Spirit-Filled Men Pray
New XN – prayer was a mystery to me
- Was Catholic – knew few memorized prayers more like good luck charm
What’s point? God doesn’t need me to tell him anything. I can’t give orders to God.
Now I’m a father/grandfather
- Builds Father-son relationship
- God doesn’t need me to pray. I need me to pray.
Christians pray to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit.
- Sometimes we can also pray to the Son or Spirit
Talk to God like a loved child, not a religious person
Matthew 6:7-9 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father…”
- OT – lots of fathers & genealogies, 15X in reference nation Israel
- Jesus Revolutionary Word – 65X Matt-Lk; 100+X John
- Zero indication Jews used Father before Jesus
- Abba – not Daddy but Father (young & old children)
- You can pray about anything anywhere
- You don’t have to be formal
Watch kids with dad/grandad who loves them
Benefits of prayer for men
In prayer men go deeper in into Scripture (pray, read, stop & pray = conversation)
In prayer men get a release valve (Matt. 11:28-30 – burden pressure hot water tank)
In prayer men do something when they can’t do anything (friend w/baby hospital)
In prayer men verbal process (talk to God, write out points, talk to them)
In prayer men get a lightning rod (ground out storm)
In prayer men see their inner life
In prayer men create non-anxious environment (e.g. wife & kids/grandkids w/stress)
In prayer men exercise headship
In prayer men get direction (my notebook. Right now seeking life reset)
In prayer men learn to listen (Elijah 1 Ki 19 God not – wind, earthquake, fire whisper)
Prayer should be scheduled & spontaneous (wake up, end of day, commute, my hike)
Dads/Grandads – helping
Group Discussion Questions
- Any practical tips you’d share with the men in your group about what has helped your prayer life?
- What did the Holy Spirit highlight in the talk for you?
- How can we pray for you?
