Prayer …is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of the most misunderstood Bible subjects. Defined: to make request;

Prayer …is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of the most misunderstood Bible subjects. Defined: to make request; a wanting; a supplication.

Prayer 1. General word for any approach to God. 1. General word for any approach to God.

Prayer …is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of the most misunderstood Bible subjects. Defined: to make request; a wanting; a supplication. 1. General word for any approach to God. 2. Sometimes used as a synecdoche (a figure of speech in which a part isused for a whole) for all of worship – Matt. 21:13; Acts 16:13. 2. Sometimes used as a synecdoche (a figure of speech in which a part isused for a whole) for all of worship – Matt. 21:13; Acts 16:13.

Prayer  Many say they pray but feel their prayers go unanswered. However, many also have never considered God’s purpose or design for prayer.  Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No.  Godly people were occasionally given a “No” for answers to prayer, even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10).  God does not spoil His children as parents often today.  Overall, prayer is designed not to pet and pamper us in this life, but rather help us go to heaven and take others with us.

Prayer  Many say they pray but feel their prayers go unanswered. However, many also have never considered God’s purpose or design for prayer.  Prayer must be according to God’s will (I Jno. 5:14), which means God regulates it. It is possible to pray selfishly (James 4:2-3) & God will say, No.  Godly people were given a “No” for answers to prayer, even straight from God (II Cor. 12:7-10).  God does not spoil His children as parents often today.  Overall, prayer is designed not to pet and pamper us in this life, but rather help us go to heaven and take others with us.

Some Facts About Prayer: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21). 2. Will not change God’s revealed will (Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12). 3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27). 4. May or may not be answered positively (Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10). 5. Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's Lamp or spiritual parachute to save us from some difficulty. {Though God certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties –Phil. 4:6.}

Some Facts About Prayer: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21). 2. Will not change God’s revealed will (Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12). (Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12). 3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27). 4. May or may not be answered positively (Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10). 5. Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's Lamp or spiritual parachute to save us from some difficulty. {Though God certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties –Phil. 4:6.}

Some Facts About Prayer: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21). 2. Will not change God’s revealed will (Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12). 3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27). 4. May or may not be answered positively (Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10). 5. Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's Lamp or spiritual parachute to save us from some difficulty. {Though God certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties –Phil. 4:6.}

Some Facts About Prayer: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21). 2. Will not change God’s revealed will (Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12). (Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12). 3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27). 4. May or may not be answered positively (Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10). (Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10). 5. Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's Lamp or spiritual parachute to save us from some difficulty. {Though God certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties –Phil. 4:6.}

Some Facts About Prayer: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Misconceptions: 1. Will not substitute for obedience (Matt. 7:21). 2. Will not change God’s revealed will (Lk. 13:3; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 19:3-12). 3. Will not change God’s appointments (Heb. 9:27). 4. May or may not be answered positively (Matt. 7:7-11; II Cor. 12:7-10). 5. Should not be viewed merely as an Aladdin's Lamp or spiritual parachute, 911 spiritual hotline to save us from some difficulty. {Though God certainly desires our prayers at all times, including difficulties –Phil. 4:6.}

Some Facts About Prayer: 2. Acceptable Prayer should: 2. Acceptable Prayer should: 1. Be sincere, believing God will hear & answer (Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8). 2. Be in harmony with God’s revealed will (I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42) 3. Recognize Jesus’ mediatorial role (Jno. 14:6,13; 15:7; Eph. 5:20;Heb. 7:23-25; I Pet. 2:5). 4. Be offered by righteous people (I Pet. 3:12; James 5:16-18; Prov. 28:9; Is. 59:1-2).

Some Facts About Prayer: 2. Acceptable Prayer should: 2. Acceptable Prayer should: 1. Be sincere, believing God will hear & answer (Heb. 10:22; Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:5-8). 2. Be in harmony with God’s revealed will (I Jno. 5:14; Lk. 22:42) 3. Recognize Jesus’ mediatorial role (Jno. 14:6, 13; 15:7; Eph. 5:20; Heb. 7:23-25; I Pet. 2:5). 4. Be offered by righteous people (I Pet. 3:12; James 5:16-18; Prov. 28:9; Is. 59:1-2).

