Teach Us to Pray

<BGSOUND SRC="music/canon.mid"> Tips for Daily Living

POWER THROUGH PRAYER

( LUKE 11:1-13; MATTHEW 6:9-15 )

Prayer MUST be in the name of JESUS CHRIST.

Prayer is the believer's limitless contact with the power of God. (Colossians 3:17; Acts 3:6).

The Disciples requested of Jesus, "Teach us to pray." They saw a communication and power in the prayer of Jesus they had not experienced.

Jesus was praying, not just saying a prayer. ( Matthew 6:5; 9-13 ).

1. NATURE OF PRAYER
   1. There should be a spiritual exchange based on a relationship.
   2. Acknowledge God as our Father. This establishes our privilege to come to God in prayer.
   3. Begin prayer with an attitude of worship. Acknowledge God as absolute in POWER, PERFECTION, and HOLINESS.
   4. Prayer must put first the Kingdom (rule, power, and authority) of God. The rule of God must be universally acknowledged.
   5. Accept in advance the will of God whether known or unknown, and whether your prayer is granted or withheld. ( Romans 8:28 )
   6. Prayer should always see through faith the divine will of God to be done on earth as His will is done in heaven. ( Luke 11:2 ).
   
   
2. PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER
   1. Pray from God's Kingdom's perspective - "Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven."
   2. Trust God for our human needs - even the small things. ( Luke 12:27-31, Philippians 4:19 )
   3. Trust God's commitment to our salvation - Verse 3, "lead us not into temptation" does not suggest God will lead us in a path to tempt us to sin. But when we pray we should ask God to spare us from temptation rather than cause us to sin. He forgives, guides, and delivers.
   4. Be persistent in prayer. (Holy stubbornness) ( Mark 8:22 ). Keep praying and not faint. ( Luke 18:1 )
   5. Be direct and specific in our approach when we need something special from God. ( I John 5:14-15 )
   6. If something is lost, seek after it. When the door is closed, knock. ( Daniel 9:3; Luke 11:9; Matthew 7:7-8 )
   7. Accept God's answer without fear ( Hebrews 4:15-16 ).
   8. Pray beyond yourself ( Romans 8:26-27 ).
   9. "Lord let Thy will be done". ( I John 5:14 ).
   
   
3. PURPOSE OF PRAYER ( Jude 20; Ephesians 3:16 ).
   1. Prayer will equip the saints for spiritual warfare ( Ephesians 6:11-12 )
   2. Praying in the Spirit will bring insight and knowledge of God to the mind and heart of the believer.
   3. Thanksgiving, spiritual strength, healing, material needs, etc. ( Psalm 105:1-5; Acts 4:27-31; James 5:13-14 )
   
   
4. PRACTICE OF PRAYER
   1. Prayer is a communication skill to be developed
   2. Power in prayer begins with the practice of pray.
   3. The language of prayer must be learned.
   4. Be careful that your prayers do not turn into "giving orders," or a complaint session.
   5. Saints MUST HAVE a specific time for dedicated prayer. ( Psalm 5:3; Philippians 4:6 ).
   6. Have the spirit of prayer, continual prayer. ( I Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 55:17, Psalm 72:12, Psalm 109:4 )
   
   
5. CAUSES OF UNANSWERED PRAYER
   1. Disobedience ( Deuteronomy 1:34-35 )
   2. Sin, either hidden or unconfessed. ( Psalm 66:18; Joshua 7:6-20 )
   3. Indifference-lack of concern, no commitment, lukewarm spirit. ( Proverbs 1:24-31; Isaiah 65:12; 66:4; Jeremiah 7:13-14 ).
   4. Stubbornness and self-willed ( Zechariah 7:8-13 )
   5. Instability; no spiritual backbone ( James 1:6-8 )
   6. Selfishness / self-Indulgence ( James 4:3 ).
   
   
6. IMPACT AND PROMISES OF ANSWERS TO PRAYERS
   1. Answered prayers have both a personal and national impact.
   2. Call on Jesus. ( Psalm 91:15; II Chronicles 7:14-15; Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 21:22; I Kings 18:36-39; Acts 3:1-2; 4:24-31; 16:16. )
   3. Ask, Seek, Knock in His name - ( Luke 11:9; James 5:13-18 )
   4. Abide in Him and His Word will abide in you ( John 15:7 )
   5. Whatever we ask, we receive of Him ( I John 3:22; I John 5:13-15 )

       

      MUCH PRAYER, MUCH POWER

      LITTLE PRAYER, LITTLE POWER

      NO PRAYER, NO POWER

       

If, after reading this message, you want to talk to someone, we're here!  If you want to ask more questions or need more help or direction, we're here! Don't be alone with your doubts, we're here!

To talk with Pastor Deas, call the phone number at the top of our Home Page. You can also write down your thoughts and send them through the mail, or you can e-mail Pastor Deas directly at pastor@progressivechurchflo.org.

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