Category: Sermons

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.

The Armor of God -For Such A Time As This

Ephesians 6:13-18

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;

The full armor protects from;

  •  Sin
  • Others
  • Temptation
  • The evil one
  • Ourselves

The Armor

  •           Girdle of Truth
  •           Breatplate of righteousness
  •           The feet covered with Gospel of Peace.
  •           The shield of faith

The Feet – Gospel of Peace

Foundation –

I Corinthians 3:10-150 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.


The Gospel of Peace –
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Feet are necessary to STAND.

Stand on the rock –

I Corinthians 10:1-4 – Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Deuteronomy 32:1-6 – Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: 3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. 5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. 6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Psalm 18:1-3 – I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.


Our Rock is the gospel we need to proclaim.

I Corinthians 15:33-34 – Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

The shield of faith – Covers the whole body – fully protects

Faith enables us to stand –

I Corinthians 16:13-14 – Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with charity.


Faith enables us to the right thing –

Hebrews 11:1-3 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.


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

Faith is not leaping into darkness not knowing what is there.

  1. Faith is leaping into the word of God to see what is there.
  2. Faith is what enabled you to come to Christ.
  3. Faith is what is able to get you to go all out for Jesus.

For Such a time as This, the Armor of God -Ephesians 6:10-20

We are not told to run, we are told to stand

Four times in verses 11-14 we are told to stand or withstand
  • V. 11 – Stand against.
  • V. 13 – withstand – (means to stand against, to oppose, resist, withstand.) – in the day of evil – such a time as this!!!
  • 4. V. 13 – Stand having done all – the whole armor
  • V. 14 – Stand on truth. The foundation

    I Corinthians 3:11-16   For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

    The Armor

    A. The girdle of truth.
    B. The breast plate of righteousness.
    C. Feet covered with the preparation of the Gospel.
    D. Sheild of Faith.
    E. Helmet of salvation.
    F. Sword of the Spirit.
    G. PRAYER – IT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER

    The girdle of truth

    Psalm 1:1-3 –   Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

    The Word

    John 17:11-19 – And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

    Protects Us From Sin

    For Such a Time as This

    Ephesians 6:10-20

    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11  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; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

    The believer’s enemy is not other believers or even other people.

      Satan is a strong enemy. You cannot defeat Him.
      • He has demons in the building today.
      • They came in on someone’s back.
      • They may have come in on someone’s heart.
      He is stronger than you and He is stronger than me.

      The only way I can defeat Him is to “But God” Him –

      (Put on the whole armour of God)

      1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (44 psssages in Bible with the phrase “But God)

      Satan will do all that He can to discourage you and convince you that God has forgotten you.

      Daniel 10:10-13 –  And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11  And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12  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.

      Luke 11:9-13 – 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. 10  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11  If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12  Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

      We are to pray and wait

      Isaiah 40:27-31   Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? 28  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

      We are not told to run, we are told to stand –

      Ephesians 6:13  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.

      The Importance of the Church “In Such A Time As This”

      Revelation 2:1-7

      Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;2  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:3  And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

      4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

      5  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.6  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.7  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

      1. This was a good church.
      2. They knew the truth and taught it.
      3. They were a faithful church.
      4. BUT – They had left their first love.
      5. Told to repent or God would remove their effectiveness.
      6. Take a closer look:
      • In Ephesians 4-5 Paul sets out to instruct this church to follow fully after the things of Christ.
      • He told them to make wise use of their time. -Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
      • He told them to be spiritually filled – Ephesians 5:17-18 – 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
      • Paul told them to worship Ephesians 5:19-20
      Ephesians 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
      • Paul told them the importance of others – Ephesians 5:21 – Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
      • Paul told them to love family. Ephesians 5:22- 6:4
      • Paul told them to be a faithful employee. Ephesians 6:5-9h       Paul told them to protect against evil