PRAYER

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY

PRAYER

By Dennis Schmidt 9/2007

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This paper discusses prayer. Their are three basic forms of prayer: worship, petition, and intercession. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME: Pray to God who knows your needs before you pray and will answer you with the best outcome for you , but in His time and way.

Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

PURPOSE: Prayer is a conversation or communication (dialogue of 2 sides) of our heart with God. It should not be general but specific and its purpose is to get God's will done. The intent should not be aimed at changing God's mind or purpose.

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

KEY VERSE:

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

Romans 8:26-27 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. {27} And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what <is> the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to <the will of> God."

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 "For if I pray in an <unknown> tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. {15} What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

WHO: God mainly by Bible authors Moses, David, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected Christians

WHAT: Prayer is a conversation or communication (dialogue of 2 sides) of our heart with God. It should not be general but specific and its purpose is to get God's will done. The intent should not be aimed at changing God's mind or purpose.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

WHY: Prayer is spiritual warfare Through prayer we fight Satan.

Romans 7:23 "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

2 Corinthians 10:4 "(For the weapons of our warfare <are> not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"

Ephesians 6:11-18 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {12} For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high <places>. {13} Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. {14} Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; {15} And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {16} Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. {17} And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: {18} Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

WAY:

A) In the name of Jesus: Our prayers should start, for example, with: "Father, in Jesus' name."

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 16:24 "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." "Jesus, not the name"

Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, <do> all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Prayer is both words and deeds.

B) Praise, worship, & thanksgiving: Among our first petitions should be a time of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to God.

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Colossians 4:2 "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"

C) Pray in God's perfect will: God's will keep His word. Know His will, on the subject, from studying scriptures.

Numbers 23:19 "God <is> not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do <it>? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"

2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

1 John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: {15} And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

D) Praying in the Spirit: A prayer in tongues is a perfect prayer between God, in us using our speech, and our spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:2 "For he that speaketh in an <unknown> tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth <him>; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."

1 Corinthians 14:18 "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:" Paul's testimony for praying in tongues.

E) Interceding for others: Our prayers for others helps us also.

James 5:16 "Confess <your> faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." To others & himself (sow & reap).

F) Claiming god's promises: Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 16:24 show what our attitude should be first, then God will bless our prayer & life God has over 7500 promises in the Bible for his children. Each has conditions which the believer is to do to receive prayer answers.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added onto you."

Matthew 16:24 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any <man> will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Matthew 18:18-19 "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. {19} Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."

Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

Mark 11:22-24 "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. {23} For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. {24} Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive <them>, and ye shall have <them>."

John 14:13-14 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. {14} If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do <it>."

John 16:23-24 "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give <it> you. {24} Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

John 15:7 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

G) Persistence:

Colossians 4:12 "Epaphras, who is <one> of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."

Luke 11:5-11 "And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; {6} For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? {7} And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. {8} I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. {9} And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Pray at all times & needs.

Luke 18:1-8 "And he spake a parable unto them <to this end>, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; {2} Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: {3} And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. {4} And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; {5} Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. {6} And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. {7} And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? {8} I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" We should ask in faith. Then our prayer should be thanks for receiving the items requested. A 2nd pray is a lack of faith.

H) God already knows our needs before we pray:

Isaiah 65:24 "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

Acts 15:18 "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." God has our blessing. We must only pray.

WHEREAS: Preparations we should make before prayer:

A) Relationships: Restore or renew with God and others.

Proverbs 15:8 "The sacrifice of the wicked <is> an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright <is> his delight."

1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with <them> according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

B) Repentance: Use 1 John 1:9 first to clean our hearts & lives.

Psalms 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear <me>:"

Isaiah 59:1-2 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: {2} But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid <his> face from you, that he will not hear."

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us <our> sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

C) Forgiveness: Humility and forgiveness to others and to God.

Mark 11:25-26 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. {26} But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

WHERE: Anywhere; group in church; alone in secret.

A) Alone:

1 Timothy 2:8 "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."

Matthew 6:5-6 "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites <are>: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. {6} But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

B) In a group:

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

WHEN: At all times; continuously.

