PRAYER

PRAYER

The Christian strength depends absolutely on his total dependence on Jesus Christ, our master. Most Christians are weak today because we depend mostly on group activities instead of our personal relationship with Christ. A Christian’s personal relationship depends on his personal bible study, prayer and fasting.

What is Prayer

Prayer is pouring out the content of our heart to God or communicating with God.

Why do we pray?

• It is a delight unto God (Prov. 15:8)
• We present our requests to God ( Jn 16:23-24)

To whom do we pray?

God and Him only through Jesus Christ (Act12:5; Jn. 14:13-14)

Where do we pray?

·        Everywhere (1Timothy 2:8)

·        Chapel (Lk. 18:10)

·        Room/ closet (Mathew 6:6)

When should we pray?

Always (Luke 18:1; 1 Thess. 5:17)

What should be included in prayer?

What to include in prayer can be found in the sample prayer taught by Jesus to His disciples in Lk 11:1-13. From this sample prayer, we can find and include the following when we pray:

• Adoration (Ps.95:6)
• Confession (1Jn. 2:1; Ps.32:5)
• Thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6; 1Thess. 5:18)
• Supplication/ Request (1Tim. 2:1-2)

This gives the acronym (‘ACTS’) -‘Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication’.

Hindrances to prayer

• Lack of faith (James 1:5-7)
• Sin (Isa. 59:1-2; Ps. 66:18)
• Forgive others (Mk. 11:25-26)
• Using your request for pleasure (James 4:3)
• Not taking good care of your spouse (1Pet.3:7)

What answers does God give to our prayers?

• No (James 4:3)
• Yes (2Kings 20:1-6)
• Wait (Dan. 10:10-14)

Conclusion

You can best know how to pray, if you pray.  Amen!