Prayer.
What is it, why do we do it?
"Prayer is personal communication with God."
He already knows what we need, BUT prayer can express our trust in God, and a way to increase trust in him.
In true humble dependence, we can show we truly believe in the good and true attributes of God, and God delights in this.
The Lord's prayer starts by putting things in the right perspective. We are praying to God, a loving and wise Father who rules over all.
Prayer then takes us into a relationship of love and fellowship with God.
And finally, we can thus be involved in activities of eternal importance.
How effective is prayer?
1. It changes the way God acts.
2. Jesus Christ is an effective mediator between us and God. ....can God then hear the prayers of those who do not trust in Jesus? Although God hears everything, and might act in mercy to non-believers' prayers, he speaks clearly that his will is for us to pray with Jesus as a mediator.
3. Praying in Jesus name, what is that? It is not just a magical line at the end of a prayer, "in Jesus name, Amen," but rather to pray in accordance with his will, and under his authority.
The Holy Spirit has a big role in prayer, as Romans 8 expresses, "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs to deep for words."
We need to pray in accordance with God's will.
When the Bible is clear on a topic, it is easy to know God's will, for he always wants his word to be obeyed and commands kept. When it is not so clear, we may add in our thoughts and words, "if it is your will,"which shows our submissiveness to God's will over all our own wishes.
Praying with faith.
God wants us to pray in the knowledge and and assurance of his ability and omnipotence. We cannot force these feelings, but God can give us a sense of assurance and readiness to rest in Him.
Obedience. Things that displease God are a hindrance to prayer/relationship with Him. Prayer and holy living must go together.
Confession of Sins. It is a good habit to pray in confession of sins when we pray, and even remember James 5, which encourages us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another."
Forgiveness. We can not be holding a grudge or stand in unforgiveness and approach the throne of God.
Humility. This is the right attitude to have in praying to God.
Continuing in prayer over time. Repetition of the same prayer requests is shown in several examples in scripture to be ok. Persistence shows God that we truly take the issue/prayer request to him in his sovereignty.
Praying earnestly. As we read many Old Testament prayers, we can almost hear the intensity of their hearts as they pour out their prayers to God. We cannot fool God by faking this genuineness, but when we start to see the world which is hurting and dying, we often cannot help but have an emotional involvement in what God is doing.
Waiting on the Lord. What a joy when we can come before the Lord, and wait in his presence after we have spoken to him. Sometimes we are rushed, but in general, this is an ideal way to come before the Lord.
Praying in private. There are many examples of this, and it is important that we are not out to impress others through our public prayers and words.
Praying with others. There are also many examples of group prayer in the scriptures, and this is also right and good.
Fasting. This is often linked with supplication (asking the Lord for something). We learn dependence on God in our weakness, self discipline which can branch out into other aspects of life, a focus less on the material things of this world, and an urgency in our prayers.
What about unanswered prayer? we cannot see God's plan in everything. The Jews prayed and waited for centuries before the Messiah came. Sometimes what we don't understand, "God has meant for good." (Gen 50:20).
Regardless of if our "desired prayers" are answered, God's grace is sufficient for each day.
In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. Phil 4:6.
Next week, Angels.
What is it, why do we do it?
"Prayer is personal communication with God."
He already knows what we need, BUT prayer can express our trust in God, and a way to increase trust in him.
In true humble dependence, we can show we truly believe in the good and true attributes of God, and God delights in this.
The Lord's prayer starts by putting things in the right perspective. We are praying to God, a loving and wise Father who rules over all.
Prayer then takes us into a relationship of love and fellowship with God.
And finally, we can thus be involved in activities of eternal importance.
How effective is prayer?
1. It changes the way God acts.
2. Jesus Christ is an effective mediator between us and God. ....can God then hear the prayers of those who do not trust in Jesus? Although God hears everything, and might act in mercy to non-believers' prayers, he speaks clearly that his will is for us to pray with Jesus as a mediator.
3. Praying in Jesus name, what is that? It is not just a magical line at the end of a prayer, "in Jesus name, Amen," but rather to pray in accordance with his will, and under his authority.
The Holy Spirit has a big role in prayer, as Romans 8 expresses, "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs to deep for words."
We need to pray in accordance with God's will.
When the Bible is clear on a topic, it is easy to know God's will, for he always wants his word to be obeyed and commands kept. When it is not so clear, we may add in our thoughts and words, "if it is your will,"which shows our submissiveness to God's will over all our own wishes.
Praying with faith.
God wants us to pray in the knowledge and and assurance of his ability and omnipotence. We cannot force these feelings, but God can give us a sense of assurance and readiness to rest in Him.
Obedience. Things that displease God are a hindrance to prayer/relationship with Him. Prayer and holy living must go together.
Confession of Sins. It is a good habit to pray in confession of sins when we pray, and even remember James 5, which encourages us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another."
Forgiveness. We can not be holding a grudge or stand in unforgiveness and approach the throne of God.
Humility. This is the right attitude to have in praying to God.
Continuing in prayer over time. Repetition of the same prayer requests is shown in several examples in scripture to be ok. Persistence shows God that we truly take the issue/prayer request to him in his sovereignty.
Praying earnestly. As we read many Old Testament prayers, we can almost hear the intensity of their hearts as they pour out their prayers to God. We cannot fool God by faking this genuineness, but when we start to see the world which is hurting and dying, we often cannot help but have an emotional involvement in what God is doing.
Waiting on the Lord. What a joy when we can come before the Lord, and wait in his presence after we have spoken to him. Sometimes we are rushed, but in general, this is an ideal way to come before the Lord.
Praying in private. There are many examples of this, and it is important that we are not out to impress others through our public prayers and words.
Praying with others. There are also many examples of group prayer in the scriptures, and this is also right and good.
Fasting. This is often linked with supplication (asking the Lord for something). We learn dependence on God in our weakness, self discipline which can branch out into other aspects of life, a focus less on the material things of this world, and an urgency in our prayers.
What about unanswered prayer? we cannot see God's plan in everything. The Jews prayed and waited for centuries before the Messiah came. Sometimes what we don't understand, "God has meant for good." (Gen 50:20).
Regardless of if our "desired prayers" are answered, God's grace is sufficient for each day.
In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. Phil 4:6.
Next week, Angels.
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