Luke 21:36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 "Pray without ceasing. {18} In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

WHILE: God already knows our needs before we pray:

Isaiah 65:24 "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

Acts 15:18 "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." God has our blessing. We must only pray.

Expect god to answer immediately, but the answer could be delayed:

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of <our> faith without wavering; (for he <is> faithful that promised;)"

A) Eliezer: show him Isaac's wife:

Genesis 24:12 "And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham."

Genesis 24:14-15 "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: <let the same be> she <that> thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast showed kindness unto my master. {15} And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder."

Genesis 24:18-19 "And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. {19} And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw <water> for thy camels also, until they have done drinking."

B) Disciples: waited 10 days for the promise of the Holy Spirit:

Acts 1:4 "And, being assembled together with <them>, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, <saith he>, ye have heard of me."

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

WANT: Prayer is a conversation or communication (dialogue of 2 sides) of our heart with God. It should not be general but specific and its purpose is to get God's will done. The intent should not be aimed at changing God's mind or purpose.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

WAIT: Sometimes God answers your pray immediately, several times within a short time of days-weeks-months, and others may take years. In all cases, God expect the person to hold onto the prayer in faith while waiting for God’s response.

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of <our> faith without wavering; (for he <is> faithful that promised;)"

A) Eliezer showed him Isaac’s wife:

Genesis 24:12 "And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham."

B) Disciples: waited 10 days for the promise of the Holy Spirit:

Acts 1:4 "And, being assembled together with <them>, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, <saith he>, ye have heard of me."

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) WHAT IS PRAYER:

II) PRAYER IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE:

III) WHERE WE SHOULD PRAY:

A) ALONE:

B) IN A GROUP:

IV) WHEN WE SHOULD PRAY:

V) PREPARATIONS WE SHOULD MAKE BEFORE PRAYER:

A) RELATIONSHIPS:

B) REPENTANCE:

C) FORGIVENESS:

VI) HOW WE SHOULD PRAY:

A) IN THE NAME OF JESUS:

B) PRAISE, WORSHIP, & THANKSGIVING:

C) PRAY IN GOD'S PERFECT WILL:

D) PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT:

E) INTERCEDING FOR OTHERS:

F) CLAIMING GOD'S PROMISES:

G) PERSISTENCE:

H) GOD ALREADY KNOWS OUR NEEDS BEFORE WE PRAY:

VII) EXPECT GOD TO ANSWER IMMEDIATELY, BUT THE ANSWER COULD BE DELAYED:

VIII) GOD'S ANSWER MAY BE NO:

A) MOSES: GOING INTO THE PROMISE LAND:

B) JESUS: THE CROSS WITH ITS PAIN AND SUFFERING:

C) PAUL: REMOVE THE THORN IN THE FLESH, THE MESSENGER OF SATAN:

IX) HOW WE SHOULD NOT PRAY:

A) KILL THE ANOINTING:

B) RELIGIOUS WORKS:

C) WRONG MOTIVATION:

X) LORD'S PRAYER EXAMPLE:

A) INTRODUCTION:

B) PETITIONS:

C) CONCLUSION:

XI) EXAMPLES OF PRAYER WARRIORS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

A) NEHEMIAH:

B) DANIEL:

XII) EXAMPLES OF NEW TESTAMENT PRAYERS:

XIII) SIN OF PRAYLESSNESS:

A) TIME:

B) HONEST:

I) WHAT IS PRAYER: Prayer is a conversation or communication (dialogue of 2 sides) of our heart with God. It should not be general but specific and its purpose is to get God's will done. The intent should not be aimed at changing God's mind or purpose.

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

II) PRAYER IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE: Through prayer we fight Satan.

Romans 7:23 "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

2 Corinthians 10:4 "(For the weapons of our warfare <are> not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"

III) WHERE WE SHOULD PRAY: Anywhere; group in church; alone in secret.

A) ALONE:

1 Timothy 2:8 "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."

B) IN A GROUP:

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

IV) WHEN WE SHOULD PRAY: At all times; continuously.

