Prayer

Psalm 84:10 "For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, Than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

The key to all relationships is a good communication.

Many of us are parents and we know the importance of communication. And it becomes ever so more important to us after they leave home. We all have experienced times when we think that the kids have not talked to us or have not called us recently. We are concerned and we wonder how they are doing or if they need anything, for most are willing and ready to offer assistance if the kids would just ask.

God is the same way with us. After all, we are His children. He likes to hear from us. He wants to know our needs and desires, and He wants to help us. He wants us to know that He is there for us.

Luke 11:1 "...one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray..."
Psalm 65:2 " O Thou who does hear prayer, To Thee all men come"

To guide us through this study of prayer we are going to emply our six favorite helpers.

Who, What, Where, How, When, Why

Who: Anyone

John 9:31 The man who was blind but now can see makes a statement: "We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing, and does His will, He hears him."

1 Peter 3:12(Psalm 34:15) "For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

2 John 9 "Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."

Now that we know who can pray (Anyone), let us ask: Who are we going to pray for?

Our enemies: Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20,21
Our neighbors: Matthew 22:39
Our government: Romans 13; 1 Peter 2:13-17
Our fellow saints: Ephesians 6:18
All men: 1 Time 2:1-4

What:

Souls: 2 Peter 3:9
Laborers: Matthew 9:37
Others: James 5:13
Needs: Matthew 6:8
Saints: Ephesians 4:32
Strength: Ephesians 6:10-18
Suffering: 2 Timothy 2:3
Fairness: Matthew 7:12
Everything: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Where:

Everywhere: 1 Timothy 2:8
In private: Matthew 6:6

How:

We do not have to discuss the posture of the person praying, but let me suggest some things. We usually ask the audience to bow their heads when we pray. Yet in Ephesians 3:14 it says: "For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father." Philippians 2:10 records that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow before God and Christ. (also read Romans 14:11)
But some people have difficulty getting on their knees. Not to worry. Because now we will talk about how to pray.

Boldly: Hebrews 4:16
Effectually: James 5:16--(having adequate power to produce an intended effect). You have to know that the power is in you (2 Corinthians 13:4)
Fervently: Colossians 4:12,13 --(moved by or showning great warmth or intensity as of emotion or enthusiasm.
Faithfully: 1 Peter 1:5; Hebrews 11:6---to have the same kind of faith we have in the pizza delivery guy. The moment we hang up the phone, we know they get busy and prepare our food and we expect delivery soon.----our prayers should have the same faith, that as we pray and make our request, we can count on God being there and coming through for us as we expect.
Matthew 21:22 faith can move mountains. Maybe we are too weak to move physical mountians, but there are spiritual mountains we must overcome. Matthew 19:26 says that with God, all things are possible.
There is power in faith, power in prayer, power in God and we are told to be strong Ephesians 6:10.
Remember the faith that the young boy David had when approaching the giant warrier Goliath? (1 Samuel 17:32 "I can" was his attitude, and "I will go and fight" and win was his glory. Remember Philippians 4:13. (Romans 8:37) Remember David's words: Thou come with a sword/spear...I come in the name of the Lord.....my,my,my what faith.
Do not be anxious for anything (Philippians 4:6

When:

2 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing"
Acts 12:5 prayer went on without ceasing
Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer..."
Acts10:2 Cornelius prayed often
Colossians 1:3 Paul says he prays often for them, and in v.9 they had not ceased to pray for them.
1 Timothy 5:5 widows "continue in supplication and prayers night and day.
1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4
I suggest that without ceasing means without ceasing, in other words we need to be praying all the time.
Specific times mentioned in the Bible:
night and day: 1 Timothy 5:5
around midnight: Acts 16:25---and have you ever noticed that the writer makes mention that the other prisoners heard them?
All night: Luke 6:12---if you ever tire of someone saying a long prayer, think of Jesus who prayed all night.
Night and day: 1 Thessaloniains 3:10
Morning: Psalm 5:3
Evening and morning and Noon: Psalm 55:17 because God will save me (v.16)
Rising of the sun to the setting of the sun: Psalm 113:3

Why:

John 3:16 because God loved us.
Hebrews 10:31: a fearful thing to fall into His hands of wrath
Hebrews 10:29: our God is a consuming fire....
Revelation 22:14: blessings come to those who fear and obey God
Revelation 21:23 I pray because I do not want to miss this wonderful place.
Revelation 5:11-12; Revelation 19:6 I don't want to miss that tremendous thunderous sound of many voices praising Him. We know how great it sounds when hundreds get together to sing praises to God, well imagine a number into the millions---and all with voices that are perfect in pitch and harmony, and strong to sing day and night forever.

Conclusions.

Who: all men
What: everything
Where: everywhere
How: believing
When: always
Why: we want to see the beauty of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, angels, and the magnificent heaven

By Victor Studdard presented Norhill church of Christ, Houston, Tx 8/13/08

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