1. To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings”

2. Prayer Was Made Earnestly of the Church Unto God What the New Testament Teaches About Congregational Praying in Worship to God Prepared by Chris Reeves * Skyline church of Christ Gospel Meeting * May 16, 2015

3. Prayer As Worship to God The subject of prayer is very broad God has a relationship with his children like a father does with his son; he wants to give us good things (Mt. 7:9-11; Jas. 1:5) God is very conscious of us (Lk. 12:7) God is Almighty and can grant us all that we need (Eph. 3:20-21; Phil. 4:19)

4. Prayer Basics: Who? Praying can be individual (Acts 16:25; Jas. 1:5; 5:13), or congregational (Acts 2:42; 16:16)

5. Prayer Basics: How? Prayer is address to God the Father (Mt. 6:9) Prayer is to be “in his name” (Jn. 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-24,26), meaning with respect to Jesus; according to his nature and teaching; through his mediator-ship (Rom. 8:34; Col. 3:17; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:15-16; 7:25; 9:24; 1 Jn. 2:1-2) We receive help from the H.S. (Rom. 8:26-27)

6. Prayer Basics: How? Prayer posture can be in different forms; no particular form is required: kneeling (Lk. 22:41; Eph. 3:14), bowing (Mt. 26:29; Mk. 14:35; 1 Cor. 14:25), standing w/ hands and face upward (Mk. 11:25; Lk. 18:11, 13; 1 Sam. 1:26; 1 K. 8:22; 1 Tim. 2:8)

7. Prayer Basics: When? Prayer was made by the church in times of decision, change, and farewell (Acts 6:6; 8:15; 13:3; 14:23; 21:5) Prayer was made by the church in difficult times (Acts 12:5,12) Prayer was made by the church for Paul (2 Cor. 1:11; Eph. 6:19; Phil. 1:19; Col. 4:2-3; 1 Thess. 5:17,25)

8. Prayer Basics: When? Prayer was made by the church regularly; constantly (Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Pet. 4:7) Prayer was made by the church for all the saints (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 1:19; Col. 4:3) Prayer was made by the church with thanksgiving (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:17; 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17)

9. Prayer Basics: When? Prayer was made by the church for all men and leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2, 8) Prayer was made by the church for physical and spiritual sickness (Jas. 5:13-16; 1 Jn. 5:16)

10. Prayer Basics: What? Prayers can be made in 5 different forms… A doration / Praise (Acts 4:24ff) C onfession: sin (Jas. 5:16) T hanksgiving (Rom. 16:4; Col. 4:2-3; 1 Tim. 2:1) S upplication / Petition (Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1) I ntercession (1 Tim. 2:1)

11. Prayer Warnings Prayer is not a magical rite; one that works simply because it is done Do not pray with unrepentant sinfulness (Prov. 28:9; Isa. 59:1-2; 66:18) Do not pray with hypocrisy or for show (Mt. 6:5-6; Lk. 20:45-47; note Jn. 15:7; 1 Tim. 2:8; Jas. 5:16 and 1 Jn. 3:22)

12. Prayer Warnings Do not pray with empty words or vain repetitions (Mt. 6:7-8) Do not pray while failing to forgive others (Mt. 18:21ff) Do not pray with doubt or a lack of faith (Mk. 11:24; Jas. 1:5-8)

13. Prayer Warnings Do not pray with proud self-righteousness (Lk. 18:10-14) Do not pray while angry (1 Tim. 2:8) Do not neglect prayer (Jas. 4:2) Do not pray for selfish pleasures (Jas. 4:3, 15; note Mk. 14:36 and 1 Jn. 5:14)

14. How Can We Improve Our Prayers? Pray so others can hear, understand, and respond with “Amen” (an affirmation of truth; 1 Cor. 14:14-17) Pray using the 5 different forms (A-C-T-S-I), not the same words Pray from the heart, not from mere habit

15. How Can We Improve Our Prayers? Pray to be heard of God, not of men [ Parents, encourage your child to pray at an early age! ]