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The Christian and Prayer (2)

The Christian and Prayer (2). How to Pray. Prayer. It is speaking to God, a privilege for believers Important – to be engaged in regularly, deliberately, thoughtfully, and thoroughly

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The Christian and Prayer (2)

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  1. The Christian and Prayer (2) How to Pray

  2. Prayer • It is speaking to God, a privilege for believers • Important – to be engaged in regularly, deliberately, thoughtfully, and thoroughly • It must be accompanied with a proper attitude – According to His will, with faith and submission, sincerity, humility, understanding, etc.

  3. Where we pray • 1 Timothy 2:8, pray everywhere • Publicly– in worship 1 Cor. 14:15, Luke 18:9 • At times with others, Matt. 10:32-33, not “making a scene” – Luke 18:11-12, Matt. 6:5-7, etc.

  4. Where we pray • Privately– many prayers can and should be offered in private Matthew 6:5-6, go into your closet • Luke 5:16, Jesus found a deserted place to pray

  5. When we pray • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 • There is no set time in scripture, but we find it was done throughout the day and at various times - short, long, public, private, meals, etc. • Persistently – often – 1 Thess. 5:17, Luke 18:1, 5:16

  6. When we pray • Spontaneously – again, 1 Thess. 5:17 • Acts 4:24-25 - as Peter and John are released12:5 & 12 – Peter in prison 20:36-37 – as Paul was about to depart

  7. When we pray • A planned time • Matthew 6:6, the “closet” or secret place – implies planning(where and when) • Some suggest we schedule a time to devote to private prayer (and study) often (e.g. daily). • Dan. 6:10, Psalm 55:17 – Jewish example - 3 times a day Excuse: “But I’m too busy to pray” Reality: You’re too busy NOT to pray

  8. What can I pray for? • Philippians 4:6-7, “in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” • We can pray for both physical and spiritual things

  9. What can I pray for? • Matt. 6:9-13, God’s will be done • Necessities - food, clothing, and shelter – Matt. 6:11, 1 Tim. 4:3-5 • As we eat a meal – Matt. 15:36, Acts 27:35 • Good health – 3 John 2, James 5:13, 16 • When traveling – Acts 21:5, 20:36-38, 1 Thess. 3:11 – “direct our way to you”

  10. What can I pray for? • Forgiveness of our sins, Matt. 6:12, Acts 8:22, 24 • Dealing with temptation, Matt. 6:13, Luke 22:31-32, • Deliverance from persecutions and enemies, 2 Thess. 3:1-2, 2 Cor. 1:8-11 • Freedom to worship and serve God – 1 Tim. 2:1-2

  11. What can I pray for? • Knowledge and wisdom, James 1:5-6, Col. 1:9-10, Phil. 1:9-10 • Salvation of the lost (tonight) • For brethren helping us – Phil. 1:3-5 • Choosing elders – Acts 14:23 • At a baptism – Luke 3:21 • For the church – Ephesians 1:15-17

  12. What can I pray for? • Worship – 1 Cor. 14:15, 11:23-26 • For love - Phil. 1:9-10 • Patience - Colossians 1:9-11 • Joy – Colossians 1:11, 1 Thess. 3:9-10 • God’s grace extended – 1 Corinthians 1:4 • Sanctification – John 17:17 • Unity – John 17:20-23 • Etc.

  13. What can I pray for? • Formulate a plan for WHAT we pray for and when. Pray for different things at different times • For example: One day – the church, next day – leaders and society, next day – thanking and praising God, next day – our personal needs and blessings, next day – the needy and suffering, next day – the lost, next day – your family • This is a SUGGESTION! Col. 4:2

  14. Other thoughts on prayer • Posture – no prescribed postureKneeling Luke 22:41, Acts 9:40Standing Mark 11:25Sitting 1 Kings 19:4Bowed heads Luke 18:13Eyes raised up John 17:1Lifting up holy hands 1 Tim. 2:8Quietly 1 Sam. 1:12-13

  15. Other thoughts on prayer • Prayers can be simple Matt. 6:7-8, cf. Rom. 8:26But we do need to be for our needs • As you begin a spiritual endeavor – include God. For example: as you begin a Bible study with yourself or others

  16. Other thoughts on prayer • We MUST do our part!Don’t expect miracles or God to do everything. • When you pray for your food, workWhen you pray for safe travels, drive carefullyWhen you pray for wisdom, studyWhen you pray for a brother in need be willing to help himWhen you pray for unity work at it

  17. How we pray is important! Are you praying as you ought to?

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