The Christian and Prayer (2) How to Pray

Prayer It is speaking to God, a privilege for believers Important – to be engaged in regularly, deliberately, thoughtfully, and thoroughly It must be accompanied with a proper attitude – According to His will, with faith and submission, sincerity, humility, understanding, etc.

Where we pray 1 Timothy 2:8, pray everywhere Publicly – in worship 1 Cor. 14:15, Luke 18:9 At times with others, Matt. 10:32-33, not “making a scene” – Luke 18:11-12, Matt. 6:5- 7, etc.

Where we pray Privately – many prayers can and should be offered in private Matthew 6:5-6, go into your closet Luke 5:16, Jesus found a deserted place to pray

When we pray 1 Thessalonians 5:17 There is no set time in scripture, but we find it was done throughout the day and at various times - short, long, public, private, meals, etc. Persistently – often – 1 Thess. 5:17, Luke 18:1, 5:16

When we pray Spontaneously – again, 1 Thess. 5:17 Acts 4: as Peter and John are released 12:5 & 12 – Peter in prison 20:36-37 – as Paul was about to depart

When we pray A planned time Matthew 6:6, the “closet” or secret place – implies planning (where and when) Some suggest we schedule a time to devote to private prayer (and study) often (e.g. daily). Dan. 6:10, Psalm 55:17 – Jewish example - 3 times a day Excuse: “But I’m too busy to pray” Reality: You’re too busy NOT to pray

What can I pray for? Philippians 4:6-7, “in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” We can pray for both physical and spiritual things

What can I pray for? Matt. 6:9-13, God’s will be done Necessities - food, clothing, and shelter – Matt. 6:11, 1 Tim. 4:3-5 As we eat a meal – Matt. 15:36, Acts 27:35 Good health – 3 John 2, James 5:13, 16 When traveling – Acts 21:5, 20:36-38, 1 Thess. 3:11 – “direct our way to you”

What can I pray for? Forgiveness of our sins, Matt. 6:12, Acts 8:22, 24 Dealing with temptation, Matt. 6:13, Luke 22:31-32, Deliverance from persecutions and enemies, 2 Thess. 3:1-2, 2 Cor. 1:8-11 Freedom to worship and serve God – 1 Tim. 2:1-2

What can I pray for? Knowledge and wisdom, James 1:5- 6, Col. 1:9-10, Phil. 1:9-10 Salvation of the lost (tonight) For brethren helping us – Phil. 1:3-5 Choosing elders – Acts 14:23 At a baptism – Luke 3:21 For the church – Ephesians 1:15- 17

What can I pray for? Worship – 1 Cor. 14:15, 11:23-26 For love - Phil. 1:9-10 Patience - Colossians 1:9-11 Joy – Colossians 1:11, 1 Thess. 3:9-10 God’s grace extended – 1 Corinthians 1:4 Sanctification – John 17:17 Unity – John 17:20-23 Etc.

What can I pray for? Formulate a plan for WHAT we pray for and when. Pray for different things at different times For example: One day – the church, next day – leaders and society, next day – thanking and praising God, next day – our personal needs and blessings, next day – the needy and suffering, next day – the lost, next day – your family This is a SUGGESTION! Col. 4:2

Other thoughts on prayer Posture – no prescribed posture Kneeling Luke 22:41, Acts 9:40 Standing Mark 11:25 Sitting 1 Kings 19:4 Bowed heads Luke 18:13 Eyes raised up John 17:1 Lifting up holy hands 1 Tim. 2:8 Quietly 1 Sam. 1:12-13

Other thoughts on prayer Prayers can be simple Matt. 6:7-8, cf. Rom. 8:26 But we do need to be for our needs As you begin a spiritual endeavor – include God. For example: as you begin a Bible study with yourself or others

Other thoughts on prayer We MUST do our part! Don’t expect miracles or God to do everything. When you pray for your food, work When you pray for safe travels, drive carefully When you pray for wisdom, study When you pray for a brother in need be willing to help him When you pray for unity work at it

How we pray is important! Are you praying as you ought to?