Prayer: Adoration

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PrayerAdoration

• Sue Bohlin
• sue_at_probe.org
• www.probe.org

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Lord, I said, how can You be so patient with
me?I have a sense of humor, He said.Ive been
praying and praying for this, and You havent
answered me.Cant you take no for an answer?
He said.I think this is going to be one of
those difficult days.Ive managed to get through
them before, He said.Why are You waiting?
Havent I said yes?Your yes is always yes,
but, He said.
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What a stupid goof I made. Why didnt You stop
me?I was laughing too hard, He said.Ive got
it all together. Im ready to cope.Lotsa luck,
He said.Why dont You speak to me more?Why
dont You listen more? He said.Is it wrong to
care so much?No, He said. . .only to be so
selfish.
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What should I do? Shes making a mistake.Love
her anyway, He said.Things just didnt work out
that time.You mean you blew it, He said.Shes
a woman of rare perception.You mean she agrees
with you, He said.Your answer is contrary to
reason.Your reason, or Mine? He said.
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Did You have to hit me so hard?At least I got
your attention! He said.I wont do it! Ive
made up my mind!You WHAT??? He said.I had it
all planned out, but my heart loused it up.You
seem to have a chronic heart condition, He
said.I guess Im just a stupid fool.And
hard-hearted, too, He said.
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That was great! I really didnt deserve it.I
know, He said, but be My guest.Why didnt I
leave things in Your hands?You keep forgetting
which one of us is God, He said.Its been an
interesting experience.Amen! He said.
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Why Pray?

• Adoration
• Confession
• Thanksgiving
• Supplication (Asking/Intercessory Prayer)

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Misconceptions About the Purpose of Prayer

• Demanding our rights from God
• Letting God know whats going on
• The right formula will work
• God is an abstract, impersonal power source to be
  controlled and manipulated

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Misconceptions About the Purpose of Prayer

• God is a celestial Santa Claus
• Prayer is for losing oneself in God, achieving
  unity with Him/the divine.

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An Important Distinction

• Adoration Worship for who God is and His works
  in creation
• Thanksgiving Gratitude for what God has done for
  us

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Attributes of God
1 Timothy 117 King, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, Only Wise God, Deserving of Honor and Glory
James 117 Hebrews 138 Unchanging
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Attributes of God
1 Corinthians 84,6 The Only God
Jeremiah 1010 True God, Living God, Eternal King
Job 117 Infinite
1 Kings 827 Jeremiah 2324 Immense
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Attributes of God
Psalm 902 Eternal
Psalm 1453 Incomprehensible
Psalm 11968 Good
John 146 Way, Truth, Life
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Attributes of God
Genesis 11 Creator
Hebrews 413 Omniscient
Romans 1133 Infinite wisdom Infinite knowledge
Psalm 1475 Infinite understanding
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Attributes of God
Genesis 2214 Matthew 625-27 Provider
Genesis 171 Revelation 48 Almighty
Psalm 10319 Job 422 Sovereign
Exodus 314 Self-existent One
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Attributes of God
1 John 48 Love
Exodus 346 Compassionate, Gracious, Slow to Anger, Abounding in Lovingkindness and Truth
Isaiah 63 Revelation 48 Holy
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Attributes of God
John 1011 Good Shepherd
Deuteronomy 324 Perfect, Just, Faithful, Righteous
Psalm 1153 Absolutely Free
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Praying Scripture Back to God

• Psalm 111
• Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD
  with all my heart, In the company of the upright
  and in the assembly.
• Great are the works of the LORD They are studied
  by all who delight in them.
• Splendid and majestic is His work, And His
  righteousness endures forever.
• He has made His wonders to be remembered The
  LORD is gracious and compassionate.
• He has given food to those who fear Him He will
  remember His covenant forever.

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Praying Scripture Back to God

• He has made known to His people the power of His
  works, In giving them the heritage of the
  nations.
• The works of His hands are truth and justice All
  His precepts are sure.
• They are upheld forever and ever They are
  performed in truth and uprightness.
• He has sent redemption to His people He has
  ordained His covenant forever Holy and awesome
  is His name.
• The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
  A good understanding have all those who do His
  commandments His praise endures forever.

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Prayers of Adoration

• Pray nothing but prayers of adoration and praise
• Tell God about Himself
• Worship Him for who He is
• Pick a Psalm and pray it back to Him
• 8, 9, 16, 18, 23, 27, 28, 30, 31, 36, 40, 42, 47