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Introduction:

  1. The objective of this lesson is to emphasize the necessity of PRAYER in sustaining our relationship with God.
  2. In the Scriptures, God speaks to us, in prayer we communicate with Him.
  3. It is necessary to "learn" how to pray. It is not something you just automatically know how to do. Let us learn what the Bible teaches on Prayer. (Lk 11:1)

A.    General Thoughts on Prayer.

  1. It is important to communicate with God, making our needs known. We talk to God through prayer to tell Him of all our physical and spiritual needs. (Mt 7:7-8; Eph 6:18)
  2. It is only through prayer than Christians have their sins forgiven. (Acts 8:22)

B.     How often should I pray?

C.    Conditions of Prayer

  1. I must ask in faith. (Jam 1:5-8; Heb 11:6; Rom 14:23)
  2. I must pray with humility (Lk 18:9-14). In Jesus’ illustration, which pleased God?
  3. I need a spirit of obedience and submission. I must recognize my inadequacy and need for God. (1 Jn 5:14-15; 3:22; Jam 4:3; Rom 8:26)
  4. I MUST be forgiving of others in order to have my sins forgiven. (Mt 6:12-15; Mk 11:25)

D.    What should I say in Prayer?

  1. My prayer must be addressed to God (Mt 6:9; Acts 4:24).
  2. My prayer must express the desires of my heart (Rom 10:1).
  3. My prayer must be made with the understanding "His will be done" (Mt 6:10).

E.     Types of Prayers:

  1. Supplication: Earnestly asking God to supply our needs. (1 Tim 2:1)
    1. Physical needs - Mt 6:11
    2. Spiritual needs - Mt 6:12-13; Acts 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9; Mt 26:41
  2. Thanksgiving: Expressing our gratitude for the blessings we receive from God.
    1. For God's love, goodness, mercy, Word, etc - Eph 5:20
    2. All we have that is good comes from God - Jam 1:17
  3. Intercession: Prayer on the behalf of others.
    1. Jesus prayed for His disciples - Jn 17:7-9, 20, 21
    2. We should pray for the well-being of others - Col 1:3; Phil 1:3-5
    3. Jesus would request we pray for our enemies and the rulers of the land - Mt 5:44; 1 Tim 2:1-4

F.     My Prayer is addressed to God, but it is made by the authority of Jesus.

  1. Jesus authorized His disciples to ask in His name. (Eph 5:20; Col 3:17; Jn 14:13-14)
  2. We pray in His name because He is our Intercessor, Mediator and Advocate. (Heb 7:25; 1 Tim 2:5; Jn 2:l)

G.    It is proper to close our prayers with "Amen". Amen" simply means, "so be it" or "I agree" (Mt 6:13; 1 Cor 14:16)

H. Prayer is one of the spiritual blessings we enjoy as God's children in Jesus!!

1. What are the consequences to the man who is living in disobedience to God? (Is 59:1-2;

Prov 28:9; Jn 9:31)

2. I am able to address God as "My Father" ONLY when I have been born into His family. (Jn 8:44; Gal 3:26-27; Eph 1:3)

Conclusion:

Living in a faithful relationship to Christ, I know that God always hears and heeds my prayers. (1 Jn 3:22; Jam 5:16; 1 Pet 3:16)