prayer …is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of...

PrayerPrayer…is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of the most misunderstood Bible subjects. Defined: to make request; a wanting; a

supplication.


supplication.

1. General word for any approach to God.1. General word for any approach to God.


supplication.

1. General word for any approach to God.

2. Sometimes used as a synecdoche (a 2. Sometimes used as a synecdoche (a figure of speech in which a part isfigure of speech in which a part is used used for a whole) for all of worship for a whole) for all of worship

– Matt. 21:13; Acts 16:13. – Matt. 21:13; Acts 16:13.

PrayerPrayer Many say they pray but feel their prayers go unanswered. Many say they pray but feel their prayers go unanswered.

However, many also have never considered God’s purpose However, many also have never considered God’s purpose or design for prayer.or design for prayer.

Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No. Godly people were occasionally given a “No” for answers

to prayer, even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10). God does not spoil His children as parents often today. Overall, prayer is designed not to pet and pamper us in

this life, but rather help us go to heaven and take others with us.

PrayerPrayer Many say they pray but feel their prayers go unanswered.

However, many also have never considered God’s purpose or design for prayer.

Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No.selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No. Godly people were occasionally given a “No” for answers

to prayer, even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10). God does not spoil His children as parents often today. Overall, prayer is designed not to pet and pamper us in




Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No. Godly people were given a “No” for answers to prayer, Godly people were given a “No” for answers to prayer,

even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10).even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10). God does not spoil His children as parents often today. Overall, prayer is designed not to pet and pamper us in




Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No. Godly people were given a “No” for answers to prayer,

even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10). God does not spoil His children as parents often today. God does not spoil His children as parents often today. Overall, prayer is designed not to pet and pamper us in




Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No. Godly people were given a “No” for answers to prayer,

even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10). God does not spoil His children as parents often today. Overall, prayer is designed Overall, prayer is designed notnot to pet and pamper us in to pet and pamper us in

this life, but this life, but rather help us go to heaven and take others rather help us go to heaven and take others with uswith us..

Some Facts About Prayer:Some Facts About Prayer:

1. 1. Misconceptions:Misconceptions:1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21).

2. Will not change God’s revealed will

(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).

3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27).

4. May or may not be answered positively

(Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10).

5. Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's Lamp or spiritual parachute to save us from some difficulty. {Though God certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties –Phil. 4:6.}


1. 1. Misconceptions:Misconceptions:1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21).1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21).


(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).



(Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10).




2. Will not change God’s revealed will 2. Will not change God’s revealed will

(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).



(Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10).





(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).

3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27).3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27).


(Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10).



1. 1. Misconceptions:Misconceptions:1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21).1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21).

2. Will not change God’s revealed will 2. Will not change God’s revealed will

(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).

3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27).3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27).

4. May or may not be answered positively 4. May or may not be answered positively

(Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10)(Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10)..


Some Facts About Prayer:Some Facts About Prayer: 1. 1. Misconceptions:Misconceptions:1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21).2. Will not change God’s revealed will

(Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12).3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27).4. May or may not be answered positively (Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10).5. 5. Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's

Lamp or spiritual parachute, 911 spiritual hotline Lamp or spiritual parachute, 911 spiritual hotline to save us from some difficulty.to save us from some difficulty. {Though God {Though God certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties –Phil. 4:6.}–Phil. 4:6.}


2. 2. Acceptable Prayer should:Acceptable Prayer should:1. Be sincere, believing God will hear & answer

(Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8).

2. Be in harmony with God’s revealed will

(I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42)

3. Recognize Jesus’ mediatorial role (Jno. 14:6,13; 15:7; Eph. 5:20;Heb.

7:23-25; I Pet. 2:5).

4. Be offered by righteous people (I Pet. 3:12; James 5:16-18; Prov. 28:9;

Is. 59:1-2).


2. 2. Acceptable Prayer should:Acceptable Prayer should:1. Be sincere, believing God will hear & answer 1. Be sincere, believing God will hear & answer

(Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8).(Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8).


(I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42)


7:23-25; I Pet. 2:5).


Is. 59:1-2).



(Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8).

2. Be in harmony with God’s revealed will 2. Be in harmony with God’s revealed will

(I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42)(I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42)


7:23-25; I Pet. 2:5).


Is. 59:1-2).



(Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8).


(I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42)

3. Recognize Jesus’ mediatorial role 3. Recognize Jesus’ mediatorial role (Jno. 14:6, 13; 15:7; Eph. 5:20; Heb. (Jno. 14:6, 13; 15:7; Eph. 5:20; Heb.

7:23-25; 7:23-25; I Pet. 2:5). I Pet. 2:5).


Is. 59:1-2).



(Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8).


(I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42)

3. Recognize Jesus’ mediatorial role (Jno. 14:6, 13; 15:7; Eph. 5:20; Heb.

7:23-25; I Pet. 2:5).

