1. Knowing God & ourselves – Prayer & the Spirit – Lk.11:1-13 The best, wisest way to live is to:- a. Know God b. Know yourself God has given us 2 wonderful gifts:- a. Prayer b. The Spirit

2. 1. Jesus & Prayer – v.1 Prayer was essential for Jesus:- a. Preparing for his work – Lk. 3:21 b. Choosing his disciples – Lk.6:12 c. Preparing for the Cross – Lk.9:29 d. Facing the Cross – Lk.22:39-46 Prayer was the heartbeat of his life with God

3. In Jesus praying we see:- a. Intimacy with God – 3:22;John11:41,42 b. Total commitment to do God’s will c. Dependence on God

4. The gift of prayer a. Knowing God –v.2 1. Enjoying God as our Father 2. Committed to honouring God b. Knowing ourselves – v.3,4 1. We are creatures 2. We are sinners 3. We are spiritually vulnerable

5. Our attitude in prayer a. Persistence – v.5-10 - the need - the boldness/persistence b. Expectancy – v.9-13 - God is not a reluctant friend - cf. Lk18 - God is a loving father – good gifts - The best gift – the Spirit (God himself)

6. 2. Jesus & the Spirit - conceived of the Spirit – Lk.1:35 - led by the Spirit – 4:1 - empowered by the Spirit – 3:22; 4:14,18,19; 5:17; Acts 10:38 Luke – the Spirit empowering Jesus Acts – the Spirit empowering the Church

7. The work of the Spirit a. Gives new life – John 3:5-8; Rom.8 b. Helps us to know God - enjoying him as father – Rom.8:15,16 - doing his will c. Helps us to know ourselves - trusting God for our needs - convicting us of sin – John 16:8-11 - strengthening us

8. 3.Wonderful encouragements a. A perfect example – Jesus - a man of prayer - submitted to & empowered by the Spirit b. The best gifts possible - prayer – communication with God - the Spirit – God himself. ASK c. How committed are you to:- - Know God - Do his will - Trust him for your needs