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Questions about Prayer What is the definition of Prayer ? Talking to God Rom. 10:1 “my hearts desire and prayer” “A prayer is a wish turned heavenward.” Expresses the desires of his heart to God.

God does not answer prayers of sinners ! Who can Pray ? God’s People 1 Pet. 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” Jas. 5:16 “…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” God does not answer prayers of sinners !

Christians should pray at all times ! How Often should we Pray ? “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thes. 5:17 “Continue in prayer” - Col. 4:2 “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Ps. 55:17 Christians should pray at all times ! Every day should begin and end with prayer “Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night. At night it is our covering; in the morning it is our armor.”

How Long should our prayers be ? Some were short David - 2 Sam. 7:18-29 = 2 or 3 min. Elijah - 2 Kings 18:36-37 = 30 seconds Solomon - 1 Kings 8:22-61 = 8 minutes Disciples - Acts 1:24-25 = 15 seconds Model prayer - Matt.6:9-13 = 30 seconds

How Long should our prayers be ? Some were Long Prophets of Baal - 1 Kings 18:27-38 = about 6 hours Jesus - Luke 6:12 = prayed all night Matt.23:14 “for a pretence make long prayers.”

Does God answer prayers today through Miracles ? Miracle = an act of God superseding or suspending a natural law. [1] If miracles have ceased then God cannot answer our prayers today. [2] If God answers our prayers today it is because miracles continue today.

[1] If miracles have ceased then God cannot answer our prayers today. Assumes all prayers are answered by miracles In the days of miracles God answered by normal means 1 Kings 17-18 - James 5:17 Hannah - 1 Sam. 1 Acts 9 - Tabitha - Dorcas

[2] If God answers our prayers today it is because miracles continue today. He did in times past Miracles have ceased - 1 Cor. 13 God does answer our prayers today, but it is not through miraculous means !!

Why Pray if God’s will must be done ? 1 John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” If God’s will must inevitably be done, why pray at all ? God’s will is sometimes conditional upon man’s will !

Seasons Gravity Seeds Laws Are there limits to Prayer ? Matt. 17:20 “... If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” God has limits on what we can do in prayer! Seasons Gravity Seeds Laws

Is prayer necessary since God knows All things ? Does the omniscience of God make prayer unnecessary ? God is all knowing God knows all our needs So why do we pray ?

Is prayer necessary since God knows All things ? Matt. 7:7-12 - James 4:1-3 God wants us to ask We pray not to inform God of our needs We pray because God does know and desires to answer

Questions about Prayer Prayer is a wonderful Gift that God has given to His children. Many questions about prayer can never be answered. But some can be answered. Question for you? Are your prayers heard ?

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org July 22, 2018 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com CCL11325562