Podcasts about forgiver

This week, Pastor Rob unpacks the powerful parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35) and shows us that forgiveness isn't about forgetting — it's about freedom.Through five thought-provoking questions, we're invited to look honestly at our hearts and how we handle offense:1️⃣ Does God keep score?2️⃣ Why does God frame forgiveness in terms of debt?3️⃣ What is the unpayable debt we owe God?4️⃣ How should we respond when that debt is wiped clean?5️⃣ What does it mean to be “delivered to the torturers” until repayment?Pastor Rob reminds us that forgiveness is not condoning, tolerating, or reconciling without accountability. Instead, forgiveness is freedom—freedom from keeping accounts, from bitterness, and from the cycle of being an offended offender.

Few stories are more iconic, gripping, or tender than that of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with their “clever” question about this woman. In this message, Pastor Philip describes the thickening plot: a clever trap, a brilliant escape, and a transforming love. What if the ugliness of our sin displayed the loveliness of God's grace? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Your gift helps deliver insightful teaching from Pastor Philip Miller, inviting people on The Journey of a Lifetime—following Jesus! Your generosity makes the Moody Church Hour, a listener-supported program for over 50 years, accessible to those far from God or unable to attend their local church. Click below to support the Moody Church Hour with your gift now or call Moody Church Media at 1.800.215.5001.    Offer link:   https://secure.moodymedia.org/site/Donation2?df_id=8201&mfc_pref=T&8201.donation=form1    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Few stories are more iconic, gripping, or tender than that of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with their “clever” question about this woman. In this message, Pastor Philip describes the thickening plot: a clever trap, a brilliant escape, and a transforming love. What if the ugliness of our sin displayed the loveliness of God's grace? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

Few stories are more iconic, gripping, or tender than that of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with their “clever” question about this woman. In this message, Pastor Philip describes the thickening plot: a clever trap, a brilliant escape, and a transforming love. What if the ugliness of our sin displayed the loveliness of God's grace? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

Pastor Randy Bradley

Your Nightly Prayer

What does forgiving someone, even when they haven't asked for it, do to the forgiver? The recent public forgiveness exhibited by Erika Kirk has captivated hearts around the world. How do you find the strength to express that kind of love to others? What does that exercise do for the one who forgives? If you’ve experienced forgiving someone, tell your story on Chris Fabry Live. September thank you gift:The Man on the Middle Cross by Alistair Begg Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if there were no more mercy? What if the Lord just turned off the tap that allows mercy to flow so that there were no mercy for *anyone*?In our series on Jonah, we've come to the last chapter, one of the most explosive and unsettling chapters in the entire Bible.In Jonah chapter 4, Jonah is so angry he would rather die than live.Why?Because he hates God for being a God of mercy. The Lord has chosen to forgive the wicked people of Nineveh, and that makes Jonah sick.I can identify with Jonah—I have a hard time with the idea of God showing mercy to people who are wrong.And yet, that's not how it works. It's either all, or nothing. That is, either the Lord gives mercy to everyone, or no one. He's God, and I'm not, and he can show mercy to whomever he wills.What if there were no more mercy for *anyone*?What if we lived in a world in which there were never any forgiveness, never any chance to start over?When we pray the Lord's prayer, we confess that there is a mysterious connection between our willingness to extend mercy to our enemies, and our own reception of mercy from God.“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”This is a hard truth. Let's talk about it.

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Forgiver (Matthew 9:1-8) | Philip Van Steenburgh

The Liberating Power Of The Word Of Truth! Session 2 August 3, 2025 Review: The Living Word; exact expression of God Jesus' view of the Scriptures (John 17:17) The Apostles witness re the Scriptures (Philippians 2:16; 1 John 1:1; 2 Timothy 3:15, 16) The Word: Carrier of Life! (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12) The Truth that sets Free! John 8:31, 32: Abide: remain; continue; live in Set you free (internally) From deception; (“I can fix; I can win vs. you; I can make you see!”) From fear (2 Timothy 1:7); shame (Hebrews 10:17); anger/bitterness (Mark 11:25,26) If you won't forgive, you will never feel totally clean, free; no ongoing excitement about your future (stuck in past) Can't really know the Forgiver and refuse to forgive! The key to being productive (John 15:7,8) The power and authority of the Word in overwhelming circumstances! (Joshua 1) ✸ I release__________________ to You, Lord! They are in Your hands. I will stop trying to “make them pay!” ✸✸ I can't be defeated if I won't be deceived! ✸✸✸ Abiding requires acknowledging dependency, submission to source, remaining fruitful (including pruning)

Sermon Title: Jesus, The ForgiverSpeaker: Pastor Sean HarrisDate: July 12, 2025Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@GarlandAdventist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information on Garland Faith Community SDA Church visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.garlandadventist.org⁠

Would you break open someone's roof if Jesus was inside and you needed to get to Him? That's exactly what four friends in the Bible did. Chris and Brandon unpack this story in today's episode, and talk about roof-smashing faith that does everything required to bring lost people to Jesus.

June 29, 2025 10:30 AM - The Sinner, The Pharisee, and the Forgiver - Luke 7:36-50 - Dr. Tom Richter by First Baptist Cullman

Ps Charlie speaks on how Jesus is our Saviour and Forgiver. Listen in to learn how he rescues us, and helps us learn to forgive.

Rev. Kenneth Bomberger gives today's prayerful thought based on the day's Scripture readings. Begin your morning in word and prayer with Rev. Kenneth Bomberger, who shares scripture, hymns, prayers, and texts for the day, and also gives a short meditation on the day's scripture lessons. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 9 Saul, later known as Paul, continues to pursue Christians to imprison them. On his way to Damascus, a light from heaven stops him. He hears Jesus speaking, asking why Saul is persecuting Him. Blinded, Saul is led into the city to wait for instructions. Meanwhile, God instructs Ananias to visit Saul and restore his sight. Despite his fear, Ananias obeys. Saul learns that he will become an apostle to the Gentiles. After regaining his sight, he is immediately baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul begins to preach boldly, prompting the Jews to seek to kill him. He escapes to Jerusalem, where Barnabas vouches for him. The chapter also recounts Peter healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha from the dead, demonstrating God's power and inspiring many new believers in Jesus.  Saul's story highlights the transformative power of Jesus Christ. His conversion shows that no one is beyond the call of the gospel. God often uses individuals like Ananias to fulfill His mission. We must confront our fears and seize opportunities to share God's hope with others. It is also inspiring to see Saul immediately active in sharing his faith. Some of the greatest passion for evangelism comes from new converts. We can learn a great deal from them. Like Barnabas, we should defend and support new believers to help God's people embrace them. Lastly, Tabitha was deeply missed and cherished for her charitable spirit. We should seek to be cherished servants among God's people, known for “deeds of kindness and charity.”  Glorious Father, we praise Your patience and relentless pursuit of sinners. You humbled and restored Saul, as You have done with us. We are living testaments to Your grace and love. Teach us to live with gratitude and to obey Your call to share Jesus with others, even when it feels risky or uncertain. Give us the spirit of vigor and the voice of joy to express our faith like those who are new in Christ. Please create an opportunity today to tell someone that You are the Healer, the Forgiver, and You have the power even to raise the dead! Thought Questions: -       What does Saul's conversion tell you about God's love? Saul committed to God out of gratitude. How powerful is gratitude in driving your faith? -       Barnabas defends Saul when others are fearful. How should you be like Barnabas when someone with a troubled past comes to Christ? -       Tabitha was treasured for her charitable deeds. When you pass from this life, how do you want to be remembered by the family of God?

What did it mean when Christ said He was able to forgive sin?  In this episode we examine the Pharisees reactions to the Power and message of Christ.  

Remember How Much You've Been ForgivenRelease the Debt—But Practice Wise BoundariesForgiveness Liberates the Forgiver

Name covered in this lesson al-Ghaffār (The Constant Forgiver). In the Qur'an, Allah says, "To Allah belongs the Most Beautiful Names, so call on Him by them" (7:180). This verse encourages people to worship Allah by praising Him with His beautiful names and making du'ā'. In this series Dr. Mufti Abdur-Rahman goes through the famous 99 names of Allah and provides practical examples on which name to call on Him in different situations. Learning the names of Allah, or Asma ul-Husna, can help people get closer to Allah.

Through the story of the healed paralytic man in Mark 2, Pastor Michael teaches us how Jesus is faithful to forgive our sins when we confess them to Him and repent.

We all carry the weight of our past—mistakes, regrets, and sins we hope no one sees. But Jesus does see, and instead of condemnation, He offers forgiveness. In Mark 2, Jesus not only heals a paralyzed man but meets his deepest need first—forgiveness. This week, we explore how Jesus confronts sin, extends grace, and invites us to walk in the freedom only He can give. No matter what's in your past, God's not done writing your story.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 5 This chapter opens with three miracles of Jesus: filling the fishermen's nets with fish, healing a man filled with leprosy, and healing and forgiving the man who is lowered down through the roof. These works of God are among people of faith, as the result of faith, and lead to powerful results. The fishermen leave their nets and follow Jesus. The healed leper tells others about Jesus. The lame man goes away on foot, but most importantly he has his sins taken away. Amid this wonderful time, the Pharisees begin questioning Jesus. They accuse Him of blasphemy for forgiving sins. They question Him for eating with sinners at Matthew's house. They wonder why His disciples do not fast. Jesus explains that these are to be times of joy and feasting! There is a great amount of faith and humility in these events. Peter says, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” The leper implores Jesus saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And the lame man tasks several friends to tear a hole in the roof of a house to see Jesus. This contrasts strongly with the jealous, suspicious, self-centered Pharisees who looked for reasons to disbelieve. That group spent time fasting in sorrow when they should have been rejoicing in Jesus. Which of the contrasting groups best describes us? As disciples forgiven by Christ, we should be the most joyful, thankful, and evangelistic people on earth.  Dear Father, what a joy it must have been to sit and hear Jesus preach, to watch Him fill nets and cure leprosy, and to see Him forgive sins and sit with sinners to save their souls. Thank You for preserving these stories in the Bible so we can learn of His mighty works. We call upon Jesus' name for healing. But even more so, we ask for Him to forgive our sins. Help us to be so grateful for that gift that we tell others. And keep us rejoicing and feasting, even in the face of trials. -       There is action by the faithful in all our stories today. What action will you take today because Jesus is the Healer and Forgiver? -       Jesus touched a leper, and later He dined with sinners. What does this teach you about how deeply Jesus cares for the hurting and the lost? -       Jesus teaches it would be inappropriate to fast in sorrow while He is with them. Is He with you? So, should we be fasting or feasting? 

Message - Pastor Paul I. KimThe Lord's Prayer Series: Prayer to Pursue 6“The Longest Petition: Forgiven & Forgiver"Matthew 6:9-13

My new book, "Unstuck" is OUT NOW! GET YOURS TODAY! If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and make sure you subscribe! You can WATCH the RTK Podcast on YOUTUBE Follow RTK on INSTAGRAM If you are interested in advertising on this podcast or having Kim as a guest on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to podcast@yeamediagroup.com ABOUT THE RTK PODCAST: Pastor Kimberly Jones, known as Real Talk Kim, travels the world fulfilling her passion and purpose of loving people back to life. She is a mother, pastor, entrepreneur, best-selling author, entertainer and most importantly a worshiper after God's own heart. Pastor Kim is the Senior Pastor at Limitless Church and has two sons. She is a human rights advocate with a passion for giving back and believes in the compassion of the Holy Spirit, delivering it to those who need it most. Pastor Kim has been featured on The Doctor Oz Show, Oxygen's Network Series Preachers of Atlanta, Your World with Creflo Dollar on BET, ABC's Nightline, The Word Network, CNN, Praise in the Park' Atlanta and numerous magazines and radio shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dear listeners What a journey this podcast is!It started as a reading of the Quran to be recorded for life sadakah jareeyah. Then it turned into coaching life lessons /reflections on everyday living and now it's a companion a soul mate

