1.      WHAT PRAYER IS

A.    Prayer is man talking to God. It is the heart's desire expressed to God (Rom. 10: 1).

B.     Prayer is:

 i.      Supplication-an earnest entreaty.

 ii.      Petition-wishing toward

iii.      Intercession-a place in behalf of another

 iv.      Thanksgiving-1 Tim. 2:1-2.

C.    Prayer should be from the heart, the outgrowth of fellowship and intimacy with God. "Our Father" (Matt. 6:9-15; 7:7-12).

 

2.      WHOSE PRAYER GOD HEARS

A.    Only God's child can address Him as Father (Matt. 6:9).

B.     The basis of this Father-son relationship is Jesus Christ (Jno. 14:6); established by His blood (Heb. 2:9-1 1; Eph. 2:14-19).

C.    Therefore, God hears:

 i.      The righteous (Jas. 5:1 6; 1 Pet. 3-.12).

 ii.      The obedient (1 Jno. 3:22)

iii.      His children who do His will (Matt. 6:9)

 

3.      PRAYING IN THE NAME OF JESUS

A.    Three times in His last discourse with the disciples Jesus emphasized praying in His name (Jno. 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:24, 26).

B.     To ask in Jesus' name is not just a talisman tacked to a prayer. It is praying "in Him," with His endorsement, backed by all that He is, and as claimant of all the blessings He has procured for us.

 

4.      IV. MOTIVES IN PRAYING

A.    Not as hypocrite, but approaching God.

 i.      Seeking men's praises (Matt. 6:5-8).

  ii.      Vain repetition (Mark 14:39). This passage shows that we can have repetition without having vain repetition

B.    We should practice:

i.      Trust

ii.      Private prayer

 iii.      Awareness (Heb. 4:16)

C.    Learning to pray

 i.      Model prayer (Matt. 6:9-10). 

  ii.      Prayer should be specific.

a. Thanksgiving for our food (1 Tim. 4:3-5)

b. For the sick (James 5:13-14)

c. Around the Lord's table (1 Cor. 11:23, 24)

d. Intercessory prayer (Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Tim. 2:1; 1 Jno. 5:16)

e. Hindrances to our prayers (James 4:3; Mk 1 1: 25-26; James 1:6-7)

 

5.      PERTAINING TO CHRISTIANS

A.    Pray always (Luke 18: 1).

B.     Without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).

C.    Pray for rulers of all lands (1 Tim. 2:1-7).

D.    Pray for strength in temptation (Matt. 26:41).

E.     Pray for all the saints, and for the victory of the word in lives of hearers (Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 4:2-4; 2 Thess. 3:1-2).

F.     When prayer seems unanswered, the Christian should not be discouraged. The prayer may have been contrary to faith or God may have something else in store for us instead of that for which was prayed.

CONCLUSION: Today, miracles have ceased as their purpose has been accomplished. However, God still rules nations (sets up and removes rulers, Dan. 5:21 ) today. He rules the church and in the lives of his people. He answers prayer through his providential care. Through God's word we know that when we bend our will to his and ask for his guidance, he works things out for our good and to his glory (Rom. 8:28).

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