by Cheryl Kottke

Created on: August 13, 2009

Jesus taught us how to pray by example, telling us to pray with a humble and thankful heart. Jesus prayed continually to his heavenly father throughout the day. He started the day with prayer, giving thanks for his food at every meal, and ending his day with prayer. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:9-13 the correct way to pray.

Pray with a humble heart. A humble heart is realizing we have all sinned and need to ask for God's forgiveness. It doesn't matter who we are, what we do or what we have. The only way we can have a humble heart is to ask God for forgiveness of our sins. Praying to God with a pure heart is a vital aspect to prayer. We should begin prayer with confession and sincerely asking for forgiveness of our sins.

In Luke 18:9-14 Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector concerning humility. The Pharisee and the Publican went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee prayed that he was thankful he wasn't like other men, an extortionist, unjust, and an adulterer. He exalted himself on how he fasted twice a week and gave a tenth of everything he owned. The Tax Collector prayed that God be merciful to him, a sinner. The Tax Collector humbled himself before God and left the temple justified. The Pharisee exalted himself and was not justified. Isaiah 57:15 speaks of comfort for the contrite. Those who are sincerely remorseful for their sins will be comforted.

Pray with a Thankful Heart. We should always remember the things that God has blessed us with. When someone does something for us, don't we thank them? Why should we not thank our heavenly father for the wonderful blessings he bestows upon us daily? He gives us unconditional love even though we don't deserve it. He has given us our families, provides our daily needs, and is always there to guide and protect us. Above all, he died to save us. In Luke 10:21, upon the return of the seventy-two Jesus appointed to go out ahead of him he thanked his heavenly father. Jesus thanked his father in heaven for everything.

Start the day with prayer. Jesus started the day with prayer. In Mark 1:35, in rising in the morning, Jesus went to a solitary place and prayed. Another point here is 'solitary'. In Matthew 6:1-8, Jesus tells us to not do as the hypocrites. Do not pray in public; make a loud noise so everyone can see. The hypocrites wanted recognition of their fellow man not God.

Be thankful at meal times. Jesus prayed before meals. Mark 6:41, Jesus took the loaves of bread

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