"Devotions From Dad" (Message #9 - The Pattern of Prayer)

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MESSAGE #9

(Delivered on Aug 8, 1943 at Centerline Baptist Church)

THE PATTERN OF PRAYER

 Luke 11:1-13

INTRODUCTION:

We have before us this morning the true pattern of prayer. Many call this the Lord’s prayer, but this is not true for the Lord’s prayer is really the one in John 17. This is the prayer He taught them to use as a pattern or model. This prayer was never intended to be used as such but was a model for them to follow in their prayer life. In Matt. 6:9 we read, “After this manner therefore pray ye,” The disciples had listened to Christ pray and for the first time they realized that they were greatly lacking in their prayer life. They had all prayed before but only now do they see their need. Also note that they had been with Christ for quite some time, and only now they realized their failing. A good many Christians have been following Christ for some time and you have prayed a great deal and felt that you were doing all right. But I ask you to examine yourself this morning in the light of this model prayer and see if your prayer life might not need revising.

Christ in revealing the pattern of prayer to his disciples in answer to their request did not say to repeat this prayer like a parrot or to chant it or sing it. To constantly repeat a prayer until everyone can say it in their sleep is to be guilty of the very thing that Christ warns against, “But when ye pray use not vain repetitions.” There are three elements of prayer that are given to us in this portion and they all have to do with Looking. First there is the UPLOOK; second the INLOOK; third, the OUTLOOK. In prayer we should first of all be interested in God – That is the Uplook. Then we are interested in ourselves – that is the Inlook. Then we should be interested in others – that is the Outlook. Now these three elements of prayer are commonly called:
          I. COMMUNION
          II. PETITION
          III. INTERCESSION

I. COMMUNION

In communion we turn our face toward God. It is the first essential of prevailing prayer and the others are based upon it.

Until there is communion there can be o basis of petition and no power of intercession. Perhaps this is where your prayer life has been weak. You have not established communion with God. Communion is personal contact. Communion is a reality. Communion is subjecting one’s self unto God. It is being concerned with Him only. Do you ever take time to thank God for just what He is? For His beauty, power, glory, love? Many seem to come to God and think that He is merely a Santa Clause. But He does love and appreciate being told how much you love Him. He should be the altogether lovely one – the fairest of ten thousand to your soul.

Communion is having the line strung to God’s power house. Many have no power in their prayer, but it is usually because they have no communion. Being occupied with Christ is the main thing. Remember Martha and Mary? Mary sat at Jesus feet, but Martha set about working to entertain their guests and complained to Christ because Mary did not help her. But Christ spoke to her and said, “Martha, Martha, thou are cumbered with many things, but one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that better part.” Christ did not rebuke her for her service but because it was not preceded by worship.

Communion does something TO US. Petition does something FOR US. Intercession does something THROUGH US. If we keep the lines clear, then when trials, dangers, or temptation comes into our lives we need but throw the switch of petition and we get what we will. That is what is meant when Christ said, “Man ought always to pray and not to faint.” Pray without ceasing.

II. PETITION

In petition we turn our thoughts to needs of self. If we have first had communion then there is no reason why we should not have answers to our petitions. God has promised to supply every material and spiritual need that we have. Now as to why we do not have answers to our prayers we find several reasons.

1. There is unconfessed known sin in our lives. If we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear us.
2. We may have an unforgiving spirit.
3. We may be able to answer the prayer ourselves. The old saying still holds true that God helps those who help themselves. It’s foolish for a farmer to pray for corn if he never plants it. You can pray for lost sinners to be saved, but if you never bring any lost sinners in where they can hear the gospel how can God save them? You may pray for God to bless the missionaries, but if you don’t give your money to help support them you are a hypocrite.
4. You may lack faith. When Christ came to the open grave of Lazarus He first thanked God that He had heard his prayer, and then he called Him by name. To you wives who have unbelieving husbands here’s a word for you. God has said that He is not willing that any should perish. DO YOU believe that? God says that if we ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL He will answer us. If you are worrying for fear God will not answer that prayer then you may be sure that it will not be answered. Take God at his word and BELIEVE THAT HE IS GOING TO DO IT. Go to the Lord and say, “Lord I will not stop reminding thee of thy promises, but at the same time I thank thee for answered prayer.”

