The Christian and Prayer (2)

Acceptable Prayer

What is prayer?

It is speaking to God Important – to be engaged in regularly, deliberately, thoughtfully, and thoroughly It was practiced regularly by the godly – Abraham, David, Daniel, Paul and Jesus

Types of Prayer1 Timothy 2:1-2

Prayers – the general term for petitioning God. Supplication (δέησις, deēsis) – a divine entreaty or an urgent request.Intercessions (ἔντευξις, enteuxis) a formal petition, usually on behalf of anotherGiving of thanks, (εὐχαριστία, eucharistia) - expressing gratitude for benefits and blessings

Content of our Prayers

Matthew 6:9-13

Adoration – praising God,

Acceptance – of His will

Supplications, intercessions Confession Gratitude, thanksgiving Amen

We need to be praying!

God wants us to pray

He provided prayer for us – 1 Timothy 2:1-5, Hebrews 4:14-16“Seven days without prayer makes on WEAK!”

Prayer – a privilege of God’s people

Intended for believers – If we believe God, we will obey Him – Luke 6:46, 1 John 2:3 Instructions on prayer in NT addressed to Christians Proverbs 15:29, “The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.”

Prayer – a privilege of God’s people

Can sinners pray? Does He hear? He knows what is said and attitudes No indication that He answers their daily prayers as He does believers.What about Cornelius? Acts 10:2-4 He was genuinely seeking to serve God, He sent a messenger to tell him what he needed to do (Ac. 10:6, 11:14)

Prayer – a privilege of God’s people

What about the “sinner’s prayer”? Not in the Bible “Calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21) Told to obey the gospel (2:38)Acts 22:16 – note, even with Paul praying, he was commanded to be baptized (Ac. 9:9, 11, 18)

Proper attitudes in prayer

Let him ask in faithJames 1:5-6Matthew 21:21-22Hebrews 11:6 According to His will Matthew 26:39, 42; 6:101 John 5:14

Proper attitudes in prayer

Serving HimJames 5:16, 1 John 3:221 Peter 3:12, Prov. 28:9, 15:8Isaiah 59:1-2 Pray with understanding1 Corinthians 14:15Matthew 6:7 (vain repetitions)Note: Romans 8:26 – the Spirit intercedes – helping us convey our requests properly

Proper attitudes in prayer

With sincerityMatthew 6:5 (not like hypocrites – Matt. 23:14)James 5:16-17 – effective, fervent prayerWith humility and reverenceHebrews 12:28Luke 18:9-14, the tax collector1 Peter 5:5-6

Proper attitudes in prayer

With patienceLuke 18:6-8 though He bears long with usEphesians 6:18, perseverance In Jesus nameJohn 16:23, Ephesians 2:18Colossians 3:171 Timothy 2:5 – our Mediator1 John 2:1 – an advocateHebrews 7:25 - intercession

Proper attitudes in prayer

When confessing sin (as Christians)1 John 1:9Must be accompanied with repentance Acts 8:22, cf. 1 John 1:5 as we walk in the light

Improper attitudes in prayer - hindrances

Selfish prayers James 4:3

To be seen of men Matthew 6:5, Luke 18:11 – the Pharisee

Improper attitudes in prayer - hindrances

Don’t expect a miraclesee 1 Cor. 13:8-12But He can still work providentially Don’t expect Him to do your part prayer is not for the lazy or indifferent. It is for the genuine believer willing to do his part

Improper attitudes in prayer - hindrances

Husbands failing to honor wives 1 Peter 3:7 When your brother has something against you – Matt. 5:23-24 Failing to forgive – Matthew 6:12, 14-15, Ephesians 4:32

How we pray is important!

Does God hear your prayers?