Prayer

Praying Continually

Ask God anything but expect anything.

(Gn 18:33) God showed Abraham that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding that God’s answers come from God’s perspective. They are not always in harmony with our expectations for only He knows the whole story. Are you missing God’s answer to a prayer because you haven’t considered any possible answers other than the one you expect.

Why God may withhold an answer

(Gn 25:21) As Isaac pleaded with God for children, so the Bible encourages us to ask and even plead for our most personal and important requests. God wants to grant our requests but He wants us to ask him. Even then, as Isaac learned, God may decide to withhold his answer for a while in order to (1) deepen our insight into what we really need, (2) broaden our appreciation for His answers or (3) allow us to mature so we can use his gifts more wisely.

Why God may not be answering yours

(Jgs 13:18) Why did the angel keep his name a secret? In those days people believed that if they knew someone’s name, they knew his character and how to control him. By not giving his name, the angel was not allowing himself to be controlled by Manoah. He was also saying that his name was a mystery beyond understanding and too wonderful to imagine. Manoah asked the angel for answer that he wouldn’t have understood. Sometimes we ask God questions and then receive no answer. This may not be because Gd is saying no. We may have asked for something beyond our ability to understand or accept.

(1 Sm 28:15) God did not answer Saul’s appeals because Saul had not followed God’s previous directions. Sometimes people wonder why their prayers are not answered. But if they don’t fulfill the responsibilities God has already given them, they should not be surprised when He does not give further guidance.

(2 Sm 7:8-16) David’s request was good, but God said no. This does not mean that God rejected David. In fact, God was planning to do something even greater in David’s life, than allowing him the prestige of building the temple. Although God turned down David’s request, He promised to continue the house (or dynasty) of David forever. David’s earthly dynasty ended 4 centuries later, but jesus Christ, a direct descended of David, was the ultimate fulfilment of this promise (acts 2:22-36). Christ will reign for eternity – now in his spiritual kingdom and in heaven, and later, on earth, in the new Jerusalem (Luke 1:30-33, Revelation 21). Have you prayed with good intensions, only to have God say no? This is God’s way of directing you to greater purpose in your life. Accepting God’s no requires as great a faith as caring out His yes.

Don’t let guilt feelings keep you from praying.

(Jgs 16:28-30) In spite of Samson’s past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the pagan temple and worshipers. God still loved him. He was willing to hear Samson’s prayer of confession and repentance and use him this final time. One of the effects of sin in our lives is to keep us from feeling like praying. But perfect moral behavior is not a condition for prayer. Don’t let guilt feelings over sin keep you from your only means of restoration. No matter how long you have been away from God, he is ready to hear from you and restore you to a right relationship. Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn again to Him. If God could still work in Samson’s situation, he can certainly make something worthwhile out of yours.

When discouraged

(1 Sm 1:10) Hannah had good reason to feel discouraged and bitter. She was unable to bear children, she shared her husband with a woman who ridiculed her (1:7), her loving husband could not solve her problem (1:8), and even the high priest misunderstood her motives (1:14). But instead of retaliating or giving up hope. Hannah prayed. She brought her problem honestly before God. 

What to request of God in prayer.

(1 Kgs 8:56-60) Solomon praised the Lord and prayed for the people. His prayer can be a pattern for our prayers. He had five basic requests, (1) for God’s presence (8:57), (2) for the desire to do God’s will in everything (“turn our hearts to Him,” 8:58), (3) for help with each day’s need (8:59), (4) for the desire and ability to obey God’s decrees and commands (8:58); (5) for the spread of God’s kingdom to the entire world (8:60). These prayer requests are just as important today. When you pray for your church, or family, you can make these same requests to God.

Don’t always expect immediate answers.

(2 Chr 7;12) Months, maybe years, had passed since Solomon’s prayer of dedication (chapter 6). Several other building projects had been completed after the temple (7:11, 8:1). Then aftyer all this time, God told Solomon that He heard Solomon’s prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and when nothing happens, wonder if God has heard us? God does hear, and He will provide for us. We must trust that God will answer at the proper time.

Serious Prayer

(Ezr 8:23) Ezra knew God’s promises to protect his people, but he didn’t take them for granted. He also knew that God’s blessings are appropriated through prayer, so Ezra and the people humbled themselves by fasting and praying. And their prayers were answered. Fasting humbled them because going without food was a reminder of their complete dependence on God. Fasting also gave them more time to pray and meditate on God.