III. INTERCESSION

 

The one thing that set Christianity aside from everything else in the world is the thought for others. The world and all false religions have only a thought for self, but true Christianity thinks of others. Paul was constantly praying for others. (Eph. 1:15-16, Phil. 1:3-4)  "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another.”

"Devotions From Dad" (Message #8 - Lord Teach Us To Pray)

If you have not previously read the reason for these postings, please go here so you can start at the beginning.

MESSAGE #8

(Delivered on August 1, 1943 at Centerline Baptist Church)

Lord Teach Us To Pray

 

Luke 11:1 - And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

 

INTRODUCTION:

“And it came to pass, that as He was praying…” More blessings have resulted from the bended knee in prayer than anything else in the world. It is when on the knees in prayer that God often speaks to us and reveals our short-comings and faults. It was while the disciples were on their knees and Christ was praying that it was revealed to them the short-comings of their prayer life. It must have been a touching prayer, for it certainly stirred the emotions of the disciples. They realized for the first time how barren and dry their prayer life had been. I’m afraid that prayer today is anything but a reality to many Christians. Oh, it is true that they pray before they go to bed and offer a word of thanks before each meal, but there is absolutely no power in their prayers. Have you not felt sometimes as though you were merely going through a formality and that you might as well have forgotten it for all the good it has done you? Yes, I’m afraid there are not many today who know the real meaning of prevailing prayer. Notice that the disciples did not ask the Lord to teach them to preach, or teach, or sing, but PRAY. More has been accomplished by prayer than ever has been or will be by preaching, for even the greatest preaching is in vain for it becomes powerless and empty. I do not believe there is one of us here this morning who does not need to be taught to pray. Not the mere formality, but the power of prevailing prayer.

I. THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER

Prayer is everybody’s privilege and gift. There is not a child of God upon the earth who does not have this holy privilege of prayer. While it often takes preparation and training to become preachers or missionaries and a definite call to service; not so with prayer. It is a gift to every child of God. Jesus says, “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” No call is needed to pray. No limitations are set upon prayer. Yet in spite of the fact that prayer is an avenue of power open to all, there are very few Christians who use it. God needs more prayers than preachers. The sad need of our churches today is men and women who will wrap themselves up in prayer. The carnality, worldliness, loss of power, and indifference in the church can all be traced to a lack of prayer. The power of the early church was in prayer. (Acts 1:14; 2:42-47; 3:1; 4:31)

II. THE POWER OF PRAYER

Prayer is a power that knows no bounds and fears no obstacles. Prayer will open the Red Seas, prayer will remove mountains. Prayer unleashes all the OMNIPOTENT power of God. By prayer I can visit the missionaries of China, Africa, or South America in a moments time. Loved ones may be in great trouble and they could never be reached in time, but by prayer you can reach them instantly. How little I can do, how little I can give, but by prayer I can reach all men everywhere. Dr. DeHann tells the story of going to call on a dear old lady who was 80 years old. He rapped on the door and she did not answer and he feared that something might have happened to her. But finally she came and apologized for being so slow by saying, “You see, when you rapped I happened to be in China, and I wanted to finish my business there first.” He began to look at her to see if she was out of her mind but she said, “You see my son, every morning I take a trip around the world and visit the Christians in Asia and Europe, the missionaries in China and Japan.” I visit them all and meet them at the mercy seat.” Yes beloved, prayer is real and powerful. The real secret of power in prayer is relationship. We are not dealing with the creator God, but with our Father. Matt. 6:25-34 and 7:7-11.

