Category: Series

“PRAYER” – The Principles Of Prayer Faith and Humility

PRAYER REQUIRES FAITH

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

Mark 9:24  And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Cause of unanswered prayer.

 James 1:5-8 – 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. 6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

FAITH IN GOD…

Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

   This faith only comes from the Word of God

Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

[With the aid of His Word, we can have the kind of faith that pleases God, and ensures an answer to our prayers.]

WE MUST PRAY WITH HUMILITY

James 4:10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Luke 18:13-14 – And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Humility in His people is highly valued by God

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.; 

Isaiah 66:1-2   Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

The Lord is near, and saves those with contrite spirits

Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

He gives grace to the humble

Proverbs 3:34 –Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Psalms 10:17  LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Proverbs 29:23   A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Unity, the key to success: Prayer without unity is nothing but ceiling high words

Ephesians 4:11-16 –  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

I Corinthians 12:12-26 – For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14  For the body is not one member, but many.15  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?16  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?17  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.19  And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20  But now are they many members, yet but one body.21  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.22  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:23  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.24  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:25  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.26  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

  • Structure matters. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
  • It is important that all members do their part. Only one body.
  • Everyone no matter how insignificant they may seem, are of utmost importance. God places each part of the body in place.
  • Unity is of primary importance. Body cannot function with division.
  • If just one member suffers, the whole body suffers. We need to learn to feel the pain and hurt of others.
  • For those who do not belong to the local church, they are cheating themselves and other believers of the gift God has given them. Accountability is part of being in the body.
  • There are many believers who have walked away because they felt they did not fit in. It is sad when believers do not feel they fit in. Let us work to be sure people feel they belong.
  • Let us be vigilant to bring those home who have wandered away. Let us reach out to those who have been hurt or rejected because of their inability to belong.
  • Together, lets move forward for the cause of Christ remembering that it takes everyone of us. – We are all of equal importance in the family of God.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Acts 2:1

Praying in unity produced the miracle of the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit  

Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

“PRAYER” – The Power of Prayer

The Power of Prayer

THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD…

The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ

 1 John 1:7-10– But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8 ¶  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

  • Forgiveness toward self
  • Forgiveness of others
  • Forgiveness for all eternity
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

The wayward Christian is told to repent and pray for forgiveness.

Acts 8:22-24 -Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.23  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.24  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.a.Simon was a believer.

  • Simon was a believer.

Acts 8: 13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

  • He wanted others to pray for him.‘
  • Self-forgiveness begins as we pray for the forgiveness of others.
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Prayer strengthens the relationship between you and God.

Our Father – remember, He is our Father, not just a distant uncaring God.

Romans 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

He has opened His throne room to ALL His children –

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (written to Believers)

Prayer will help us live a life of freedom. –

Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Prayer can save a nation –

II 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.

“PRAYER” – The Power Of Prayer

Ephesians 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The importance of not giving up.

The persistent widow, that people might always pray

Luke 18:1-7 – 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?


Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when
He returned –

Luke 18:8 – I tell you that he will avenge them
speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he
find faith on the earth?

Paul called for prayer to be consistent.

“praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18 –Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Be vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving

Colossians 4:2-4 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

“Pray without ceasing”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore.17 Pray without ceasing.18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

  1. Make prayer a habit.
    1. Rejoice as you pray.
    2. Be thankful in your prayers.
    3. Praying is part of God’s will for every believer.

The Purpose of Prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11  Give us this day our daily bread.12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

First and foremost, I want you to understand that nothing you learn from this study is original except my notes and commentary. I used Mark Copeland, Spurgeon, Thompson Chain notes, and several others in putting this together. One thing I have learned in 48 years of ministry, there is nothing new under the sun. God’s word is first and foremost. Take His word above mine or any other person you may read after or listen to. Learn what can from others who have gone before you, but always compare it to what God himself says.

As we go into this study, we will see the purpose, the power, the privilege, the principles of, the persistence of, the practice of, and the four different ways God answers prayer. So, come on along this journey as we become men and women of prayer.

Today, we look at the purpose of prayer.

  • Adoration – act of total worship, appreciation, praise
  • Confession of sin. – humble oneself in sight of almighty God
  • Thanksgiving. – sincere appreciation of all God has already done.
  • Supplication, requests – To ask in earnest, to ask humbly.

Adoration:

ad·o·ra·tion

noun
1. deep love and respect.
2. worship; veneration.

Express adoration because

God is worthy of all our praise and adoration  Isaiah 25:1  O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

                Prayer is one of the ways we praise God.

Paul’s example. Ephesians 3:20-21   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.

David’s example.   I Chronicles 29:10-13   Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.11  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.12  Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.13  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Confession:

Confessing of one’s sin

Where we find mercy – Proverbs 28:13 – He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Cleansing comes as a result of –

I 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.

Jesus taught in Luke 18:13-14 –

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

                David’s example – Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.14 Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Thanksgiving

Offering of thanksgiving – Ephesians 5:20, Colossians 4:2;

I 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.


Counters anxiety –

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.


The example of Jesus –

John 6:10-11 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were. set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would;


Daniel’s example –

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.


Supplication


We are encouraged to let our request be made known –

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.


We are commanded to intercede for others –

l Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;


Pray for God’s forgiveness to those who have hurt you.–

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Acts 7:59-60 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.


Conclusion:
Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.