Theme of the Day: Focused Prayer Seeks What God Wants for Us, Not What We Think We Want from Him
In a sense, prayer comes naturally to us. We want so we ask. We hurt so we cry out. We are frustrated so we vent. We are blessed so we give thanks. So we sometimes define prayer as “speaking to God from the heart.” Seems so easy. What does not come naturally, however, is the focused prayer God wants for us. We need focus when it comes to the basis of our prayers. Our prayers are based entirely on the unique and unearned relationship with have with God, our Father. We also need focus when it comes to the content of our prayers. Yes, we can speak from the heart and ask for anything we want. But our Father invites us to pray specifically for the things he wants to give us. Prayer is the opportunity to bring our will into conformity with God’s will, not the other way around. We have much to learn about prayer. So, along with Jesus’ disciples, we say, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).
Luke 11:1-13
Genesis 18:20-32
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Psalm 138
725 – Hear Us, Father, When We Pray
723 – When in the Hour of Utmost Need
720 – Our Father, Throned in Heaven Above
934 – Kyrie! God, Father in Heaven Above
Prayer of the Day: O Lord, your ears are always open to the prayers of your humble servants who come to you in Jesus’ name. Teach us always to ask according to your will that we may never fail to obtain the blessings you have promised; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Alleluia.