How Well Do You Pray? How Well Do You Pray?.

How Well Do You Pray? How Well Do You Pray?

This lesson is the third in a series entitled “Spiritual Wellness”...
INTRODUCTION: This lesson is the third in a series entitled “Spiritual Wellness”... a. In which we examine our spiritual wellness as it applies to serving God b. Our spiritual checkup so far has checked on our hearing and reading c. It continues with checking our praying INTRODUCTION This lesson is the third in a series entitled “Spiritual Wellness” a. In which we examine our spiritual wellness as it applies to serving God b. Our spiritual checkup so far has checked our hearing and reading c. It continues with checking our praying

2. Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow... - Luke 18:1-8
a. His purpose: “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” - Luke 18:1 b. His concern: “when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” - Luke 18:8 2. Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow... - Luke 18:1-8 Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? (Luke 18:6-7) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a. His purpose: “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” - Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Luke 18:1) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> b. His concern: “when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” - Luke 18:8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?“ (Luke 18:8)

3. Our prayer life is an important indicator of spiritual wellness...
a. It is an expression of our faith in God b. It reveals if we have lost heart in our service to God c. So as before, I raise the question, “How Well Do You Pray?”, d. observing first that there are... 3. Our prayer life is an important indicator of spiritual wellness... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a. It is an expression of our faith in God >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> b. It reveals if we have lost heart in our service to God >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> c. So as before, I raise the question, “How Well Do You Pray?” >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> d. observing first that there are...

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRAYERS THOSE WHO NEVER PRAY...
This includes atheists and agnostics 2. But also Christians who have lost heart and faith - cf. Heb 3:12-13 3. Jesus was concerned that people not reach this point I. DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRAYERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A. THOSE WHO NEVER PRAY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> This includes atheists and agnostics >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But also Christians who have lost heart and faith - cf. Heb 3:12-13 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "TODAY," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:12-13) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jesus was concerned that people not reach this point of being an atheists or agonistics

B. THOSE WHO PRAY SPARINGLY...
1. A 2007 Pew Forum U.S. Religious Landscape Survey revealed that 60% pray once a day 2. That means that 40% of Americans do not pray on a regular basis 3. This demonstrates that Jesus’ concern was not unwarranted B. THOSE WHO PRAY SPARINGLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. A 2007 Pew Forum U.S. Religious Landscape Survey revealed that 60% pray once a day >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. That means that 40% of Americans do not pray on a regular basis >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 3. This demonstrates that Jesus’ concern was not unwarranted even among Christians

C. THOSE WHO PRAY SELF-RIGHTEOUSLY...
Like the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable of two men who went to pray - Luke 18:9-14 2. Who take pride in how much they pray, or the length of prayers - Matt 6:5-8 3. These are hypocrites that give religion a bad name C. THOSE WHO PRAY SELF-RIGHTEOUSLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. Like the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable of two men who went to pray - Luke 18:9-14 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ (Luk 18:11-12) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Who take pride in how much they pray, or the length of prayers - Matt 6:5-8 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. (Mat 6:5) And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. (Mat 6:7) 3. These, who claim to be Christian, are hypocrites that give religion a bad name

D. THOSE WHO PRAY SELFISHLY...
1. People who use prayer only to make personal requests 2. When prayer is to be made for all men - 1Tim 2:1 3. Many people use prayer only as a personal “gimme” tool D. THOSE WHO PRAY SELFISHLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> People who use prayer only to make personal requests >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> When prayer is to be made for all men - 1Ti 2:1 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Many people use prayer as a personal “gimme” tool, they pray only in time of urgent personal need.

E. THOSE WHO PRAY EARNESTLY...
1. Vigilant in thanksgiving, praying for others - cf. Col 4:2-3 2. Like Epaphras - Col 4:12 3. This is the kind of praying Jesus Himself did and wants us to do! 4. Why is it important to pray like Epaphras and Jesus? 5. There are many reasons... E. THOSE WHO PRAY EARNESTLY Vigilant in thanksgiving, praying for others - cf. Col 4:2-3 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, (Col 4:2-3) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Like Epaphras - Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Col 4:12) >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 3. This is the kind of praying Jesus Himself did and wants us to do! 4. Why is it important to pray like Epaphras and Jesus? 5. There are many reasons...

