already aligned with heaven.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

The third part of the pattern for prayer is Provision.

Verse 3. “Give us day by day our daily bread.” God is telling you to ask Him for what you want; ask Him for your daily provision. God is so interested in you that He wants to, daily, meet your needs. Learn to pray for your provision.

“What God has for you is better than what you have for yourself.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

The fourth part of the pattern for prayer is Pardon.

Verse 4. “And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” Don’t think that God is withholding from you. Take full ownership for your part in the situation—simply admit it and quit it. Ask for pardon but you have to extend pardon on others. Be quick to forgive. When God forgives—He removes your sins as far as the east is from the west. The condemning voice of satan will continually remind you of your past wrongdoings.

“I am not minimizing a broken heart, but unforgiveness does more damage to you. You have to forgive.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

The fifth part of the pattern for prayer is Protection.

Verse 4. “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Pray and ask God to deliver us from situations that could lead us into temptation. There is an evil one who is trying to kill and destroy your life. Make sure you are safeguarding your life by having a personal relationship with God. You can pray to God about anything going on in your life and He will deliver. Read James 1.

“Just because you have the right to be free doesn’t mean you are free.” – Pastor Billy Johnson