Dunlap church of Christ Questions? Just Let Us Know! Welcome To The Services Of The Dunlap church of Christ Questions? Just Let Us Know!

Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

(12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

(14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

(17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

Acts 2:41-42 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Fact: early disciples prayed (Acts 2:41,42). So do we. T/F – The Bible says a lot about prayer. T/F – Jesus talked a lot about prayer. T/F – In letters to saints, prayer is mentioned often. T/F – The Bible gives instructions about prayers of individual saints. T/F – The Bible gives instructions about prayer in worship.

How can a person learn God’s will about prayer? Turn to the Bible, right? Sometimes we need reminders! II Peter 3:1 “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:” A fresh look can be helpful – let’s look at some questions about prayer.

What Is Prayer? Whatever it is, it is something that only humans do. It is one-directional: from humans to the God of heaven. Prayer occurs when a person speaks to God. But, it is more than talking. A person might shake his fist at God, yell at God, and give Him “a piece of his mind.”

A few reminders about prayer (private and public): What Is Prayer? Prayer – words spoken to God which express the thoughts of the heart, the thoughts that one is having at that moment – such words should be spoken in reverence (Mark 7:6). A few reminders about prayer (private and public): Prayer is not a substitute for obedience to God. Prayer is not a time to make announcements to a gathering of people. Prayer is not a time to preach a sermon. Prayer is not a time to scold/rebuke someone for wrongdoing.

How Do We Know That God Wants Us To Pray? Matthew 6:5,6 – “pray to thy Father . . .” Luke 18:1 “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” I Timothy 2:1-3 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

God wants prayer to be a part of every saint’s life. (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” God wants prayer to be a part of every saint’s life.

What Might A Prayer Include? There is no checklist in the Bible; no specific order that we must follow; each prayer is different. Praise/adoration (Matt. 6:9; I Chr. 29:10,11) Confession of sin (Psa. 32:6; Lk.18:13,14; I Jno. 1:9) Thanksgiving (John 11:41; I Thess. 5:16-18) Requests (Matt. 6:11; Phil. 4:6,7) Not demands. Not threats or ultimatums . . . but requests. We think of Luke 22:42. Petitions on behalf of others (I Tim. 2:1,2; Col. 4:2,3)

What Should My Attitude Be? Privilege Matt. 6:9; I Pet. 3:12; Matt. 6:8 God knows before we ask, but He says to ask anyway. Personal (Psa. 63:1-7; I Thess. 3:8-10) Passion – words come from the heart (Mark 7:6; Matt. 18:35; no need to memorize; no need to read words which we have written out – just speak from the heart!).

What Should My Attitude Be? Priority – find time; make time (II Timothy 1:3; Psalm 55:17). Powerful (Heb.4:14-16;Jas.5:16) Not only when we find ourselves “in a pinch/bind” – prayer is not a fire extinguisher.

To Whom Should We Pray? Matt. 6:8 – “your Father knoweth . . . ask Him” Matt. 6:9; 7:11; Acts 4:24,26; Eph. 5:20 We do not pray to Mary – she’s not God (Luke 1:46,47). We do not pray to other deceased people – they are not God (Acts 10:26). We do not pray to the Holy Spirit. Note: At the Lord’s table, when we speak to the Father, it is not “Your blood was shed.”

Lesson On Prayer? Acts 20:27 “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”

God’s Simple Plan ADDED TO THE CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47) HEAR (Romans 10:17) BELIEVE (John 8:24) REPENT (Luke 13:3) CONFESS (Rom. 10:9-10) BAPTIZED (Gal. 3:27) ADDED TO THE CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47)