What it clarifies for us?

(Neh 1:5) Nehemiah fasted and prayed for several days, expressing his sorrow for Israel’s sin and his desire that Jerusalem would again come alive with the worship of the one true God. Nehemiah demonstrated the elements of effective prayer: (1) praise, (2) thanksgiving, (30 repentance, (4 specific request, and (5) commitment.

Heartfelt prayers like Nehemiah can help clarify (10 any problem you may be facing, (20) God’s great power to help you, and (30 the job you have to do. By the end of his prayer time, Nehemiah knew what action he had to take (1:11). When God’s people pray difficult decisions fall into proper perspective, and appropriate actions follow.

Spontaneous prayer.

(Neh 2:4) With little time to think Nehemiah immediately prayed. Eight times in this book we read that he prayed spontaneously (2:4, 4:4-5, 9, 5:19, 6;14, 13;14, 22, 29). Nehemiah prayed at any time, even while talking with others. He knew that God is always in charge, is always present, and hears and answers every prayer. Nehemiah could confidently pray throughout the day because he had established an intimate relationship with God during times of extended prayer (1:4-7). If we want to reach God with our emergency prayers, we need to take time to cultivate a strong relationship with God through times of in-depth prayer.

The secret to a close relationship with God.

(Ps 5:1-3) The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to Him earnestly each morning, our minds are more free from problems and then we can commit the whole day to God. Regular communication helps any friendship and is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God. We need to communicate with him daily. Do you have a regular time to pray and read God’s Word?

Pray even when God seems far away.

(Ps 10:1) “Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” To the psalmist, god seemed far away. But even through the writer had honest doubts, he did not stop praying or conclude that God no longer cared. He was not complaining, but simply asking god to hurry to his aid. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling god about our troubles.

Moving from prayer to praise.

(Ps 54:3-4) Many of David’s psalms follow the pattern found in these two verses – a transition from prayer to praise. David was not afraid to come to God and express his true feelings and needs. Thus his spirit was lifted, and he praised God, his helper, protector, and “Shared love” friend.

A weapon against evil.

(Ps 55:17) Praying evening, morning, and noon is certainly an excellent way to maintain correct priorities throughout every day. Daniel followed this pattern (Daniel 6:10), as did Peter (Acts 10;9,10). The prayers of God’s people are effective against the overwhelming evil in the world.

Can release tensions of emotional stress.

(Ps 62:3-6) David expressed his feelings to God and then reaffirmed his faith. Prayer can release our tensions in times of emotional stress. Trusting God to be our rock, salvation, and fortress (62:2) will change our entire outlook on life. No longer must we be held captive by resentment towards others when they hurt us. When we are resting in God’s strength, nothing can shake us.

Places our focus on God.

(Ps 77:1-12) Asaph cried out to God for courage during a time of deep distress. The source of Asaph’s distress (77:4) was his doubt (77:7-9). He pled, “I cried out to God for help.” But in 77:13-20, the “I” is gone. As Asaph expressed his requests to God, his focus changed from thinking of himself to worshiping God. “You are the God who performs miracles” (77:14). Only after he put aside his doubts about God’s holiness and care for him (77:13, 14) did he eliminate his distress (77:20). As we pray to God, He shifts our focus from ourselves to him.

Intercessory Prayer

(Ps 122;6-9) The psalmist was not praying for his own peace and prosperity, but for that of his brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. This is intercessory prayer, prayer on behalf of others. Too often we are quick to pray for our own needs and desires, and omit interceding for others. Will you intercede for someone in need today.

Why many are afraid to talk with God.

(Is 7:12) Ahaz appeared righteous by saying he would not test God with a sign (“I will not ask, I will not put the Lord to the test”). In fact, God had told him to ask, but Ahaz didn’t really want to know what God would say. Often we use some excuse, such as not wanting to bother God, to keep us from communicating with him. Don’t let anything keep you from hearing and obeying God.

Can change events.

(is 38;1-5) When Isaiah went to Hezekiah, who was extremely ill and told him of his impending death, Hezekiah immediately turned to God. God responded to his prayer, allowing Hezekiah to live another 15 years. In response to fervent prayer. God may change the course of our lives too. Never hesitate to ask God for radical changes if you will honor him with those changes.

Prayer in the midst of panic.

