1. How to Offer Acceptable Prayer Lesson 10 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers: But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” -- 1 Peter 3:12

2. Acceptable and Effective Prayer Preceded by Righteous living (1 Peter 3:10-12) –God does not require sinlessness from those who approach Him (Luke 8:13-14; James 5:16) –But He does expect those who approach Him to respect His will and seek to live righteously (Psalm 66:18; Prov.15:29; 28:9; 1 John 3:20-21) Offered in the name of Christ (John 14:13-14; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17) –This involves more than what one says at the end of a prayer; we approach the Father through Christ (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16)

3. Acceptable and Effective Prayer Offered consistent with God’s will (1 John 5:14-15), and combined with works of faith which comply with God’s will. –If we pray for our daily bread we must be willing to work for it (Luke 11:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) –If we pray for forgiveness, we must forgive (Matthew 6:12-15) –If others pray for our forgiveness, we must still meet God’s conditions of pardon (Luke 23:34; Acts 2:37-38)

4. Acceptable and Effective Prayer Offered sincerely (Psalm 17:1) –Not with “vain repetitions”, but from the heart (Matthew 6:7-8; 15:8; 2 Timothy 2:22; Heb. 10:22) Offered fervently and unceasingly (James 5:16-18; Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) Offered in faith (Matthew 21:21-22; James 1:5-8 )

5. How to Speak to God Lesson 10b “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

6. How Should We Speak to God? With reverence (Psalm 89:7) With adoration and praise (1 Chronicles 29:10-15) With thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Psalm 95:2) With awareness and acknowledgement of our sins (1 John 1:9; Daniel 9:3-19)

7. How Should We NOT Speak to God? Not as a last-ditch effort (James 4:2) –We should continue “instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12, KJV) Not selfishly (James 4:3) Not just wishful thinking

8. Prayer is Therapeutic It alleviates the fear of man (Psalm 118:5-6) It strengthens the soul (Psalm 138:3) It frees us from care and anxiety –1 Peter 5:7 “…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” –Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”