January 22, 2023

The Prayer of Dependence

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Lord, Teach Us to Pray Topic: dependence, Prayer Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13

Lord, Teach Us To Pray 
The Prayer of Dependence 
Matthew 6:9-13

When we pray, God invites us to ask and is glorified in our Dependence

Prayer Principles

  • Give – The Principle Of Asking

You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:2, ESV)

  • Us/Our – The Principle Of Community

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

  • Today/Daily – The Principle Of Daily Dependence

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34, ESV)

  • Bread – The Principle Of Inclusiveness

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV)

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.” (Exodus 16:4, ESV)

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35, ESV)

3 Implications Of This Petition

  1. I Seek God As The Answer To My Needs

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, ESV)

Prayer is to be our first Response, not our last Resort

  1. I Declare My Dependence

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17, ESV)

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18, ESV)

God wants us to ask daily, not so that he can hear us beg, but because we have short Memories

  1. I Rely On God’s Resources

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:32–33, ESV)

Petitionary prayer works best when we understand that we are praying to God Our Father, not a Genie

Good parents don’t respond to unwise Requests

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11, ESV)

God will always give you what you would have asked for if you Knew What He Knows

As we pray we can be assured that God is not only Aware of our needs, but He is Able to meet our needs and He Desires to meet them in the best possible way

How Do I Keep My Asking From Being Selfish?

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:6–10, ESV)

  1. Follow The Pattern
  2. Express Your Gratitude

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

  1. Live Generously

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17–19, ESV)

Gratitude And Giving Are Two Of The Greatest Antidotes To Greed

  1. Grow In Contentment 
  2. Balance Your Asking

Making It Personal:

  • How will I make spending time in prayer a priority for my life in this New Year?
  • What new perspective did I gain about what it means to ask for things from God from today’s teaching?
  • How can I apply today’s teaching to my personal prayer life?
  • Focus on prayer as we begin a New Year by working through the book, “21 Days of Breakthrough Prayer”.
  • Who can I share these truths with?

Ready to take your Next Step?

  • Text Next to 803-637-8484
  • Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps”

other sermons in this series

Feb 12

2023

The Prayer of Protection

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13 Series: Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Feb 5

2023

The Prayer of Release

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13 Series: Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Jan 29

2023

The Prayer of Cleansing

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13 Series: Lord, Teach Us to Pray