PRAYER
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19
17 Pray without ceasing. 18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you. 19 Quench not the Spirit.
"First Principles" by G & M Underwood
I. INTRODUCTION:
A One of the outstanding duties, privileges and joys of the Christian is prayer. It is the Fathers will and desire that His children pray.
B What a privilege to be able to: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16.
C It gives joy to know that: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16.
II. BODY:
A Christ prayed much.
1 He left us an example. 1 Pet 2:21: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
2 Note some of them and that all are before significant events:a Beginning of His ministry. Luk. 3:21.
b Before the twelve were selected. Luk 6:12.
c After teaching the multitudes. Matt 14:23 (In private.)
d In the early morning. Mk 1:35.
e In the Garden before His crucifixion. Matt 26:36-42; John 17.B The early church was strong in prayer. (See Luke 18:1-9.)
1 The three thousand. Acts 2:41,42.
2 When Peter was imprisoned. Acts 12:5; Rev 5:8; 8:3; 1 Cor 16:11; Matt. 7:7; Luk. 11:9.
3 The churches were admonished to pray.a Rome. Romans 12:12: "continuing instant in prayer;"
b Corinth. 1 Cor 7:5. Acceptable to break off relationships for a set time to eliminate distractions to spiritual pursuits.
c Ephesus. Eph 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
d Philippi. Php 4:6,7: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(1) Supplication: seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty.
C God's promise to answer prayer is conditional. Is 59:1-8; 64:7. (All of God's promises are conditional: if you do this, then I will do that.)
1 Be righteous. 1 Peter 3:12: For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
a Righteous: equitable ( In this case, up right in character or action). By implication: innocent or holy. Ps 34:15.
2 Be obedient. 1 John 3:22-24; John 9:31.
3 Pray in faith. Matt. 21:22; James 1;6,7.
4 Have a forgiving spirit. Matt. 6:15.
5 Abide in Christ. John 15:7.
6 Have right motive. James 4:3-6.
7 Pray in harmony with God's will. 1 John 5:14: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
8 Pray in Jesus' name. John 14:13,14; Col 3:17; John 14:6; Eph 2:18; 1 Pet 2:5; John 5:23; Luk. 10:16.D Things for which to pray.
1 Forgiveness of saints' sins. 1 Thess 5:25; Matt. 6:12; Acts 8:22-24; 1 John 1:7-9.
2 For help in time of temptation. Matt. 6:13; 26:41.
3 For daily needs. Matt. 6:11.
4 For rulers. 1 Tim 2:1,2.
5 For the sick. James 5:14.
6 For enemies. Matt. 5:44.
7 For laborers to enter the harvest. Matt. 9:38.
8 For preachers, and for the Lord's word to be glorified. 2 Thess 3:1.
9 For God's children. Php 1:9-11.
10 For God's will to be done. Matt. 6:10; 26:39.
III. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:
A Prayer is not only the expression of gratitude and need but is a high and beautiful expression of trust, submission and union with God.
B Let us pray so as to be understood by others when praying publicly. 1 Cor 14:4,9,16: He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.... So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air....Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
IV. INVITATION: