1. Prayer Developing Out Relationship With God

2. A Faithful Relationship is a Prayerful Relationship What is Faithfulness? “1. a firm conviction…full acknowledgement of God’s revealed truth; 2. personal surrender to Him; 3. a conduct inspired by such surrender” (Vine’s). What is Faithfulness? “1. a firm conviction…full acknowledgement of God’s revealed truth; 2. personal surrender to Him; 3. a conduct inspired by such surrender” (Vine’s). Christian life not simply motions or actions— not robots who march to services every Sunday. Christian life not simply motions or actions— not robots who march to services every Sunday. It is a life of conviction, of surrender and devotion to the Almighty God! It is a life of conviction, of surrender and devotion to the Almighty God! What does this have to do with prayer? What does this have to do with prayer?

3. A Faithful Relationship is a Prayerful Relationship Such faithfulness is what gives prayer its meaning and power. Such faithfulness is what gives prayer its meaning and power. To the Faithful… To the Faithful… Prayer is more that a way to help us feel better. Prayer is more that a way to help us feel better. It is more that a way to help us think things through. It is more that a way to help us think things through. Prayer is our communication with our heavenly Father! Prayer is our communication with our heavenly Father! When coupled with faithfulness, prayer becomes the means through which we draw near to God. When coupled with faithfulness, prayer becomes the means through which we draw near to God.

4. A Faithful Relationship is a Prayerful Relationship True Christian life is about drawing near to God as our Father: True Christian life is about drawing near to God as our Father: Rom 8:15: “…but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” (See also Gal. 4:6) Rom 8:15: “…but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” (See also Gal. 4:6) John 3:1: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God.” John 3:1: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God.” James 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Humble obedience and heartfelt prayer are the means through which we draw near to our heavenly Father. Humble obedience and heartfelt prayer are the means through which we draw near to our heavenly Father. For this reason Prayer has always played an important role in the lives of God’s people. For this reason Prayer has always played an important role in the lives of God’s people.

5. God’s Faithful Have Always Been Devoted to Prayer Abraham: Called “the friend of God” (Js. 2:23). Abraham: Called “the friend of God” (Js. 2:23). His communication with God was frequent and personal. His communication with God was frequent and personal. Gen. 12:1ff; 18:22 Gen. 12:1ff; 18:22 David: “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). David: “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). From the time of his youth he wrote psalms, many of which were prayers to God. From the time of his youth he wrote psalms, many of which were prayers to God. He is noted for his constant devotion to God: in times of peace and prosperity, times of turmoil, and in repentance (Ps. 51). He is noted for his constant devotion to God: in times of peace and prosperity, times of turmoil, and in repentance (Ps. 51). By the same faith with which he conquered Goliath he constanly offered prayers to God. By the same faith with which he conquered Goliath he constanly offered prayers to God.

6. God’s Faithful Have Always Been Devoted to Prayer Jesus: The Son of God—who is God. Jesus: The Son of God—who is God. While in heaven He had constant communication with the Father (Phil. 2:6) While in heaven He had constant communication with the Father (Phil. 2:6) It was no different when He was on the earth, for He continually prayed to the Father! It was no different when He was on the earth, for He continually prayed to the Father! He is our example: Luke 6:12; 5:16; 1 John 2:6 He is our example: Luke 6:12; 5:16; 1 John 2:6 He first called the Father “Abba” (Mk. 14:36): through Him we too draw near as children; through prayer we draw near with our hearts. He first called the Father “Abba” (Mk. 14:36): through Him we too draw near as children; through prayer we draw near with our hearts. Paul: Acquainted with great turmoil, but filled with the peace of God because of prayer: Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 1:3 Paul: Acquainted with great turmoil, but filled with the peace of God because of prayer: Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 1:3

7. Are You One of God’s Faithful The example of God’s faithful is set for us to follow: The example of God’s faithful is set for us to follow: 1 Thess. 5:16-18: Pray without ceasing 1 Thess. 5:16-18: Pray without ceasing Phil. 4:6-7: In everything by prayer and supplication Phil. 4:6-7: In everything by prayer and supplication Rom. 12:12: Continue steadfastly in prayer Rom. 12:12: Continue steadfastly in prayer Eph. 6:18: Praying always Eph. 6:18: Praying always Col. 4:2: Continue earnestly in prayer Col. 4:2: Continue earnestly in prayer 1 Pet. 4:7: Watchful in your prayers. 1 Pet. 4:7: Watchful in your prayers. Such prayers were characteristic of the New Testament church: Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:23-30; 12:5 Such prayers were characteristic of the New Testament church: Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:23-30; 12:5 Where does prayer fit into your life? Where does prayer fit into your life?

8. Conclusion This lesson is not for teaching us how to pray, but to put in us the DESIRE to learn. This lesson is not for teaching us how to pray, but to put in us the DESIRE to learn. Effective fervent prayers require faith and conviction. Effective fervent prayers require faith and conviction. God’s faithful continually prayed to Him, and we see that their prayers were heard. God’s faithful continually prayed to Him, and we see that their prayers were heard. We are God’s children. It takes time to learn how to talk to Him, but as our Father He will listen if we will learn. We are God’s children. It takes time to learn how to talk to Him, but as our Father He will listen if we will learn.