1. Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. [Luke 11:1]

2. Please give a sermon on Prayer: How to pray, when to pray, what to pray for. FROM THE QUESTION BOX

3. Part One: What is Prayer?

4. Old Testament: Heb. translates at least 14 words for prayer – some interesting ones… Ex. 32:31; Neh. 1:11 – Oh!; I pray Dan. 2:13, 6:5 – sought; find AND Dan. 2:16, 6:12 – asked; petitions Ps. 35:13; Dan. 9:13 – sick; prayer Isa. 64:1 – Oh, that You would… Isa. 26:16; Ec. 10:11 – charmed Ps. 141:2 – lifting up Ps. 30:8 – supplication

5. What is Prayer? Old Testament: Heb. translates at least 14 words for prayer – some interesting ones… Gen. 25:21; Ex. 10:17-18 – entreat Is 53:12; Jr 7:16 – intercede; (meet) Gn 20:7, 17; 1 Sm 2:25 – pray for; judge; mediate; intercede Ezra 6:10; Dan 6:10 – knelt; bow Gen. 24:47; 26:7 – asked Ps. 77:3,6,12 –complain; meditate Ps. 119:97, 99 – meditation

6. What is Prayer? New Testament: Gk. translates at least 10 distinct words for prayer – Lk. 1:13; Ja. 5:16 – prayer (need) Matt. 9:37-38 – pray (lack, want) 1 Timothy 2:1, 4:5 – intercessions; prayer (a coming together, visit) Matt. 21:24 – ask (require answer) Ac 18:18; Ja 5:15 – vow; prayer (consecration to God)

7. What is Prayer? New Testament: Gk. translates at least 10 distinct words for prayer – Rm 12:1; 2 Co 2:7 – prayer; comfort Acts 6:4, 10:31 – prayer (to God) Rm 9:3; Acts 26:29 – wish (desire) Matt. 5:44, 6:6 – pray for (in favor) Rm 8:23; 2 Co 5:2-4; Mark 7:34 – groan; sigh

8. What is Prayer? Old and New Testament patterns: charmed supplication prayer (need) pray (lack, want) Supplications: based on perceived or real need and God-dependence

9. What is Prayer? Old and New Testament patterns: asked ask prayer Prayers: based on desire for knowledge, wisdom from God

10. What is Prayer? Old and New Testament patterns: sought; petitions lifting up intercede (meet) mediate complain, meditate Intercessions: based on relationship and desire to draw nearer to God knelt, bow pray for entreat vow

11. What is Prayer? Old and New Testament patterns: Oh! Oh, that You would… wish (desire); I would to God groan, sigh sick Interjections: based on awe toward God, a given circumstance, emotion 1 Timothy 2:1 Supplications, prayers, intercessions, Giving of thanks

12. What is Prayer? Old and New Testament patterns: Can be formal or informal Can be public or private Can be national or individual Is ALWAYS present in Gods people! Closing Observations on Prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks

13. Do YOU have reason to rejoice, pray, and give thanks? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks In Jesus Christ YOU can have reason for all three this very day!