III. THE PITFALLS OF PRAYER

As we look at our own prayer life I believe we all feel the need of instruction. Let us look at the Lord’s teaching on this subject. (Matt. 6:5) The first thing wrong with the hypocrites prayer is that it is Public. Secondly it is LONG. (Matt. 23:14) Any child of God who has been all prayed up in private will get his public prayer over with in a hurry. Jesus was a great man of prayer, but most of his prayer was in private. On the mountain, in the garden. The model prayer of our Lord can be prayed reverently in 30 seconds. His next longest prayer is that of John 17, and it can be prayed in 2 ½ minutes. The next thing Christ teaches about prayer is that it should be PRIVATE. (Matt. 6:6) The world does not care to hear you pray to them. You are commanded to preach, not pray, to them. I’ve heard a minister pray for 15 minutes on a ½ hour radio broadcast. I remember in school Dr. Houghton gave some very good pointers on public prayer.

    1. You do not exhort in prayer
    2. It is not a statement of doctrine
    3. Not convicting the hearers
    4. Not the means of providing a point

The next thing that Christ points out about prayer is that it is not to have VAIN REPETITION. (Matt. 6:7) How we need to emphasize this… a good many prayers are filled with “Father”, “Holy Father”, “Jesus”, etc. When you speak to your earthly father do you always keep repeating his name? Of course not. Then why do it to God? Again, let me bring some of the points which Dr. Houghton gave us. Prayer is talking to God as the mouthpiece of the assembly and there are 5 faults:

    1. The repetition of Devine names.
    2. Familiarity of address. We are approaching God and we are not His equal. Don’t use “Dear God” etc.
    3. The repetitions of stock phrases. Such as the interjection “O”!
    4. Indefiniteness in prayer.
    5. Feebleness of voice.

Also, avoid ORATORY. Forget yourself and get alone with God. Get a prayer vocabulary. Read the Psalms. Practice in prayer.

Study your prayer life and compare them with Christ’s and Paul’s. Determine that above all things you are going to be a Great Person Of Prayer!

What a Difference a Label Makes!

I need to start this posting out giving "props" to Kathy from Creative Home Expressions.  She was featured on the Graphics Fairy Brag Monday showing some beautiful bottles that she decorated with graphics, ribbon, and charms.  I absolutely fell in love with what she did and knew that I wanted to do something similar.  Here is a picture of her bottles... aren't they gorgeous???!!!

I left a comment on her blog to which she replied.  I then sent a message back to her and said, "You'll never guess where I am... Going around to our GW stores. What am I looking for??? Well bottles of course!!!"  LOL!!"

Well, I didn't find the type of bottles that she used, but I did find two matching bottles that I thought would work nicely.  Sooooooo, today I wanted to come up with some lables to go on these...

It was a little difficult to design a label because of the odd shape of the bottles.  After some trial and error I decided that the best route to go was with round labels.  Next I needed to decide on the graphics to use.  I don't know about you, but The Graphic Fairy has so many fantastic graphics that the hardest part of creating a project is deciding WHICH of her fabulous graphics to use!!!  These were the ones I decided on.  The first one was perfect except for the color.  I went into my graphics program and swapped out some colors, then it was just a mater of making it the right size.

This is the original....

This is after is changed the colors...

The next one was a little more difficult.  I really liked this label, but I had to do a bit of work to be able to use it as a round label. 

After I messed with it a bit I decided it needed a little something more, so I added this lovely crown.

This is what the final label looked like.

I printed the pictures directly onto label paper, so it was just a matter of cutting them out and placing them on the bottles.  I had actually designed several different versions, but decided these worked best for my decor.

In keeping with the lovely bottles that Kathy made, the next step was to find some ribbon and charms to use on the neck of the bottles.  This is how they turned out...

I decided they needed just one more thing, and that was something IN the bottles.  I went to my "craft stash" and found some mini shells to put in one bottle, and some beans to put in the other.  PERFECT'O!!

Here's some final picts.

So, a big thank you to Kathy for her great idea, and thanks to Karen for the wonderful graphics.  I'm so excited - I now have a sweeeeeet new decoration.  Since I'm in the process of redoing my entire downstairs, I'm sure I'll find the perfect place to display these!!!!  Thanks ladies!!!

