The Bible Study is on the Formula of Concord Article 3 -- Righteousness before God
Theme: Praying in the Father’s Name
I. Abraham’s Prayer
A. Abraham was not bartering with God
1. Abraham had nothing with which to barter
2. Abraham was speaking God’s promises back to Him
B. Abraham’s prayer was a confession of faith
1. He confessed God is a God of mercy
2. He trusted that God would keep His promises
II. In the Name of the Father
A. We have the privilege of prayer because of who we are
1. We are sons, not slaves — God is our Father
2. We do not pray blindly, but with confidence
B. We pray according to the Word of the Father
1. Jesus did not give us a magical incantation
2. The New Man desires only that which the Father desires
III. Two Approaches to Prayer
A. Spontaneously
1. As a child talks to his dear Father
2. Openly and honestly
B. Purposely
1. The Lord’s Prayer
2. Flowing from the promises of our Lord