STEP SEVEN

PRAYER

Prayer is talking with God, a two way conversation opening up to Him, and listening to Him. You can pray anywhere at any time.

1. Elements of prayer

We can use the acronym "CATS"

1.1 Confession -- 1 John 1:9; Ps 66:18; Prov 28:13
1.2 Adoration/praise -- Psalm 86:12; Heb 13:15
1.3 Thanksgiving -- Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18; Phil 4:6,7                                     
1.4 Supplication (asking):

1. For others - Intercession -- Col 4:12; Eph 6:18-19 (Not praying for other Christians is a sin-- 1 Sam 12:23)
2. For the Lord to send workers into His harvest field -- Mt 9:37
3. For ourselves - petition -- Matt 6:11; 7:7,8.

2. Why pray?

   2.1 God commands it -- Luke 18:1-7; "Pray constantly"--1 Thess 5:17; We need it --

   Phil 4:6,7

   2.2 Christ's example--Mark 1:35 " ...went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed."

   2.3 Paul's example "Always praying"--Col 1:3; 1 Thess 3:10 "Follow my example, just as I

   follow Christ's."--1 Cor 11:1

   2.4 Spiritual warfare. Through prayer we gain spiritual victory over principalities and

   powers--Eph 6:12,13,18

   2.5 To receive mercy and grace to help us -- Heb 4:14-16

   
   

3. What can hinder our prayers?

3.1 Sin--Isaiah 59:1,2
3.2 Doubt--James 1:6; Mark 11:24
3.3 Our motives--James 4:3;
3.4 Family relationships--1 Peter 3:7
3.5 Unforgiveness--Mark 11:25,26; Matt 6:15
3.6 Pride--1 Peter 5:5
3.7 Spiritual powers, Satan--Eph 6:12, Dan 10:2,12-14.

4. How to discover the riches of prayer.

4.1 Obey His commands and do what pleases to Him--1 John 3:22
4.2 Ask according to the will of God--1 John 5:14
4.3 Ask believing--Matt 21:22
4.4 Keeping Jesus' words in our hearts--John 15:7
4.5 Forgive--Mark 11:25
4.6 Be humble--1 Peter 5:5
4.7 Get priorities right--Matt 6:33
4.8 Ask specifically--Mark 10:51

5. What are the results of prayer?

5.1 Receive the Holy Spirit--Luke 11:9,13
5.2 Peace--Phil 4:6,7
5.3 Joy--John 16:24
5.4 Loving care--1 Peter 5:7
5.5 Wisdom--James 1:5
5.6 Healing--James 5:13-15
5.7 Growing in faith e.g. Abraham--Gen 18:16-33
5.8 Revival--2 Chron 7:14

6. Collective or corporate prayer--Acts 2:42; 4:31; Mt 18:19-20

HOMEWORK:

Memorize Phil 4:6,7
Make a daily prayer list and use it.
Begin reading the Psalms, as well as hymns and choruses, and make a list of the various names and descriptions of God for use in praise and prayer.

 

EXERCISE:

 

Does God always answer our prayer "yes"? Check these references so see how

God answers prayer. Draw a line from each reference to the best description of answered prayer                                                                                                        

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