1. The Christian and Prayer (1) What Is Prayer?

2. What is prayer? It is speaking to God James 1:5, “Let him ask of God” Prayer is how we communicate with God

3. What is prayer? Described Ask, seek and knock – Matthew 7:7-11 Crying out to God - Luke 18:6-8 Requests to God – Philippians 4:6 An act of faith – James 5:15, 1:6 Incense - Revelation 5:8, Psalm 141:2

4. What is prayer? Described “To You O LORD I lift up my soul…”, Psa. 25:1 Pouring out one’s heart, Psalm 62:8 Raising one’s voice, Acts 4:24, 31 Come before the throne of grace, Heb. 4:16

5. What is prayer? Described Spiritual sacrifice, the fruit of one’s lips Heb. 13:15 It is worship John 4:24, 1 Cor. 14:15

6. The importance of prayer Something to be engaged in regularly, deliberately, thoughtfully and thoroughly It has a bearing on how strong our faith is It is often done with little thought or wrong motives Prayer acknowledges the authority and power of God

7. Examples of Prayer in Scripture Early, men began to “call on the name of the Lord” Genesis 4:26, 12:8 Part of the Mosaic Law – priests David prayed, i.e. Psalms Elijah prayed – James 5:17- 18 Daniel prayed – Daniel 6:10

8. Examples of Prayer in Scripture Ezra and Nehemiah Ezra 8:23; Neh. 2:4, 4:4, 9, etc. Paul continually prayed – virtually every epistle addresses various prayers and requests for prayers

9. Examples of Prayer in Scripture Jesus prayed always - in the morning – Mark 1:35 - in the evening – Matt. 14:23 - all night – Luke 6:12 - often – Luke 5:16 - in the garden – Luke 22:39-44 - with joy – Luke 10:21 - on the cross – Luke 23:34, 46 - at Passover – Luke 22:14-20 - John 17

10. Types of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Prayers (προσευχάς, proseuchas) – the general term for petitioning God. “to speak or make request to God” (L&N 33.178) Luke 22:45-46, Jesus in the garden Acts 2:42, they continued in prayers Ephesians 1:16, Paul prayed for brethren Philippians 4:6, in everything by prayer and supplication

11. Types of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Supplication (δέησις, deēsis) – a divine entreaty or an urgent request. Addresses seriousness and intensity of prayers – for oneself and for others Romans 10:1, Paul’s prayer for Israel Ephesians 6:18, praying always with all prayer and supplication… James 5:16, the effective, fervent prayer Hebrews 5:7, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications and was heard ( cf. Matt. 26:36-44 )

12. Types of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Intercessions ( ἔ ντευξις, enteuxis ) a formal petition, usually on behalf of another 1 Timothy 4:5, food received with thanksgiving, “for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” Hebrews 7:25, Rom. 8:27, etc, verb form ( ἐ ντυγχάνω, entynchanō) used of Jesus as He makes intercession for us As Christians, we pray for others – Matthew 5:44, James 5:16

13. Types of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Giving of thanks, thanksgiving (ε ὐ χαριστία, eucharistia ) expressing gratitude for benefits and blessings Colossians 4:2, continuing in prayer “being vigilant in it with thanksgiving ” 1 Timothy 4:4, every creature received with thanksgiving Our prayers are typically filled with requests. Do we take the time to thank Him

14. Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus gave a model prayer here ( Luke 11:1 ) Adoration – praising God, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…” God is worthy of our praise always – both in our public and private prayers Ephesians 3:14-15, Acts 4:24-26 Consider the Psalms

15. Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Acceptance – of His will “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Jesus in the Garden – Matthew 26:39-42 When we pray to God, will we accept His answer (in His time)? 1 John 5:14

16. Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Supplications, intercessions “Give us this day our daily bread” We have needs and we can turn to Him with our requests. Philippians 4:6 “Us” would include others

17. Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Confession “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” It is through prayer that we seek forgiveness of our sins 1 John 1:9 Note the condition ( cf. Matt. 6:14-15 ) – is our heart right?

18. Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Supplication, intercession “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” Spiritual requests. We turn to God for strength in dealing with spiritual struggles 1 Timothy 4:8, 2 Peter 2:9

19. Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Gratitude, thanksgiving Addressed earlier Before making requests, acknowledge what He has already done and thank Him for it!

20. Content of our Prayers Matthew 6:9-13 Acceptance (more) “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” Amen – “so be it”

21. We need to be praying! God wants us to pray He provided prayer for us – 1 Timothy 2:1-5, Hebrews 4:14-16 1 Peter 5:7, casting all your cares upon Him

22. We need to be praying! Prayer is important! The effective, fervent prayer accomplishes much James 5:16 “Seven days without prayer makes on WEAK!”

23. We need to be praying! Payer is commanded 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing” Romans 12:12, continuing steadfastly in prayer Ephesians 6:18, praying always Luke 18:1, men ought always to pray You cannot obey God if you do not pray

24. Prayer is important! How often do you pray?