1. Understanding Prayer Sue Bohlin November 12, 2002

2. Prayers we pray persistently (review) “God, show me where I’m being deceived.” Prayer for protection of ourselves and others Prayers that God hasn’t answered yet

3. Prayers we pray persistently Prayers that build character Asking to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) - Yieldedness Scripture prayers –1 Thessalonians 3:12: “May the Lord make their love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.”

4. Praying for our children Colossians 1:9-13 –“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and –asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And –we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord –and may please him in every way:

5. –bearing fruit in every good work and –increasing in the knowledge of God: –strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, –for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; –joyously giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

6. Prayer Basics God wants to hear from us God wants to speak back to us We ask, not demand Remember to say “Thank You” We pray to God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) –Not to dead saints –Not to angels

7. Prayer Basics God wants us to speak conversationally from our hearts, not in formula or ritual “Praying without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) means: –cultivating a continual acknowledgement of God’s presence –open heart dialog –chatting and thanking and praising as well as asking

8. When God Says No: Reasons for Unanswered Prayer Sin in our lives: Confess and repent To say yes would bring us harm we don’t foresee God has something far greater in store for us We pray at cross purposes with other believers

9. We pray for things where a “yes” is impossible We pray for things that are already determined We get discouraged in prayer by thinking God has said no when in fact He has said nothing at all God’s “No” is not rejection but redirection

10. God’s “No” isn’t punishment, it’s preparation God’s “No” will sometimes bring greater glory to God God’s “No” opens the door to an adventure with God