(Dn 2:16-18) Daniel was at a crisis point. Imagine going to see the powerful, temperamental king who had angrily ordered your death! Daniel did not shrink back in fear, however, but confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know.  When the king gave Daniel time to find the answer. Daniel found his three friends and they prayed. When you find yourself in a tight spot, share your needs with trusted friends who also believe in God’s power. Prayer is more effective than panic. Panic confirms your hopelessness, prayer confirms your hope in God. Daniel’s trust in God saved himself, his three friends, and all the other wise men of Babylon.

How to you react to answered prayer.

(Dn 2 19-23) After Daniel asked God to reveal Nebuchadnezzer dream to him, He saw a vision of the dream. Daniel took time to give God credit for all wisdom and power, thanking God for answering his request. How do you feel when your prayers are answered? Excited, surprised, relieved? There are times when we seek God in prayer and having been answered, dash of in our excitement, forgetting to give God credit for the answer. Match your persistence in prayer with gratitude when your requests are answered.

We can pray anywhere anytime.

(Jon 2:1) This is a prayer of thanksgiving, not a prayer for deliverance. Jonah was simply thankful that he had not drowned. He was delivered in a most spectacular way and was overwhelmed that he had escaped certain death. Evan from inside the fish. Jonah’s prayer was heard by God. We can pray anywhere and at any time, and God will here us. Your sis is never too great, your predicament is never too difficult for God.  

Shallow repetition and persistence in Prayer.

(Mt 6:7-8) Repeating the same words over and over like a magic incantation is no way to ensure that God will hear your prayer. It’s not wrong to come to God many times with the same requests – Jesus encourages persistent prayer. But He condemns the shallow repetition of words that are not offered with a sincere heart. We can never pray too much if our prayers are honest and sincere. Before you start to pray, make sure you mean what you say.

(Col 4:2) Have you ever grown tired of praying for something or someone? Paul says we should “devote” ourselves to prayer and be watchful” in prayer. Our persistence is an expression of our faith that God answers our prayers. Faith shouldn’t die if the answers come slowly, for the delay may be Gods way of working His will in our lives. When you feel tired of praying, know that God is present, always listening, always answering – maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways that He knows is best.

The Lord’s prayer.

(Mt 6:9) This is often called the Lord’s Prayer because Jesus gave it to the disciples. It can be a pattern for our prayers. We should praise God, pray for His work in the world, pray for our daily needs, and prayer to help in our daily struggles.

Discernment to ask for the right things.

(Mt 7;9-10) The child in Jesus example asked his father for bread and fish – good and necessary items. If this child had asked for a poisonous snake, would the wise father have granted his request? Sometimes God knows we are praying for “snakes” and does not give us what we ask for, even though we persist in our prayers. As we learn to know God better as a loving Father, we learn to ask for what is good for us, and then He grants it.

God’s attitude toward ours.

(Mt 7:11) Christ is showing us the heart of God the Father. God is not selfish, begrudging, or stingy, and we don’t have to beg or grovel as we come with our requests. He is a loving Father who understands, cares, and comforts. If humans can be kind, imagine how God the Creator of Kindness, can be.

Importance of praying alone.

(Mt 14:23-24) Seeking solitude was an important priority for Jesus (see also 14:13). He made room in His busy schedule to be alone with the Father. Spending time with God in prayer nurtures a vital relationship and equips us to meet life’s challenges and struggles. Develop the discipline of spending time alone with God – it will help you grow spiritually and become more and more like Christ.

Relying on the Holy Spirit in Praying.

(Mt 18:19-20) Jesus looked ahead to a new day when He would be present with His followers not in body, but through the Holy Spirit. In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ’s Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God’s will, not their own, thus their request will be granted.

Can we ask for anything?

(Mt 21:22) This verse is not a guarantee that we can get anything we want simply by asking Jesus and believing. God does not grant requests that would hurt us or others or that would violate His own nature or will. Jesus statement is not a blank check. To be fulfilled, our requests MUST be in harmony with the principles of God’s kingdom. The stronger our belief, the more likely our prayers will be in line with God’s will, and then God will be happy to grant them.

(Mk 10:38-40) Jesus didn’t ridicule James and John for asking, but He denied their requests. We can feel free to ask God for anything, but our request may be denied. God wants to give us what is best for us, not merely what we want. He denies some requests for our own good.

