The Christian and Prayer (2)

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The Christian and Prayer (2)

• How to Pray

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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.

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Where we pray

• 1 Timothy 28, pray everywhere
• Publicly in worship 1 Cor. 1415, Luke 189
• At times with others, Matt. 1032-33, not
  making a scene Luke 1811-12, Matt. 65-7,
  etc.

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Where we pray

• Privately many prayers can and should be
  offered in private Matthew 65-6, go into your
  closet
• Luke 516, Jesus found a deserted place to pray

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When we pray

• 1 Thessalonians 517
• 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. 517, Luke 181,
  516

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When we pray

• Spontaneously again, 1 Thess. 517
• Acts 424-25 - as Peter and John are
  released125 12 Peter in prison 2036-37
  as Paul was about to depart

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When we pray

• A planned time
• Matthew 66, 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. 610, Psalm 5517 Jewish example - 3
  times a day

Excuse But Im too busy to pray Reality
Youre too busy NOT to pray
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What can I pray for?

• Philippians 46-7, 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

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What can I pray for?

• Matt. 69-13, Gods will be done
• Necessities - food, clothing, and shelter
  Matt. 611, 1 Tim. 43-5
• As we eat a meal Matt. 1536, Acts 2735
• Good health 3 John 2, James 513, 16
• When traveling Acts 215, 2036-38, 1 Thess.
  311 direct our way to you

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What can I pray for?

• Forgiveness of our sins, Matt. 612, Acts 822,
  24
• Dealing with temptation, Matt. 613, Luke
  2231-32,
• Deliverance from persecutions and enemies, 2
  Thess. 31-2, 2 Cor. 18-11
• Freedom to worship and serve God 1 Tim. 21-2

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What can I pray for?

• Knowledge and wisdom, James 15-6, Col. 19-10,
  Phil. 19-10
• Salvation of the lost (tonight)
• For brethren helping us Phil. 13-5
• Choosing elders Acts 1423
• At a baptism Luke 321
• For the church Ephesians 115-17

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What can I pray for?

• Worship 1 Cor. 1415, 1123-26
• For love - Phil. 19-10
• Patience - Colossians 19-11
• Joy Colossians 111, 1 Thess. 39-10
• Gods grace extended 1 Corinthians 14
• Sanctification John 1717
• Unity John 1720-23
• Etc.

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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. 42

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Other thoughts on prayer

• Posture no prescribed postureKneeling Luke
  2241, Acts 940Standing Mark 1125Sitting 1
  Kings 194Bowed heads Luke 1813Eyes raised up
  John 171Lifting up holy hands 1 Tim.
  28Quietly 1 Sam. 112-13

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Other thoughts on prayer

• Prayers can be simple Matt. 67-8, cf. Rom.
  826But 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

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Other thoughts on prayer

• We MUST do our part!Dont 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

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How we pray is important!

• Are you praying as you ought to?