1. The Cycle of prayer

2. Life is full of Joys and sorrows

3. Prayer is a conversation between two people who love each other, about something of interest to them both. Definition of Prayer

4. Where prayer starts Real prayer starts in the heart of God. It’s linked with his dreams for me and promises to me. Real prayer starts in the heart of God. It’s linked with his dreams for me and promises to me. [Jesus] Your Father knows what you need before you ask. (Matthew 6.8) [Jesus] Your Father knows what you need before you ask. (Matthew 6.8)

5. God’s intent and my circumstance need or crisis need God uses life’s circumstances to deepen his relationship with me. Listen! I‘m standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together. (Revelation 3.20) Listen! I‘m standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together. (Revelation 3.20) 1 st arc

6. First Test of prayer: OPENNESS need or crisis need When I face life’s troubles and struggles, will I cry out to him? Or muddle through on my own? When I face life’s troubles and struggles, will I cry out to him? Or muddle through on my own? 1 st arc

7. I tell Father-God my need and welcome his intervention Ask and you’ll receive, Seek and you’ll find, Knock and the door will be opened. (Matthew 7.7) 2 nd arc

8. I begin to Ask-seek-knock Ask and you’ll receive, Seek and you’ll find, Knock and the door will be opened. (Matthew 7.7) 2 nd arc Prayer is a choice. I choose to ask for help, seek answers, get direction

9. I begin to Ask-seek-knock Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. (Matthew 7.8) 2 nd arc God encourages us to ask by giving many promises relating to prayer

10. Second test of prayer: FAITH 2 nd arc We wonder, does God We wonder, does God really listen and help? Yes, I believe he does. Or No, I doubt it. It’s impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11.6)

11. Timing in Prayer 2 nd arc Prayer can be short and the answer immediate. When Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. (Matthew 14.30) (Matthew 14.30)

12. Timing in Prayer 2 nd arc Prayer can take time and energy, delaying the answer. The angel said, “Daniel, don't be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, and he has sent me here.” (Daniel 10.12) The angel said, “Daniel, don't be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, and he has sent me here.” (Daniel 10.12)

13. Timing in Prayer 2 nd arc Reasons for delay: We’re in a hurry, God isn’t God is preparing the best for us God is changing us to receive it God isn’t going to answer this prayer

14. Timing in Prayer 2 nd arc Jesus experienced unanswered prayer [Jesus to Jerusalem] How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it’s too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. (Luke 19.42)

15. I experience a crisis of faith lowestpoint God uses prayer to shape my character. He trains me to wait for him & trust him. I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. (Psalm 62.1)

16. Third test of Prayer: PERSISTENCE lowestpoint Does God really care? Will he help me? No! says the evil one and the culture Jesus told his disciples a story about how they should keep on praying and never give up... Luke 18.1

17. Third test of Prayer: PERSISTENCE lowestpoint Praying without an answer from God may reveal my motives You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4.2b-3)

18. Third test of Prayer: PERSISTENCE lowestpoint God may use delays in prayer to reveal and transform my character. God promised Abraham a lot of descendants. And when it all seemed hopeless, Abraham still had faith in God and became the ancestor of many nations. (Romans 4.18)

19. Third test of Prayer: PERSISTENCE lowestpoint Crisis times can be dark nights of the soul. They’re daunting because God is making me like Jesus....the person said to Jacob, “Let me go now, for the dawn is near.” But Jacob said, I’ll not let you go till you’ve given me your blessing. (Genesis 32.36)

20. Third test of Prayer: PERSISTENCE lowestpoint Jesus was tested severely the night before he died. He prayed through the crisis. I may experience tests I must pray through too. Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, "Father, if it is possible, don't let this happen to me! (Mark 14.35)

21. Third test of Prayer: PERSISTENCE lowestpoint Jesus was tested severely the night before he died. He prayed through the crisis. I may experience tests I must pray through too. Father, you can do anything. Don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want." (Mark 14.36)

22. And you? lowestpoint Are you being tested to have faith? Are you claiming God’s promises? Will you let God change your character? Are your motives right?

23. Imagine... lowestpoint If ROOTS prayed in faith! If ROOTS claimed the promises! If ROOTS passed the tests!

24. Claiming the Promise...we’re confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him....we also know that he’ll give us what we ask for. (1 John 5.14-15)...we’re confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him....we also know that he’ll give us what we ask for. (1 John 5.14-15)

25. Praising God for the Answer For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11.36) For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11.36)

27. The cycle of prayer

28. The Cycle of Prayer Hebrews 4.15 Jude 20 One’s point of ________ God __________ The S________’s Work Rom. 8.26 Rev. 3.20 Matt. 6.8 Ps. 50.15 A________ Luke 11.9ff James 4.3 John 16.24 The Crisis of _______ Rom. 4.18 Cl__________ 1 Jn. 5.14-15 Heb. 11.1 The J____ of Receiving John 16.24 P_____________ Rom. 11.36

29. The Cycle of Prayer Hebrews 4.15 Jude 20 One’s point of need God Glorified The Spirit’s Work Rom. 8.26 Rev. 3.20 Matt. 6.8 Ps. 50.15 Asking Luke 11.9ff James 4.3 John 16.24 The Crisis of Faith Rom. 4.18 Claiming 1 Jn. 5.14-15 Heb. 11.1 The Joy of Receiving John 16.24 Praise Rom. 11.36