Finding time to pray.

(Mk 1:35) Jesus took time to pray. Finding time to pray is not easy, but prayer is the vital link between us and God. Like Jesus, we must break away from others to talk with God, even if we have to get up very early in the morning to do it.

Keys to effective prayer.

(Mk 9:29) The disciples would often face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer. Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives. Effective prayer needs both an attitude – complete dependence – and an action – asking. Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God as we humbly invite him to fill us with faith and power. There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible.

Conditions of prayer.

(Mk 11:22-23) The kind of prayer that moves mountains, is prayer for the fruitfulness of God’s kingdom! It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea. So, Jesus used that picture to say; that God can do anything. God will answer your prayers, but not as a result of your positive mental attitude. Other conditions must be met: (1) You must be a believer, (2) you must not hold a grudge against another person; (3) You must not pray with selfish motives; (4) your request must be for the good of God’s kingdom. To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. If you focus only on your request, you will be left with nothing if your request is refused.

How and when God answers ours.

(Lk 1:13) Zechariah, while burning incense on the altar, was also praying, perhaps for a son or for the coming of the Messiah. In either case, his prayer was answered. He would soon have a son, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. God answers prayer in His own way and in His own time. He worked in an “impossible” situation – Zechariah’s wife was barren – to bring about the fulfilment of all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. If we want to have our prayers answered, we must be open to what God can do in impossible situations. And we must wait for God to work in His way, in His time.

Should precede important decisions.

(Lk 6:12) The Gospel writers note that before every important event in Jesus’ life, He took time to go off by himself and pray. This time Jesus was preparing to choose His inner circle, the 12 disciples. Make sure that all your important decisions are grounded in prayer. 

(Jas 5:16-18) The Christian’s most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. The results are often greater than we thought were possible. Some people see prayer as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is backward. Prayer should come first. Because God’s power is infinitely greater than ours. It only makes sense to rely on it – especially because God encourages us to do so.

Puts us under God’s control.

(Lk 6;19) Once word of Jesus’ healing power spread, crowds gathered just to touch him. For many, He had become a symbol of good fortune, a lucky charm, or a magician. Instead of desiring God’s pardon and love, they only wanted physical healing or a chance to see spectacular events. Some people still see God as a cosmic magician, and consider prayer as a way to get God to do His tricks. But God is not a magician – He is the Master. Prayer is not a way for us to control God, it is a way for us to put ourselves under His control.

Important to evangelism.

(Lk 10:2) Jesus was senoding 36 teams of two to reach the multitudes. These teams were not to try to do the job without help, rather, they were to ask God for more workers. Some people, as soon as they understand the gospel, want to go to work immediately contacting unsaved people. This story suggests a different approach, begin by mobilizing people to pray. And before praying for unsaved people, pray that other concerned disciples will join you in reaching out to them.

What constant prayer means?

(Lk 18:1) To persist in prayer and not give up does not mean endless repetition of painfully long prayer sessions. Always praying means keeping our requests constantly before God as we live for Him day-by-day, believing He will answer. When we live by faith, we are not to give up. God may delay answering; but His delay’s always have good reason. As we persist in prayer we grow in character, faith, love, and hope.

Lessons from Jesus longest prayer.

(Jn 17:1) The entire chapter is Jesus’ prayer. From it we learn that the world is a tremendous battleground where the forces under Satan’s power and those under God’s authority are at war. Satan and his forces are motivated by bitter hatred for Christ and His forces. Jesus prayed for His disciples, in, including those of us who follow him today. He prayed that God would keep his chosen believers safe from Satan’s power, setting them apart and making them pure and holy, uniting them through His truth.

Using it to make decisions.

(Acts 1:12-13) After Christ was taken up into heaven, the disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem and had a prayer meeting. Jesus had said they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days, so they waited and prayed. When you face a difficult task, an important decision, or a baffling dilemma, don’t rush into the work and just hope it comes out the way it should. Instead your first step should be to pray for the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance.

Don’t be surprised when God answers.

(Acts 12:13-15) The prayers of the group of believers were answered, even as they prayed. But when the answer arrived at the door, they didn’t believe it. We should be people of faith who believe that God answers the prayers of those who seek His will. When you pray, believe you’ll get an answer. And when the answer comes, don’t be surprised, be thankful.

God responds to prayers at the right time.

