Lesson 17: A Humanitarian by Giving Us Prayer
Study Guide Pages 131-138
We have all been there. We call a company’s 800 number and start working through a menu of choices. We become increasingly frustrated because none of the selections addresses our situation. All we want to do is talk with a live person! But no matter what we do, the menu stymies us. It won’t connect us to a real person who can address our needs.
Prayer is nothing like this. There is no menu to work through. There are no busy signals or being put on hold. No angelic assistants are screening our prayers. Each time, we talk instantaneously, with God himself. It doesn’t matter what the topic is, and it doesn’t matter when we pray. God is there 24 – 7 to hear and answer all our problems. Scripture says,
Casting all your cares upon him, for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7
We can have direct access to God because we can approach God in Jesus’ name. Jesus said,
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13
Jesus isn’t saying we must mechanically end each prayer with the phrase, “in Jesus’ name.” Instead, when we approach the Father in Jesus’ name, we ask him to hear us for Jesus’ sake and because of his worthiness. We are not claiming any worthiness of our own, but only pointing to what Jesus did for us. Covered entirely with Christ’s perfection, God hears our prayers and responds to us as a parent, reacting to their child’s cry for help.
Even when it comes to prayer, then, it’s all about Jesus. By keeping all the commandments perfectly for us and by paying our entire debt of sin, Jesus has made us acceptable to God. Because of him, and only because of him, can we cast all our cares on God. Any care – at any time. This is the wonderful gift God gives us through Jesus.
Key Bible Verses
Peter tells us to pray to God because he cares.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Paul clarifies that believing, having faith in our Savior is not something we can do or even help. Faith is a gift of God’s grace, worked by the Holy Spirit.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13
Questions to Consider
- What does it mean to pray “in Jesus’ name?” (see John 14:13)
- God cares for every single human being, including you. And not only does he care about you, but he also wants to hear from you and hear about your worries and cares. What are the implications of these incredible truths? (see 1 Peter 5:7)
- How does God demonstrate himself to be the Ultimate Humanitarian by giving us prayer?
- The privilege of curling up on the lap of our heavenly Father and pouring out our hearts to him in prayer is one of the most precious gifts our God has given us. With this gift, we know that anytime and anywhere, we have access to the ear of God, who created us and controls all things. Further, we know that when we speak with him, we are talking with the God who loves us so much that he would sacrifice his Son for us. Why is all of this so surprising and significant?
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