Continuing a study on the Lord’s Prayer built around the questions of who, where, and how to pray, this message teaches that a believer must first know their identity as a son or daughter of God, then recognize that heaven now dwells within genuine believers since the opening of the seals, before rightly approaching God in prayer.
Scripture Reference
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. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Key Points: Knowing Who, Where, and How to Pray
- Prayer is said to begin with identification – approaching God as a son or daughter rather than a stranger – since knowing one’s identity in Christ is presented as central to having prayer answered.
- Believers are described as coming from the same source as Christ, the eternal Word, and as needing the spirit of sonship in order to rightly call God ‘Father.’
- Since the opening of the seals, heaven is described as having come down to dwell within genuine believers rather than remaining a location to look toward – prayer is framed as being lifted up into that presence rather than bringing God down.
- Before presenting requests, the message encourages exalting Christ by His many titles – the door, the way, the truth, the life, the Rose of Sharon, the Bright and Morning Star – as part of approaching God in the right manner.