4. Be offered by righteous people 4. Be offered by righteous people (I Pet. 3:12; James 5:16-18; Prov. 28:9; (I Pet. 3:12; James 5:16-18; Prov. 28:9;

Is. 59:1-2). Is. 59:1-2).


3.3. Jesus gave examples of prayer for us Jesus gave examples of prayer for us to follow:to follow:

1. Planned for longer & private prayer

(Mk. 1:35; Matt. 6:5-6).

2. Prayed before & about decisions of great importance (Lk. 6:12ff).



1. Planned for 1. Planned for longerlonger & & privateprivate prayer prayer

(Mk. 1:35; Matt. 6:5-6).(Mk. 1:35; Matt. 6:5-6).

2. Prayed before & about decisions of great importance (Lk. 6:12ff).



1. Planned for longer & private prayer

(Mk. 1:35; Matt. 6:5-6).

2. Prayed before & about decisions of great 2. Prayed before & about decisions of great importance (Lk. 6:12ffimportance (Lk. 6:12ff).).

God’s revealed God’s revealed Will found in His Will found in His WordWord

Man’s desires, Man’s desires, intents, often intents, often worldly, worldly, selfish.selfish.

God’s willingness to give God’s willingness to give us good things lavishly us good things lavishly depends on our depends on our cooperation with Him cooperation with Him (Eph. 3:20).(Eph. 3:20).

Matt. 7:7-11 is c

onnected to

Matt. 7:7-11 is c

onnected to

the rest of th

e “Sermon” as

the rest of th

e “Sermon” as

well as everything else God

well as everything else God

says about prayer & what

says about prayer & what

He wants us to

be (I Jno.

He wants us to

be (I Jno.

3:22; 5:14).

3:22; 5:14).

The more our will coincides with God’s, the The more our will coincides with God’s, the more likely He will answer positively our more likely He will answer positively our requests. He will requests. He will alwaysalways give what is give what is bestbest for those who seek Him.for those who seek Him.

-Poor in spirit-Poor in spirit-Mourn over sin-Mourn over sin

-Meek-Meek

-Hunger & thirst for -Hunger & thirst for righteousnessrighteousness

-Merciful-Merciful-Pure in heart-Pure in heart

--PeacemakersPeacemakers

-Willing to be persecuted -Willing to be persecuted for doing right for doing right

- Concerned about influence- Concerned about influence

- Doing & teaching God’s will- Doing & teaching God’s will

-Self-controlled, staying pure-Self-controlled, staying pure

-Life of selfless love in marriage-Life of selfless love in marriage

-Truthful, not vengeful, -Truthful, not vengeful, love for everyonelove for everyone

-Seeking spiritual matters 1-Seeking spiritual matters 1stst

Romans 1:10-11; 15:32 Granted

See Philippians

Acts 15:36 – 18:22

Acts 15:36 – 18:22

Letter Writing Begins w/2nd Journey, from Corinth

I Thessalonians

II Thessalonians

Acts 15:36 – 18:22

Acts 18:23 – 21:16

Acts 15:36 – 18:22

Acts 18:23 – 21:16

Letter Writing continues w/3rd Journey, from Ephesus (I Cor.), Macedonia (II Cor., Gal.), & Corinth (Romans).

Acts 15:36 – 18:22

Acts 18:23 – 21:16

Letter Writing continues w/3rd Journey, from Ephesus (I Cor.), Macedonia (II Cor., Gal.), & Corinth (Romans).

Approx. A.D. 58

Paul’s journey to & imprisonment

in Rome

Acts 27 -- 28


in RomeActs 27 -- 28

Letter Writing continues from Rome with Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon , & likely Hebrews


in RomeActs 27 -- 28

Letter Writing continues from Rome with Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon , & likely Hebrews

Approx. A.D. 61-63

God’s revealed God’s revealed Will found in His Will found in His WordWord

Paul’s desire & prayer to Paul’s desire & prayer to

help the Romans spiritually help the Romans spiritually

was answered many times was answered many times

over what he originally over what he originally

asked! Phil. 1:12-14; 4:22asked! Phil. 1:12-14; 4:22

The more our will coincides with God’s, the more likely He will answer positively our requests. He will alwaysalways give what is bestbest for those who seek Him.

-Poor in spirit-Poor in spirit-Mourn over sin-Mourn over sin

-Meek-Meek

-Hunger & thirst for -Hunger & thirst for righteousnessrighteousness

-Merciful-Merciful-Pure in heart-Pure in heart

-Peacemakers-Peacemakers

-Willing to be persecuted -Willing to be persecuted for doing right for doing right

- Concerned about influence- Concerned about influence

- Doing & teaching God’s will- Doing & teaching God’s will

-Self-controlled, staying pure-Self-controlled, staying pure

-Life of selfless love in marriage-Life of selfless love in marriage

-Truthful, not vengeful, -Truthful, not vengeful, love for everyonelove for everyone

-Seeking spiritual matters 1-Seeking spiritual matters 1stst

Rom. 1:10-11 Rom. 1:10-11 granted (see Philippians) granted (see Philippians)

Took approx. 5 years!Took approx. 5 years!

