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lesson
PRAYING
Lesson 10
There is a universal tendency to pray, recognized among all races in all ages. Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple takes for granted that any stranger from anywhere on earth is likely to be a praying man (2 Chron. 6:32-33). Paul, in his sermonn on Mar's Hill, recognized this universal tendency (Acts 17:22-29).
l. 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:
| 1 | Supplication-an earnest entreaty. | |
| 2 | Petition-wishing toward | |
| 3 | Intercession-a place in behalf of another | |
| 4 | 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).
ll. 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:
| 1 | The righteous (Jas. 5:1 6; 1 Pet. 3-.12). | |
| 2 | The obedient (1 Jno. 3:22) | |
| 3 | His children who do His will (Matt. 6:9) |
Ill. PRAYINGINTHENAMEOFJESUS
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.
IV. MOTIVES IN PRAYING
A. Not as hypocrite, but approaching God.
| 1 | Seeking men's praises (Matt. 6:5-8). | |
| 2 | Vain repetition (Mark 14:39). This passage shows that we can have repetition without having vain repetition |
B. We should avoid:
C. We should practice:
| I | Trust | |
| 2 | Private prayer | |
| 3 | Awareness (Heb. 4:16) |
D. Learning to pray
| 1. | Model prayer (Matt. 6:9-10). | |||||||||||
| 2. | Prayer should be specific. | |||||||||||
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V. 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 him instead of that for which he 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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