I always looked forward to returning home from a ministry trip.
\nMy little boys would leap at me with joy the moment I opened the front door.
\nThey would yell excitedly \u201cDaddy, daddy, daddy!\u201d, accompanied with hugs and kisses.
\nThen they would ask me, \u201cDid you get a present for us?”<\/p>\n
I would rummage around in my suitcase, as my boys waited impatiently. The moment I gave them their presents, and before they had even opened them, they would again break out into, \u201cDaddy, daddy, daddy, thank you!” and more hugs and kisses would follow.<\/p>\n
I think our Heavenly Father loves it when we come to Him excitedly in praise.
\nI believe that He wants to meet our needs, and that He feels privileged when we praise and thank Him.<\/p>\n
Jesus taught his disciples how to have this very natural father and son or daughter relationship.
\nHe taught them how to communicate (pray) to their Heavenly Father.<\/p>\n
This line starts one of the most familiar and memorized passages of the Bible in Mathew 6.
\nThe Lords Prayer.
\nJesus gives us a model of simple and powerful prayer that can help empower us for life.<\/p>\n
In this manner, therefore, pray: Powerful prayer starts with praise. Sometimes the tendency of leaders is to \u201cmanage\u201d services. I start every morning with my hands up praising God. Give us this day our daily bread. First we praise, then we pray for our needs. This is living with a clean heart.
\nOur Father in heaven,
\nHallowed be Your name.
\nYour kingdom come.
\nYour will be done
\nOn earth as it is in heaven . . .<\/em><\/p>\n
\nParticularly in times of spiritual warfare, praise and worship is cannot be an option.
\nIt is a necessity if we are going to impact this world for God\u2019s kingdom.<\/p>\n
\nBut we shouldn\u2019t be just spectators of praise and worship during services, we should be participants in it.
\nRaise your hands, lift up your voice, and be worshippers.
\nThis is an incredible way to live!<\/p>\n
\nI don\u2019t go for long, only a few minutes, but I\u2019ve made it a part of my lifestyle.
\nEven without lifting our hands, or singing a song, we have to get the praise going when we come to prayer.
\nIf I\u2019m in public, I can still praise God powerfully in my heart.<\/p>\nPray for Your Needs<\/h2>\n
\nAnd forgive us our debts,
\nAs we forgive our debtors.
\nAnd do not lead us into temptation,
\nBut deliver us from the evil one . . .<\/em><\/p>\n
\nJesus\u2019 teaching in this area is simple and powerful.
\nIt\u2019s OK to pray for everything we need for that day.
\nThis is our physical and spiritual needs including protection, provision, and the need to both give and receive forgiveness.<\/p>\n
\nReleasing any offence or unforgiveness we might be hanging on to.
\nIt is a daily necessity, and part of living the incredible life God has for us!
\nDon\u2019t let unforgiveness and bitterness take up any more room in your heart.
\nGet it out today!<\/p>\nFinish With Praise<\/h2>\n