Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

What is Prayer Selected Scriptures Proper motivation for prayer arises out of a proper relationship with God Remember, Repent, Redo

The questions & doubts of untested faith Problems in Prayer Why does prayer seem ineffectual? Why does God turn a deaf ear to us? Are the Bible’s promises true? Does God really answer prayer? The questions & doubts of untested faith

What Prayer is Not Asking & Receiving A magical force of positive thinking A means of forcing God or spirits to do our bidding A fourth dimension manipulated by man – Paul Yonggi Cho

What is Prayer? Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised, or according to His Word, for the good of the church, with submission in faith to the will of God - John Bunyan

Prayer is Sincere Jeremiah 29:12-13 Sincere = “without wax” God knows your heart – 1 Samuel 16:7 Without sincerity the Lord will not hear – Psalm 66:17-18 Confess sins & be forgiven & cleansed – 1 John 1:9

Prayer is Sensible Sensible = wise, prudent, having common sense; it is practical & functional rather than decorative It can be emotional – Ps. 38, Mt. 26:75; Psalm 103; Philippians 4:4 Pray with both spirit & mind together – 1 Corinthians 14:15

Prayer is an Affectionate Pouring Out of the Soul to God Psalm 42:1; Daniel 9:19; Luke 22:44 We come to God as to a loving Father God cares, provides, listens and never fails

Prayer is Accomplished through Christ by the Strength of the Holy Spirit Through Christ – John 14:6, 13; Hebrews 7:25; 4:16 By the strength or assistance of the Holy Spirit – 1 John 2:27; Romans 8:26

Prayer is for Such Things as God has Promised, According to God’s Word Why unanswered prayer? – Prayer not related to the Bible Psalm 119; 73; Dan. 9; Matt. 26:53-54 Must accurately understand & interpret James 4:2-3

Prayer is for the Good of the Church It is for “Thy kingdom come” – Mt. 6:10 John 17:14-15 Philippians 1:12-19

Prayer is Made with Submission in Faith to the Will of God It is “Thy will be done.” 1 John 5:14-15 It is not manipulating God to get your will – Oral Roberts, etc. Compare with D.L. Moody

What is Prayer? Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised, or according to His Word, for the good of the church, with submission in faith to the will of God - John Bunyan

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