(Gal 4:4) “When the time had fully come,” God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. For centuries the Jews had been wondering when their Messiah would come – but God’s timing was perfect. We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers. But we must never doubt Him or give up hope. At the right time, He will respond. Are you waiting for God’s timing? Trust His judgment and trust that he has your best interests in mind.

How to pray for others?

(Col 1:9-14) Sometimes we wonder how to pray for missionaries and other leaders we have never met. Paul had never met the Colossians, but he faithfully prayed for them. His prayers teach us how to pray for others, whether we know them or not. We can request that they: (1) understand God’s will, (2) gain spiritual wisdom, (3) please and honor God, (4) bear good fruit, (5) grow in the knowledge of God, (6) be filled with God’s strength, (7) have great endurance and patience, (8) stay full of Christ’s joy, and (9) give thanks always. All believers have these same basic needs. When you don’t know how to pray for someone, use Paul’s prayer pattern for the Colossians.

Power of Prayer.

(1 Tim 2:1-4) Although God is all powerful and all knowing, He has chosen to let us help Him change the world through our prayers. How this works is a mystery to us because of our limited understanding, but it is a reality. Paul urges us to pray for each other and for our leaders in government. Our earnest prayers will have powerful results. (James 5:16).

Pray for government leaders.

(1 Tim 2:2) Paul’s command to pray for Kings was remarkable considering that Nero, a notoriously cruel ruler, was emperor at this time (A.D. 54-68). When Paul wrote this letter, persecution was a growing threat to believers. Later, when Nero needed a scapegoat for the great fire that destroyed much of Rome in A.D. 64, he blamed the Roman-Christians so to take the focus off himself. Then persecution erupted throughout the Roman empire. Not only were Christians denied certain privileges in society, some were even publicly butchered, burned, or fed to animals.

What hinders prayer?

(1 Tim 2:8) Besides displeasing God, anger and strife make prayer difficult. That is why Jesus said that we should interrupt our prayers, if necessary, to make peace with others (Matthew 5:23-24). God wants us to obey him immediately and thoroughly. Our goal should be to have a right relationship with God and also with others.

With reverence, yet bold assurance.

(Heb 4:16) Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come “with confidence.” Some Christians approach God meekly with hearts hung low, afraid to ask him to meet their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say.  Come with reverence because He is your king. But also come with bold assurance because He is your Friend and Lover.

Most common problems in Prayer

(Jas 4:2-3) James mentions the most common problems in prayer, not asking, asking for the wrong reasons. Do you talk to God at all? When you do, what so you talk about? Do you ask only to satisfy your desires? Do you seek God’s approval for what you already plan to do? Your prayers will become powerful when you allow God to change your desires so that they perfectly correspond to his will for you (1 John 3:21-22).

Part of God’s healing process.

(Jas 5:15) “The prayer offered in faith” does not refer to the faith off the sick person, but to the faith of the people praying. God heals, faith doesn’t, and all prayers are subject to God’s will. But our prayers are part of God’s healing process. That is why God often waits for our prayers of faith before intervening to heal s person.

Rather than revenge.

(1 Pt 3:9) In our fallen world, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt Peter, remembering Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), encourages his readers to pay back wrongs by praying for the offenders. In God’s kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these people, pray for them.

Praying in God’s will.

(1 Jn 5:14-15) The emphasis hear is on God’s will, not our will. When we communicate with God, we don’t demand what we want, rather we discuss with Him what He wants for us. If we align our prayers to his will, he will listen, and we can be certain that if he listens, He will give us a definite answer. Start praying with confidence.

Too often we pray glibly and superficially. Serious prayer, by contrast requires concentration. It puts us in touch with God’s will and can really change us. Without serious prayer, we reduce God to a quick service pharmacist with painkillers for our every aliment.

Each of us face times of barrenness when nothing “comes to birth” in our work, service, or relationship. It is difficult to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective. But as Hannah discovered prayer opens the way for God to work (1:19-20).

Rest in Him, His Child. Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen. Praying continually, asking His Spirit to take charge of the details of this day. Remember that you are on a journey with Him. When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion who sustains you, moment by moment. As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don’t even feel the strong grip of His hand holding yours. How foolish you are, His Child!

Remembrance of Him is a daily discipline. Never loose sight of your Shared Love. This will keep you resting in Him all day, every day.

 Let us further develop your relationship to others.