II. IMPORTANCE OF PROPER PRAYING FORGIVENESS OF SINS...
The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ - 1Jn 1:7-10 2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray - Ac 8:22 3. Don’t we want the assurance of knowing that our sins are forgiven? II. IMPORTANCE OF PROPER PRAYING >>>>>>>>>>>>>> A. FORGIVENESS OF SINS... >>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ - 1Jn 1:7-10 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:7) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray - Ac 8:22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Act 8:22) 3. Don’t we want and need the assurance of knowing that our sins are forgiven?

1. The antidote to anxiety is prayer - Php 4:6
B. PEACE OF MIND... 1. The antidote to anxiety is prayer - Php 4:6 2. Christians will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God - Php 4:7 3. Don’t we want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding? B. PEACE OF MIND... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. The antidote to anxiety is prayer - Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Php 4:6) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Christians will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God - Php 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Php 4:7) 3. Don’t we want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?

3. Don’t we want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
C. STRENGTH TO LIVE... 1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man - Ep 3:14-16, 20 2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves! 3. Don’t we want the power that is beyond our comprehension? C. STRENGTH TO LIVE... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man - Eph 3:14-16, 20 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, (Eph 3:14-16) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Eph 3:20) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 3. Don’t we want the power that is beyond our comprehension?

D. OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE... 1. Paul realized God provided him opportunity to teach others - 1Cor 3:5 2. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue - Col 4:3 3. Don’t we want the Lord to give us opportunity to lead others to Christ? D. OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE Paul realized God provided him opportunity to teach others - 1Co 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? (1Cor 3:5) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue - Col 4:3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, (Col 4:3) 3. Don’t we want the Lord to give us opportunity to lead others to Christ?

3. Don’t we want boldness when we speak to others about Christ?
E. BOLDNESS TO SPEAK... When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed to God and God delivered - Acts 4:23-31 2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf - Eph 6:19-20 3. Don’t we want boldness when we speak to others about Christ? E. BOLDNESS TO SPEAK... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed to God and God delivered - Acts 4:23-31 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." (Act 4:29-30) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf - Eph 6:19-20 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph 6:19-20) 3. Don’t we want boldness when we speak to others about Christ?

3. Don’t we want the wisdom that comes from above?
F. WISDOM TO GUIDE... Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has 2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubting - James 1:5-8 3. Don’t we want the wisdom that comes from above? F. WISDOM TO GUIDE Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubting - James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (Jas 1:5-8) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 3. Don’t we want the wisdom that comes from above?

G. HEALING FROM SICKNESS...
Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them - James 5:14-15 2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another - James 5:16 3. Don’t we want the aid of God when in need of physical or spiritual healing? G. HEALING FROM SICKNESS... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them - James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14-15) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another - James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16) 3. Don’t we want the aid of God when in need of physical or spiritual healing?

H. TRANQUILITY AND PEACE...
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations - Dan 4:17; Ro 13:1-7 2. Thus we are to pray, that we may lead quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable lives - 1Ti 2:1-4 3. Don’t we want to live in peace and tranquility, and for others to as well? 4. The benefits of prayer are many! 5. How then can we improve our prayer life? 6. Here are some ... H. TRANQUILITY AND PEACE... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations - Dan 4:17; Ro 13:1-7 'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.' (Dan 4:17) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Thus we are to pray, that we may lead quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable lives - 1Ti 2:1-4 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Ti 2:1-4) 3. Don’t we want to live in peace and tranquility, and for others to as well? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4. The benefits of prayer are many! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 5. How then can we improve our prayer life? 6. Here are some ...

III. STEPS TO BETTER PRAYING PRAY SYSTEMATICALLY...
Consider the practice of two great men of God - Psa 55:17; Dan 6:10 2. They made it a habit to pray at set times during the day It would not hurt to imitate them b. For example: three times daily - morning, noon, and evening 3. At the very least, make time each day to spend in prayer III. STEPS TO BETTER PRAYING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A. PRAY SYSTEMATICALLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Consider the practice of two great men of God - Psa 55:17; Dan 6:10 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> They made it a habit to pray at set times during the day >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a. It would not hurt to imitate them >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> b. For example: three times daily - morning, noon, and evening >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> At the very least, make time each day to spend in prayer