I'm linking up to: 

"Devotions From Dad" (Message #7 - The Secret Place)

If you have not previously read the reason for these postings, please go here so you can start at the beginning.

MESSAGE #7

(Delivered on September 30, 1953 at Prayer Meeting)

The Secret Place

Matthew 6:6  - But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.


INTRODUCTION:

1. Moses gave no command nor regulations concerning prayer.

2. Little is said in the O.T. about the responsibility of praying – although we do have some outstanding examples of prayer.

3. It is Jesus who lays down the responsibility of the child of God to pray. By His own example He creates a desire for prayer and He condescends to teach us to pray as He prayed.

Let us note His instructions:

I. THERE MUST BE A SECRET PLACE FOR PRAYER
    1. The Place itself is not significant (John 4:21-22)
    2. God is a Spirit (John 4:24)
        1) Cannot be worshipped with the carnal mind and eye
        2) We must withdraw to meet God
        3) We need to shut out the world and shut up with God.
    3. Example (Matt. 14:23; 26:39; Mark 1:35; Luke 22:39)

II. THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE YOU’LL MEET THE FATHER
    1. The Father waits for me there
        1) May be cold and prayerless. “As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.”
        2) It is not what you can bring to God, but what He wants to give to you.
    2. The worship of the Father is only possible to those who have the Spirit of Sonship. (Gal. 4:6-7; Matt. 11:27)
        1) O.T. saints never personally appropriated the name of child or called God his Father.

III. IT IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE PRAYER CANNOT BE FRUITLESS
    1. He has promised open reward (Heb. 11:6)
    2. He knows –
        1) Will give us confidence to ask
        2) Will give us patience to wait – Because He knows, then we Know. (I John 5:14-15)

CONCLUSION:
My Father – IS – SEES – HEARS – KNOWS
    1. This then is my highest joy – to be alone in secret
    2. This gives strength day by day – He will reward openly
    3. This gives liberty to bring to Him all my need – My Father knows.

Tea Cup Bird Feeders... (kind of)

When I first started into this whole new exciting world of Blogging, I started creating a document with a ton of my favorite "some day" projects.  One of the things I really knew I wanted to make were the Tea Cup Bird Feeders - like the one I saw by Cap Creations.  They were SO CUTE that I KNEW I had to make some for an area in the front of my house. 

I ended up making them slightly different than the one shown by Cap Creations, just because I was cheap thrifty and wanted a little color.  Instead of using the copper tubing and cap, I went with PVC pipe.  It was very inexpensive, and allowed me to spray paint it to incorporate the color I wanted.  It was the same basic principle as she showed, so all her instructions remained the same.  I thought it would be cute to have a set of two cups together, so I glued one of the cups as if it had tipped over.

  

I also thought it would be fun to add some birds to the "feeders".

Aren't they just the cutest little things???

So why did I entitle my post as "Tea Cup Bird Feeders... (kind of)"???  Well, I had one  - ok, actually two -slight problems.  First, the area that I selected to place these tea cups had just recently been dug up/cleaned up, and had plastic laid under the mulch so I would not have to fight with weeds in the area.  Everything was great until one day I noticed all these little green things growing up through my nice "recently dug up/cleaned up" mulch area.  Ohhhhhhhh no!!!!!  All the bird seed that came out of the cups was now growing.  I was not a very happy camper.  I was able to use weed killer to get rid of it, but since I was planting flowers around the area I knew I could not keep doing that.  Second problem - when it rains... guess what happens?  Yep, it flooded all my seed, and now all my bird seed was drowned - the little birdies were not interested!!!  :-( 

The cups now just serve as decoration, which turns out to be fine.  I've received many compliments on them.  So Miss Cap Creations - if you have any suggestions (or anyone for that matter) as to what YOU do to keep the area under the cups free of weeds, or what to do when it rains, I would love to hear from you!!

 

"Devotions From Dad" (Message #6 - Teach Us To Pray)

If you have not previously read the reason for these postings, please go here so you can start at the beginning.

