The Christian and Prayer (2) Acceptable Prayer

What is prayer? It is speaking to God Important – to be engaged in regularly, deliberately, thoughtfully, and thoroughly It was practiced regularly by the godly – Abraham, David, Daniel, Paul and Jesus

Types of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Prayers – the general term for petitioning God. Supplication (δέησις, deēsis) – a divine entreaty or an urgent request. Intercessions ( ἔ ντευξις, enteuxis ) a formal petition, usually on behalf of another Giving of thanks, (ε ὐ χαριστία, eucharistia ) - expressing gratitude for benefits and blessings

Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Adoration – praising God, Acceptance – of His will Supplications, intercessions Confession Gratitude, thanksgiving Amen

We need to be praying! God wants us to pray He provided prayer for us – 1 Timothy 2:1-5, Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seven days without prayer makes on WEAK!”

Prayer – a privilege of God’s people Intended for believers – If we believe God, we will obey Him – Luke 6:46, 1 John 2:3 Instructions on prayer in NT addressed to Christians Proverbs 15:29, “The L ORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.”

Prayer – a privilege of God’s people Can sinners pray? Does He hear? He knows what is said and attitudes No indication that He answers their daily prayers as He does believers. What about Cornelius? Acts 10:2-4 He was genuinely seeking to serve God, He sent a messenger to tell him what he needed to do ( Ac. 10:6, 11:14 )

Prayer – a privilege of God’s people What about the “sinner’s prayer”? Not in the Bible “Calling on the name of the Lord” ( Acts 2:21) Told to obey the gospel (2:38) Acts 22:16 – note, even with Paul praying, he was commanded to be baptized (Ac. 9:9, 11, 18)

Proper attitudes in prayer Let him ask in faith James 1:5-6 Matthew 21:21-22 Hebrews 11:6 According to His will Matthew 26:39, 42; 6:10 1 John 5:14

Proper attitudes in prayer Serving Him James 5:16, 1 John 3:22 1 Peter 3:12, Prov. 28:9, 15:8 Isaiah 59:1-2 Pray with understanding 1 Corinthians 14:15 Matthew 6:7 (vain repetitions) Note: Romans 8:26 – the Spirit intercedes – helping us convey our requests properly

Proper attitudes in prayer With sincerity Matthew 6:5 ( not like hypocrites – Matt. 23:14) James 5:16-17 – effective, fervent prayer With humility and reverence Hebrews 12:28 Luke 18:9-14, the tax collector 1 Peter 5:5-6

Proper attitudes in prayer With patience Luke 18:6-8 though He bears long with us Ephesians 6:18, perseverance In Jesus name John 16:23, Ephesians 2:18 Colossians 3:17 1 Timothy 2:5 – our Mediator 1 John 2:1 – an advocate Hebrews 7:25 - intercession

Proper attitudes in prayer When confessing sin (as Christians) 1 John 1:9 Must be accompanied with repentance Acts 8:22, cf. 1 John 1:5 as we walk in the light

Improper attitudes in prayer - hindrances Selfish prayers James 4:3 To be seen of men Matthew 6:5, Luke 18:11 – the Pharisee

Improper attitudes in prayer - hindrances Don’t expect a miracle see 1 Cor. 13:8-12 But He can still work providentially Don’t expect Him to do your part prayer is not for the lazy or indifferent. It is for the genuine believer willing to do his part

Improper attitudes in prayer - hindrances Husbands failing to honor wives 1 Peter 3:7 When your brother has something against you – Matt. 5:23-24 Failing to forgive – Matthew 6:12, 14-15, Ephesians 4:32

How we pray is important! Does God hear your prayers?