Tuesday, 7 January 2025   But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15   “And if not you may forgive men their transgressions, neither – your Father – He will forgive your transgressions” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus said, “For if you may forgive men their transgressions, also your Father, the Heavenly, He will forgive you.” He now continues His words, telling what happens if the opposite is true. This begins with, “And if not you may forgive men their transgressions.”   In this instance, the matter concerns a transgression that is not forgiven. The context is an Israelite under the law. It has been seen that debts were to be forgiven according to the law. When a debt was not forgiven, it was a violation of the law.   As such, if someone were to not forgive a debt in the seventh year as required by Deuteronomy 15:1-6, they could expect that their sacrifice for sin would not be accepted by God.   As sinning against God is like a debt that needs to be repaid, Jesus elevates transgressions between one another to the same level, showing the true spirit and intent of the law by next saying, “neither – your Father – He will forgive your transgressions.”   Jesus' elevation of the matter is like what He has done repeatedly already, particularly in Chapter 5, where He would say something like, “You have heard it said... but I say to you...” His words now follow that same elevation of a matter.   If someone refused to forgive a transgression, it would be handled like not forgiving a debt. Someone who would presume to come before God with a sacrificial offering for forgiveness would be treated in the same manner. No forgiveness would result.   Life application: Unfortunately, it is almost universal to shove these words of Jesus, spoken to Israel under the law about a matter of the interpretation of the law, into church-age doctrine.   If these words of Jesus are to be considered as meaning it is required for believers to forgive others unconditionally or they would not be forgiven, it would mean that salvation was based on our efforts, not the efforts of the Lord.   Jesus died for our sins. When we believe the gospel, we are saved. We are forgiven, at that time, for all of our sins – past, present, and future. Therefore, these words cannot be speaking of church age matters at all. The context negates 99.99% of the incorrect analyses of these words.   Therefore, to clear up the incorrect theology concerning forgiveness that permeates the church, a short exposition on the matter is necessary.    First, forgiveness is never required unless asked for. There is no biblical example where forgiveness is required without repentance. Repentance means “to change one's mind.” In essence, I have offended another, and now I am changing my mind towards him and asking for forgiveness.   Every example given by people to the contrary is taken out of context. And context is always king.    1) Jesus on the cross said, “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do'” Luke 23:34. People will say that Jesus forgave them, so you must too. First, Jesus didn't forgive them, He asked the Father to. Secondly, the sin was unintentional (“they do not know what they do”). Third, after Jesus' ascension, Peter explained what occurred and said to these same people that they must repent (change their mind about who Jesus is) or be destroyed and cut off. He even called them a “wicked generation.” Their destruction occurred 40 years later when Israel was destroyed and the Jews were dispersed, just as Jesus predicted.   2) “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15). As noted above and in previous commentaries, this is taken entirely out of context. The context is the time of the law, and it is speaking of matters under the law of Moses.   3) “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Again, “even as in Christ God forgave you” is the key. We had to receive Christ and believe the gospel first. Our forgiveness in Christ is potential only until we ask for it. It is only actual after that. Anything else is Universalism – a heresy.   4) “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,' you shall forgive him.'” (Luke 17:3,4). In this verse, which is Jesus speaking to Israel under the law, forgiveness clearly is based on repentance.   5) In a comparable passage in Matthew 18:35, people tend to only quote the forgiveness part – “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” However, the entire parable is based on one getting on his knees and first asking forgiveness.   6) “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:23). Pretty clear here. Jesus' disciples could retain the sins of others and they are not forgiven.   7) We are not (clearly not!) forgiven by God until we turn to Him and accept Jesus as Lord. The forgiveness is unconditional and offered to all –   “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32) /// and /// “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).   However, this is not in effect without turning to God through Jesus Christ. To teach otherwise is Universalism, which, as noted above, is a heresy. In other words, the forgiveness of Jesus Christ is POTENTIAL to all, but ACTUAL only to those who accept it when the gospel is believed, meaning that Christ died for our sins. In essence, “O GOD, FORGIVE ME... A SINNER.”   8) When one says the Lord's Prayer concerning the forgiveness of debts, it is an acknowledgment of God as Forgiver. It is asking for that forgiveness. It, therefore, would logically be the same with those who “trespass against us.”   The problem with the incorrect doctrine concerning forgiveness among Christians is that they confuse the offering of forgiveness with the granting of forgiveness. According to Paul in Ephesians 4 (above), we are obligated to offer it in the manner in which it was provided to us. We acknowledged our sin, and then God forgave us.   Christians are not required to forgive when there is no acknowledgment by the one who sinned against us, even though the state of forgiveness (willingness to) exists. We must keep the boxes separate, or we fall into sloppy, emotion-based theology.   Does God hold us to a higher standard than He has set between us and Him? No.   Matthew 6:15 is not referring to those in the church. In Christ, we have been forgiven. Now, we are to forgive others in the manner in which we have been forgiven. That is proper church-age doctrine.   Glorious God, thank You for the forgiveness of sins that we have because of what Jesus has done for us. When someone comes to us, asking for forgiveness when they have sinned against us, may we be willing to forgive them in like manner. Help us in this, O God. Amen.  

Sunday AM 12-29-2024. Verse-by-Verse through The Gospel of Mark.

This is the second sermon in the mini-series with Jim Gates.

Thanks for joining us today as we worship together. We are starting a special Christmas teaching series called "Christmas in the Psalms." This series is all about discovering how the Psalms point us to Jesus: His character and His ministry. As we journey through the Psalms over the next four weeks, we'll see how they lead us to worship a God who is worthy of all praise. Today, we'll be exploring Psalm 110, which reveals that Jesus is the King and Priest God promised to send. We're so glad you've joined us for Christmas in the Psalms. We'd love to know you were here! Let us know by filling out a connection card at www.mylighthousecommunity.com/live. There, you can share your next steps in your walk with God, submit prayer requests, or access our giving portal. We are really glad you're here. Welcome Home!