Great Benefits of Prayer:Great Benefits of Prayer:1. We have audience with the Creator & 1. We have audience with the Creator &

Sovereign Ruler of the Universe who cares for Sovereign Ruler of the Universe who cares for us individually (I Pet. 5:6-7; Phil. 4:6) !us individually (I Pet. 5:6-7; Phil. 4:6) !

2. Reminds us of who we are & who God is 2. Reminds us of who we are & who God is (Matt. 6:8 –our need!)(Matt. 6:8 –our need!)

--will help “godliness” (a Godward attitude) --will help “godliness” (a Godward attitude)

3. Will help keep us the way we should be toward 3. Will help keep us the way we should be toward others (Matt. 5:43-45).others (Matt. 5:43-45).

Great Benefits of Prayer:Great Benefits of Prayer:4. Will keep us in a right relation with God 4. Will keep us in a right relation with God

(Matt. 6:5-15)(Matt. 6:5-15)

A. 3 Requests for others:A. 3 Requests for others:

1. “Hallowed be thy name”1. “Hallowed be thy name”

– – universal reverence for & worship universal reverence for & worship of of God.God.

2. “Thy Kingdom come” 2. “Thy Kingdom come”

– – that people obey the gospel, that that people obey the gospel, that it it spread.spread.

3. God’s will be done in everyone’s life!3. God’s will be done in everyone’s life!

Great Benefits of Prayer:Great Benefits of Prayer:4. Will keep us in a right relation with God 4. Will keep us in a right relation with God

(Matt. 6:5-15)(Matt. 6:5-15)A. 3 Requests for others.A. 3 Requests for others.

B. 3 Requests for ourselves:B. 3 Requests for ourselves: 1. Daily bread. -- necessities.1. Daily bread. -- necessities.

2. Forgiveness of past sins.2. Forgiveness of past sins.

3. Lead us not into temptation -- 3. Lead us not into temptation -- Concern Concern for spiritual oneness w/God in for spiritual oneness w/God in the the future. future.

When Should We Pray?When Should We Pray?

1. Examples from godly men (Ps. 55:17)1. Examples from godly men (Ps. 55:17)

-- morning, noon, & evening-- morning, noon, & evening

2. Examples of Jesus2. Examples of Jesus

--a great while before day & privately--a great while before day & privately

3. Brief “arrow” prayers3. Brief “arrow” prayers

Neh. 2:1-5; Acts 16:25; 20:13(?)Neh. 2:1-5; Acts 16:25; 20:13(?)

While Prayer is a Privilege, prayer will While Prayer is a Privilege, prayer will not save anyone who is not a Christian not save anyone who is not a Christian (Jno. 9:31).(Jno. 9:31).

It can not substitute for one’s obedience to It can not substitute for one’s obedience to the gospel (II Thess. 1:7-9).the gospel (II Thess. 1:7-9).

While prayer is a condition for one who is While prayer is a condition for one who is a Christian to be forgiven of sin (Acts a Christian to be forgiven of sin (Acts 8:22), it will not take the place of 8:22), it will not take the place of repentance or confession repentance or confession (Acts 8:22; I Jno. 1:9).(Acts 8:22; I Jno. 1:9).

Summarized, Summarized,

The more our will coincides with God’s The more our will coincides with God’s revealed will, the more likely He will revealed will, the more likely He will positively and providentially answer our positively and providentially answer our requests. requests.

However, if we truly seek Him, He will However, if we truly seek Him, He will always give what is best for us eternally, always give what is best for us eternally, even if we do not know what it is.even if we do not know what it is.

Questions:

1. A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered any prayer he has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14]

Questions:1. A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered

any prayer he has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14]

2. A godly Christian wife and mother of two teenage sons develops cancer. She is in her early 40’s. First, is it Scriptural to pray that she regain health? (Scripture?_____) Second, what should be the most important thing asked for in prayers relative to this person? [Scripture? _______________] Third, after many Christians have prayed much, she still dies. A skeptic asks how could a good God let something so bad happen to a good family. How would you answer? (Scripture?)




3. A family has a wayward child. Prayer to God is made that this person be restored. Is there anything else that should be done? (Scripture? ___________)




3. A family has a wayward child. Prayer to God is made that this person be restored. Is there anything else that should be done? (Scripture? ______________________)

4. A gospel preacher has lived the majority of his adult life in faithful service to the Lord. He is 83 years of age and has a terminal illness. What is most important to pray for? Scripture?____

Questions:1. A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered any prayer he

has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14]




5. A 96 year old Christian woman has had dementia for several years. What is most important to pray for? Scripture? __________






5. A 96 year old Christian woman has had dementia for several years. What is most important to pray for? Scripture? __________

prayer …is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of...

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gods purpose

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