Luke 21:36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 "Pray without ceasing. {18} In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

V) PREPARATIONS WE SHOULD MAKE BEFORE PRAYER:

A) RELATIONSHIPS: Restore or renew with God and others.

See my paper: "Man's Greatest Need - Relationship with God" for more information on this subject.

Proverbs 15:8 "The sacrifice of the wicked <is> an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright <is> his delight."

B) REPENTANCE: Use 1 John 1:9 first to clean our hearts & lives.

Psalms 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear <me>:"

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us <our> sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

C) FORGIVENESS: Humility and forgiveness to others and to God.

See my paper: "Forgiveness of Sins" for more information on this subject.

Mark 11:25-26 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. {26} But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

VI) HOW WE SHOULD PRAY:

A) IN THE NAME OF JESUS: Our prayers should start, for example, with: "Father, in Jesus' name."

See my paper: "Jesus Life, Events, & Identity" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "The Purpose of Jesus Coming (Eight "W's")" for more information on this subject.

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 16:24 "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." "Jesus, not the name"

Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, <do> all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Prayer is both words and deeds.

B) PRAISE, WORSHIP, & THANKSGIVING: Among our first petitions should be a time of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to God.

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Colossians 4:2 "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"

C) PRAY IN GOD'S PERFECT WILL: God's will keep His word. Know His will, on the subject, from studying scriptures.

2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

D) PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT: A prayer in tongues is a perfect prayer between God, in us using our speech, and our spirit.

See my paper: "Holy Spirit Baptism" for more information on this subject.

1 Corinthians 14:2 "For he that speaketh in an <unknown> tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth <him>; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."

1 Corinthians 14:18 "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:" Paul's testimony for praying in tongues.

E) INTERCEDING FOR OTHERS: Our prayers for others helps us also.

James 5:16 "Confess <your> faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." To others & himself (sow & reap).

F) CLAIMING GOD'S PROMISES: Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 16:24 show what our attitude should be first, then God will bless our prayer & life God has over 7500 promises in the Bible for his children. Each has conditions which the believer is to do to receive prayer answers.

See my paper: "Faith" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "What is a Born-Again & How to Become One?" for more information on this subject.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added onto you."

Matthew 16:24 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any <man> will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

John 14:13-14 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. {14} If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do <it>."

John 15:7 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

G) PERSISTENCE:

Colossians 4:12 "Epaphras, who is <one> of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."

H) GOD ALREADY KNOWS OUR NEEDS BEFORE WE PRAY:

Isaiah 65:24 "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

Acts 15:18 "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." God has our blessing. We must only pray.

VII) EXPECT GOD TO ANSWER IMMEDIATELY, BUT THE ANSWER COULD BE DELAYED:

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of <our> faith without wavering; (for he <is> faithful that promised;)"

A) ELIEZER: SHOW HIM ISAAC'S WIFE:

Genesis 24:12 "And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham."

B) DISCIPLES: WAITED 10 DAYS FOR THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

See my paper: "Disciples & Others of Jesus Family" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Apostles" for more information on this subject.

Acts 1:4 "And, being assembled together with <them>, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, <saith he>, ye have heard of me."

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

VIII) GOD'S ANSWER MAY BE NO:

A) MOSES: GOING INTO THE PROMISE LAND:

See my paper: "What Does God Really Want?" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Questions & Answers on Law, Faith, & Liberty" for more information on this subject.

Numbers 20:12 "And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them."

Deuteronomy 34:4 "And the LORD said unto him, This <is> the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see <it> with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither."

B) JESUS: THE CROSS WITH ITS PAIN AND SUFFERING:

See my paper: "Between Jesus Death & Resurrection What did He Accomplish?" for more information on this subject.

Luke 22:42 "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

C) PAUL: REMOVE THE THORN IN THE FLESH, THE MESSENGER OF SATAN:

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. {8} For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. {9} And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

IX) HOW WE SHOULD NOT PRAY:

A) KILL THE ANOINTING: "I don't know if its your will to do this or not." "If it be thy will." Search the scriptures first to understand if it is God's will. God will accomplish his will.

Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, <and> there is nothing too hard for thee:"

B) RELIGIOUS WORKS: Prayer should not be by the clock. It is not an obligation as required work or duty. Prayer should not be aimed at others to hear, but it is to be directed to God. It should be simple conversation with God from our hearts. Jesus prayed one hour in Mark 14:37-38 and all night in Luke 6:12. David & Daniel prayed three times a day as in Psalms 55:17 & Daniel 6:10.

Matthew 6:5 "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites <are>: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

Matthew 6:7 "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen <do>: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Ex: Oohh, God; King James' english; Jesus! Jesus!

C) WRONG MOTIVATION:

James 4:3 "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume <it> upon your lusts."

1 John 2:15 "Love not the world, neither the things <that are> in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

X) LORD'S PRAYER EXAMPLE:

Matthew 6:9-13 "After this manner therefore pray ye:"

(In Luke 11:2 account, a disciple asked Jesus to teach us to pray.)

A) INTRODUCTION:

{9} Our Father which art in heaven, (Our true Father. Abba, Father as in Galatians 4:6 "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." and

1 John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.")

B) PETITIONS: The 1st petition is praise & worship "Holy is thy name."

Hallowed be thy name. (God's name is holy. We ask God to help us keep His name holy. - Romans 2:24 "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written." and

Psalms 100:4 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, <and> into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, <and> bless his name)

{10} Thy kingdom come. (Jesus is king of His kingdom. We ask God to help us accomplish His kingdom. - Luke 11:20 "But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." and Luke 17:21 "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.")

{10} Thy will be done in earth, as <it is> in heaven. (God's will is done. We ask God to help us do His will. - Mark 11:26 "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.")

{11} Give us this day our daily bread. (God will supply all things to His children. - Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.")

{12} And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Jesus

(parable in Matthew 18:23-35 Unmerciful Servant - Mark 11:26 "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.")

{13} And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

(God allows Satan to test and tempt us. - Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed <is> willing, but the flesh <is> weak." and James 1:13-15 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: {14} But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. {15} Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.")

C) CONCLUSION: (This is not found in the Luke 11:2-4 account):

{13} For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. (Additional praise and worship to our God. Could conclude with: "in Jesus' name", not "in his name.")

{13) Amen." (This means: Yea, it shall be so.)

XI) EXAMPLES OF PRAYER WARRIORS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

A) NEHEMIAH: He prayed for forgiveness of his and Israel's sins. He reminded God of promises to Moses to restore people to land (Neh 1)

Nehemiah 2:3-4 "And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, <lieth> waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? {4} Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven."

Nehemiah quickly prayed then God gave him wisdom to answer.

Nehemiah 4:9 "Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them."

Pray first then act in best wisdom about what you prayed.

James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all <men> liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Knowledge of how to act in any situation.

B) DANIEL: Prayed three times a day even if facing the Lion's den.

Daniel 6:10 "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."

Daniel 10:12-13 "Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. {13} But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." Daniel's prayers took three weeks to get an answer.

XII) EXAMPLES OF NEW TESTAMENT PRAYERS: See also other N.T. prayers:

See my paper: "God's Word/Bible/Scriptures" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Bible Study & Interpretation Guideline" for more information on this subject.

Acts 4:29-30; Romans 15:5-6; Ephesians 1:17-20; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-14; 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Peter 5:10-11; and 2 Peter 3:18. We should learn to pray these prayers & other scriptures (promises) to God. We should pray by substitute the phrases & add our name in clauses.

Ephesians 3:16-21 "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; {17} That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, {18} May be able to comprehend with all saints what <is> the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; {19} And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. {20} Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, {21} Unto him <be> glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Revelation 1:5-6 "And from Jesus Christ, <who is> the faithful witness, <and> the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, {6} And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him <be> glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

XIII) SIN OF PRAYLESSNESS:

A) TIME: Change priorities; Sleep: Pray while walking or sitting;

B) HONEST: God already knows all our sins. Words: Use normal words.

1 Samuel 12:23 "Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:" No pray is sin. God wants our prayers.

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This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisschmidt@att.net)