The Only Teacher
Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of prayer as a simple yet powerful work that requires practice and surrender to God's will.
Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of prayer in the life of a believer, illustrating how the disciples recognized Jesus as the ultimate teacher of prayer. They sought His guidance, understanding that true prayer connects them to the divine and empowers their spiritual lives. Murray highlights that while prayer may begin simply, it evolves into a profound communion with God, unlocking blessings and fulfilling promises. He stresses the importance of learning to pray with the right heart, surrender, and faith, which can only be developed through persistent practice in prayer. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek Jesus' teaching to deepen their prayer life and relationship with God.
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The disciples had been with Christ and had seen Him pray. They had learned to understand something of the connection between His public life and His private life of prayer. They had learned to believe in Him as a Master in the art of prayer--none could pray like Him. So they came to Him with the request ''Lord, teach us to pray.'' In hindsight they surely would have told us that few things surpassed what He taught them about prayer.
As we see Him pray, and we remember that no one can pray or teach like Him, we agree with the disciples and say, ''Lord, teach us to pray.'' As we think about the fact that He is our very life, we feel assured that we have but to ask and He will be delighted to take us into closer fellowship with himself and to teach us to pray as He prays.
Prayer is what we need to be taught. And though in its beginnings prayer is so simple that even a small child can pray, it is at the same time the highest and holiest work to which anyone can rise. It is fellowship with the unseen and most holy One. The powers of the eternal world have been placed at its disposal. It is the channel of all blessings and the secret of power and life. Through prayer, God has given to everyone the right to take hold of Him and His strength. It is on prayer that promises wait for their fulfillment, the kingdom for its coming, and the glory of God for its full revelation.
Even when we know what to ask, how much is still needed to make our prayer acceptable? It must be to the glory of God, in full surrender to His will, in full assurance of faith, in the name of Jesus, and with a perseverance that refuses to be denied. All this must be learned. And it can only be learned in the school of much prayer, for it is practice that makes perfect.
(Excerpted from The Andrew Murray Daily Reader in Today's Language, pg. 25)
Sermon Outline
- The Need for a Teacher
- The Importance of Prayer
- The Qualities of Effective Prayer
- Prayer must be to the glory of God
- Prayer must be in full surrender to God's will
- Prayer must be in full assurance of faith
Key Quotes
“Prayer is what we need to be taught.” — Andrew Murray
“It is on prayer that promises wait for their fulfillment, the kingdom for its coming, and the glory of God for its full revelation.” — Andrew Murray
“It is practice that makes perfect.” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- We must practice prayer to learn how to pray effectively.
- Our prayers must be offered to God's glory and in full surrender to His will.
- Prayer is the key to fulfilling God's promises and experiencing His power and life.