Introduction: Prayer is probably the most important part of a Christian's life. It is the power which moves God to respond to our needs and the needs of others. Praying directly to God is the priestly privaledge of every believer.
A. The Purpose of Prayer:
- To worship and praise God: Ephesians 6:18; John 4:23; Hebrews 13:15.
- To supply our needs: Phillippians 4:6; James4:2.
- To fellowship with God, our heavenly Father: I John 1:3-9.
- To help others. This is called intercessory praying: II Thessalonians 3:1; I Timothy 2:1-4; Colossians 4:3; Matthew 9:38.
- To be obedient: I Thessalonians 5:17.
- To protect ourselves from temptation: Matthew 26:41.
B. The Proper way to Pray:
- As priests, praying directly to God: I Peter 2:9; Psalm 5:2; I THessalonians 1:2.
- Asking or praying in the name of Jesus: John 14:13 & 14; 16:23.
- Praying in the will of God: I John 5:14 & 15.
- Knowing and trusting our intercessors.
- a. Jesus Christ as our intercessor: I Timothy 2:5.
- b. Holy Spirit as our intercessor: Romans 8:26 & 27.
- Praying sincerly and simply: Matthew 6:7.
- Praying with thanksgiving:Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6.
C. The Place and Practice of Prayer:
- 1. Anywhere and any time: Luke 18:1; Nehemiah 2:4.
- 2. Definate times:
- a. Personally: Matthew 6:6; Psalm 5:3; Daniel 6:10.
- b. Family: Ephesians 5:25-26; 6:4.
- c. Publicly: I Corinthians 14:15.
D. The Problems that Hinder Prayer:
- Personal sin: Isaiah 59:2; Psalm 68:18.
- Poor marital relationships: I Peter 3:1-7.
- Improper motives: James 4:2.
- Unforgiving spirit: Matthew 6:14 & 15.
- Lack of fellowship with Christ and lack of devotion to the Bible: John 15:7.
- Not supplying the needs of others: Philippians 4:17-19; II Corinthians 9:6; Proverbs 21:13.
- Not giving God our best; Malachi 1:7-9.
E.The Promises of Prayer:
- Immediate answers, either:
- a. yes
- b. no
- c. wait
- d. I've got something better: Isaiah 65:24; Daniel 9:20-23.
- Abundant answers: Ephesians 3:20.
- Joyful life: John 16:23.
- Peace: Philippians 4:6&7.
