This morning we came across the part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus talks about the prayer of someone who trusts him. From what he says we can garner a few points:

1. If we trust Christ, then God is our Father. Our approach should be as one who is a child of God:
   
   1. We can approach readily, he should be our first resort. No matter how large, or how small our reasons for prayer.
      
   2. We should approach reverently, as we are approaching the Almighty God, who made everything, and who is thrice holy.
      
   3. We should approach regularly, just as one would communicate with one’s earthly father regularly, so we can communicate with our heavenly Father regularly.
      
   
   
2. We should ask him for all things, from the greatest spiritual needs, to the smallest physical needs. He is the provider of all things.
   
3. We should be willing to accept the answer God gives us. What we want isn’t necessarily what we need. Even what we think we need isn’t what we truly need. God will give us what we really need.
   

This evening’s look at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians covered what should happen when someone puts their faith in Jesus Christ – when someone becomes a Christian. There should be a change, this isn’t optional, but compulsory. This change is not something the Christian does by themselves, but is carried out in co-operation with God. This change should be constructive, tha tthe Christian might grow in grace and holiness. This change will be comprehensive, being wide-ranging in its scope, as well as being cognitive, resulting in a completely different attitude towards God and the world. This change will affect one’s character, becoming more loving and compassionate. Governing all this change is a constraint of love, that all things might be for God’s glory, and by doing so bringing joy to the Christian.