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” — Matthew 18:22 When I was invited to write this month's devotions, I accepted with eager anticipation. But I could not have known that I would soon also face a disruptive series of events that would turn this opportunity into an anxious task. Pressure continued to build as my due date approached—and then passed. I struggled to find the motivation to keep writing, and a weight of guilt made things even worse. Throughout this challenging time, however, the staff editor who worked with me remained encouraging, compassionate, prayerful, and forgiving. And, perhaps most of all, patience has been the constant thread woven into this experience for me. This experience has reminded me of Jesus' response to Peter when he asked about forgiving others. And it has helped me to see how patient a forgiving person can be, despite our own shortcomings at times. Peter asked Jesus for guidance on how much patience we should give people who push situations past a reasonable limit to endure. And Jesus' answer reminds us of just how patient our heavenly Father is with us. Though we, in our sin and wrongdoing, have been God's enemies, he sent his own Son to give up his life for us so that we can have new life forever with him (Romans 5:8-11)! Patient, forgiving King, how often we fall short, and how quick you are to remind us of your love. Thank you for your patient, full forgiveness. Help us to be patient in forgiving others. Amen.

Jesus first encounters opposition to his ministry when he begins to proclaim the forgiveness of sin. Things get confrontational when Jesus refuses to be limited to the surface issues of our lives. Declaring himself as the one who forgives sin means not only equating himself with God, but tells us we have a fundamental problem which only He can solve. Often our requests to Jesus reveal that we only really want him to scratch the surface issues of our lives. But Jesus is primarily fixated on the state of our hearts. If we let him, he will transform our hearts to be ones after his own. This is where lasting peace, joy, praise, and freedom is to be found. By Ed Flint

Jesus first encounters opposition to his ministry when he begins to proclaim the forgiveness of sin. Things get confrontational when Jesus refuses to be limited to the surface issues of our lives. Declaring himself as the one who forgives sin means not only equating himself with God, but tells us we have a fundamental problem which only He can solve. Often our requests to Jesus reveal that we only really want him to scratch the surface issues of our lives. But Jesus is primarily fixated on the state of our hearts. If we let him, he will transform our hearts to be ones after his own. This is where lasting peace, joy, praise, and freedom is to be found. By Ed Flint

Pastor Joe Fant continues his mini series on prayer with his sermon titled "God as Forgiver."

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BEST OF HMS PODCASTS - FRIDAY - August 30, 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BEST OF HMS PODCASTS - FRIDAY - August 30, 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send me a Text Message!Nehemiah 9 contains the longest recorded prayer in the Bible. And we can learn a lot about prayer from this prayer. For example, prayer must be radically God-centered. This prayer of Nehemiah is saturated with God. He is our Creator, Redeemer, Grace-Giving, Wonder-Working, Lavishly Loving, Great and Almighty, Chastizer and Forgiver of our Sins. I wonder what people might learn about God, if they listened to our prayers?More than once in Nehemiah 9, you will hear God described as a forgiving God,  gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. And why are they so taken by his forgiveness, his grace and compassion and abounding love?It's because they have come to realize their sin. Let Nehemiah 9 draw you into the story of your own life and know that He loves you with all His heart!

One of the greatest privileges we have as a child of God Is the fact that we can come to God in prayer anytime, anywhere, with anything. In Christ and by the Spirit we have total, unrestricted access to the Father. But, so many of us don't know where to start. Fortunately, we're not the first humans to be unsure when it comes to prayer. In this passage, Jesus' disciples come to Him with a simple and yet bold request: “Lord, teach us to pray.”   What We Pray In prayer, we acknowledge our deep dependency on God. Jesus is teaching us to offer prayers that reflect our utter helplessness and total reliance upon God. We Pray as a child looking to his Father, Longing for His glory to heal the world And for His rule to set all to rights. We pray Looking to Him as our Portion and Provider, The Forgiver of our sin-riddled souls and Our Protector and Keeper in the face of whatever trials might come our way.   How We Pray In prayer, we acknowledge our daring desperation. You only call a friend at 2am when you're desperate And you'll only pray when you realize your life desperately depends on God. Jesus is teaching us to pray With Daring Desperation, Knowing that without Him, we utterly fall apart.   Why We Pray In prayer, we acknowledge our Father's devoted delight. The Father loves to give the Holy Spirit those who ask him! He's not stingy, He's lavish. He's not reluctant, He's eager. He's not bothered, He's delighted. He's not disengaged, He's devoted. Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” The Father loves to give the Holy Spirit those who ask him!   Takeaway: Ask, seek, and knock. To pray is the great privilege of those who are children of God by grace through faith in Christ. We have an audience with the Father! We enjoy communion with the Son! We experience fellowship with the Spirit! And so, in deep dependency upon our God, with daring desperation because our life depends on it, and in light of our Father's devoted delight “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)   Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.   Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.   Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.   And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.   For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.   Amen.