Today we consider what it means to live a focused life of prayer. In a sense, prayer comes naturally to us. We want so we ask. We hurt so we cry out. We are blessed so we give thanks. So we sometimes define prayer as “speaking to God from the heart.” It seems so easy. What does not come naturally, however, is the focused prayer God wants for us. Prayer that has its basis in God’s grace and the good gifts he wishes to give us. Yes, we can speak from the heart and ask for anything we want. But our Father invites us to pray specifically for the things he wants to give us. Prayer is the opportunity to align our will to God’s will, not the other way around. We have much to learn about prayer. So, along with Jesus’ disciples, we say, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

Pastor Dan Johnston preached this sermon at the installation of Pastor Daniel Johnston at Bethany on Sunday, July 24, 2022.

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