MESSAGE #6
(Delivered on September 23, 1953 at Prayer Meeting)

Teach Us To Pray

Luke 11:1 - And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Seeing Jesus pray gave them an appreciation and appetite for prayer. When we see that He now has a continual ministry of intercession on our behalf, it will give us a like desire.

2. They learned that there was a close connection between his public life of Power and His secret life of Prayer.

3. We all need to enroll in the school of prayer and learn the Divine Art of Prayer. Here alone can we earn our M.P. degree – master of Prayer.

Each word of the disciples request has a blessed meaning:

I.  LORD. Here is our Divine Instructor
    1.  Every pupil needs a teacher
         1)  One who knows His subject
         2)  One who has a gift of teaching
         3)  One who has patience
         4)  One who will descend to the pupil’s need.

Jesus never taught his disciples to preach, only to pray. Knowing how to speak to God is more important than knowing how to speak to men. There must be power with God before there can be power with men.

II. TEACH. Here is confession of Ignorance
     1.  At first nothing seems so simple
     2.  Later nothing seems so difficult
     3.  Our minds are so darkened by sin
     4.  Much is needed to make prayer acceptable
          1)  Must be to the Glory of God
          2)  Must be according to his will
          3)  Must be in the full assurance of faith
          4)  Must be in the name of the Lord Jesus
          5)  Must be with perserverance.

III. US.
     1.  We read of the great power in prayer of men in the old testament
     2.  We read of the power of prayer manifested by disciples
     3.  We read of the power of prayer of saints of centuries
     4.  These promises are for us as well
          1)  Thou has committed thy work in our hand
          2)  Thou cants’glorify thy name through us.

IV. TO PRAY. Here is the Subject we would study.
     1.  The power of heaven is at our disposal
     2.  Our own spiritual life depends upon it (as air)
     3.  The world of sinful men are dependent upon it
     4.  There is a great danger of
          1)  Praying from force of habit
          2)  Praying according to some form (stereotype)

CONCULSION:
1. Has this created a hunger in your heart for prayer?
2. Does it not put a finger on one of the great weaknesses of our life?
3. Will you, this very night, ask the Lord to enroll you in “His School of Prayer”?
4. Come in complete confidence that He will instruct you fully if you will but wait upon Him.
5. Above all remember that, “Practice Makes Perfect.”

If you find the sermon outline of interest to you, or would like to share it with others, that is fine. All we ask is that you honor Dad by giving credit where credit is due.  Please make sure to include his name, Rev. Kenneth G Farnsworth somewhere within the notes.  Better yet, pass on my link to these postings! 

"Devotions From Dad" - Table of Contents For Messages To Come

If you have not previously read the reason for these postings, please go here so you can start at the beginning.  Links in the Table of Contents will be activated once a message has been posted.

I thought you might like to know the titles of the messages to come, so here is a table of contents.

This is from Dad's Binder #4

Binder Entitled:
“Messages on Spiritual Life”

Table of Contents

1. Prevailing Prayer - Original Message Missing
2. Why Prayers Fail - Original Message Missing
3. Problems in Prayer - Original Message Missing
4. Talking With God - Original Message Missing
5. Why We Need to Pray - Original Message Missing
6. Teach Us to Pray
7. The Secret Place
8. Lord Teach Us to Pray
9. The Pattern of Prayer
10. Prayer Power
11. Prayerless Disciples
12. Brother Why Bother to Pray
13. Three Secrets of Successful Prayer
14. Laboring in Prayer
15. Three Steps in Successful Prayer
16. The Battlefield of Prayer
17. Hindrances to Prayer
18. Fasting and Prayer
19. Prayer
20. The Great Unemployment Problem
21. My God Will Hear Me
22. The Ministry of Prayer
23. Perseverance in Prayer
24. A Fruitful Prayer Life
25. Praying in the Spirit
26. Praying Meeting Topic
27. The Privilege of Public Prayer
28. Prayer That Does Not Faint