Prayers should not be limited to set times
B. PRAY SPONTANEOUSLY... Prayers should not be limited to set times 2. Paul and Silas prayed when faced with trying circumstances - Acts 16:25 3. Nehemiah prayed silently on the spur of the moment - Neh 2:4-5 4. The Israelites prayed to God in the heat of battle – 1 Chr 5:20 5. We should pray whenever and however the occasion calls for it B. PRAY SPONTANEOUSLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Prayers should not be limited to set times >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Paul and Silas prayed when faced with trying circumstances - Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (Act 16:25) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nehemiah prayed silently on the spur of the moment - Neh 2:4-5 Then the king said to me, "What do you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. (Neh 2:4) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Israelites prayed to God in the heat of battle – 1 Chr 5:20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them, for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him. (1 Chr 5:20) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> We should pray whenever and however the occasion calls for it

1. As Jesus taught by precept, in His sermon on the mount - Mt 6:5-6
C. PRAY SECRETLY... 1. As Jesus taught by precept, in His sermon on the mount - Mt 6:5-6 2. As Jesus taught by example, in finding solitary places to pray - Mk 1:35 3. Not that public prayer is wrong, but secret prayer is strong! C. PRAY SECRETLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>> As Jesus taught by precept, in His sermon on the mount - Mt 6:5-6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Mat 6:6) >>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. As Jesus taught by example, in finding solitary places to pray - Mk 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (Mar 1:35) >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 3. Not that public prayer is wrong, but secret prayer is strong!

1. Many words are not necessary - Matt 6:7
D. PRAY SIMPLY... 1. Many words are not necessary - Matt 6:7 2. Our Father already knows our needs - Matt 6:8; Rom 8:26-27 3. Jesus illustrated how simple prayer can be - Matt 6:9-13 4. Prayer need not be long and complicated D. PRAY SIMPLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Many words are not necessary – >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. Our Father already knows our needs - Mt 6:8; Ro 8:26-27 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. (Mat 6:8) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom 8:26-27) 3. Jesus illustrated how simple prayer can be - Mt 6:9-13 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Mat 6:9-13) 4. Prayer need not be long and complicated

1. As taught by Jesus - Lk 11:5-10; 18:1-8
E. PRAY STEADFASTLY... 1. As taught by Jesus - Lk 11:5-10; 18:1-8 2. As taught by Paul - Ro 12:12; Col 4:2 3. Steadfastness in prayer was a major concern of Jesus and His apostles E. PRAY STEADFASTLY... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As taught by Jesus - Luke 11:2-4; 18:1-8 So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation But deliver us from the evil one." (Luk 11:2-4) Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Luk 18:1) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2. As taught by Paul - Rom 12:12; Col 4:2 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; (Rom 12:12) Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; (Col 4:2) 3. Steadfastness in prayer was a major concern of Jesus and His apostles

3. Prayer is a state of mind, which can be enhanced by bodily position
F. PRAY WITH POSTURE... 1. The Bible describes various praying postures - e.g., Luke 18:13; Acts 20:36 2. While there is no official posture for prayer, posture reflects humility, reference 3. Prayer is a state of mind, which can be enhanced by bodily position F. PRAY WITH POSTURE... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. The Bible describes various praying postures - e.g., Luke 18:13; Acts 20:36 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' (Luk 18:13) And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. (Act 20:36) 2. While there is no official posture for prayer, posture reflects humility, reference >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 3. Prayer is a state of mind, which can be enhanced by bodily position

a. A wonderful privilege, a powerful privilege
CONCLUSION: Prayer is... a. A wonderful privilege, a powerful privilege b. A needed privilege, an often-neglected privilege 2. Prayer ought to be practiced... a. “always with all prayer and supplication...” - Ep 6:18 b. “earnestly...being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” - Col 4:2 CONCLUSION: 1. Prayer is... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a. A wonderful privilege, a powerful privilege >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> b. A needed privilege, an often-neglected privilege >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Prayer ought to be practiced... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a. “always with all prayer and supplication...” - Ep 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— (Eph 6:18) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> b. “earnestly...being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” - Col 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; (Col 4:2)

3. Indeed, we should “pray without ceasing” (1Th 5:17).
4. As an indicator of spiritual wellness, “How Well Do You Pray?” 5. Next in our “Spiritual Wellness” checkup, we shall ask “How Well Do You Sing?”... 3. Indeed, we should “pray without ceasing” (1Th 5:17). pray without ceasing, (1Th 5:17) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4. As an indicator of spiritual wellness, “How Well Do You Pray?” >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 5. Next in our “Spiritual Wellness” checkup, we shall ask “How Well Do You Sing?”...

How Well Do You Pray? How Well Do You Pray?.

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How Well Do You Pray? How Well Do You Pray?.

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