Some Facts About Prayer: 3. Jesus gave examples of prayer for us to follow: 3. Jesus gave examples of prayer for us to follow: 1. Planned for longer & private prayer (Mk. 1:35; Matt. 6:5-6). 2. Prayed before & about decisions of great importance (Lk. 6:12ff ).

God’s revealed Will found in His Word Man’s desires, intents, often worldly, selfish. God’s willingness to give us good things lavishly depends on our cooperation with Him (Eph. 3:20). Matt. 7:7-11 is connected to the rest of the “Sermon” as well as everything else God says about prayer & what He wants us to be (I Jno. 3:22; 5:14). The more our will coincides with God’s, the more likely He will answer positively our requests. He will always give what is best for those who seek Him. -Poor in spirit -Mourn over sin -Meek -Hunger & thirst for righteousness -Merciful -Pure in heart -Peacemakers -Willing to be persecuted for doing right - Concerned about influence - Concerned about influence - Doing & teaching God’s will -Self-controlled, staying pure -Life of selfless love in marriage -Truthful, not vengeful, love for everyone -Seeking spiritual matters 1 st Romans 1:10-11; 15:32  Granted See Philippians

Acts 15:36 – 18:22

Letter Writing Begins w/2 nd Journey, from Corinth I Thessalonians II Thessalonians

Acts 15:36 – 18:22 Acts 18:23 – 21:16

Acts 15:36 – 18:22 Acts 18:23 – 21:16 Letter Writing continues w/3 rd Journey, from Ephesus (I Cor.), Macedonia (II Cor., Gal.), & Corinth (Romans).

Acts 15:36 – 18:22 Acts 18:23 – 21:16 Letter Writing continues w/3 rd Journey, from Ephesus (I Cor.), Macedonia (II Cor., Gal.), & Corinth (Romans). Approx. A.D. 58

Paul’s journey to & imprisonment in Rome Acts 27 -- 28

Paul’s journey to & imprisonment in Rome Acts 27 -- 28 Letter Writing continues from Rome with Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, & likely Hebrews

Paul’s journey to & imprisonment in Rome Acts 27 -- 28 Letter Writing continues from Rome with Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, & likely Hebrews Approx. A.D. 61-63

God’s revealed Will found in His Word Paul’s desire & prayer to help the Romans spiritually was answered many times over what he originally asked! Phil. 1:12-14; 4:22 alwaysbest The more our will coincides with God’s, the more likely He will answer positively our requests. He will always give what is best for those who seek Him. -Poor in spirit -Mourn over sin -Meek -Hunger & thirst for righteousness -Merciful -Pure in heart -Peacemakers -Willing to be persecuted for doing right - Concerned about influence - Concerned about influence - Doing & teaching God’s will -Self-controlled, staying pure -Life of selfless love in marriage -Truthful, not vengeful, love for everyone -Seeking spiritual matters 1 st Rom. 1:10-11  granted (see Philippians) Took approx. 5 years!

Great Benefits of Prayer: 1. We have audience with the Creator & Sovereign Ruler of the Universe who cares for us individually (I Pet. 5:6-7; Phil. 4:6) ! 2. Reminds us of who we are & who God is (Matt. 6:8 –our need!) --will help “godliness” (a Godward attitude) 3. Will help keep us the way we should be toward others (Matt. 5:43-45).

Great Benefits of Prayer: 4. Will keep us in a right relation with God (Matt. 6:5-15) A. 3 Requests for others: 1. “Hallowed be thy name” – universal reverence for & worship of God. – universal reverence for & worship of God. 2. “Thy Kingdom come” – that people obey the gospel, that it spread. 3. God’s will be done in everyone’s life!

Great Benefits of Prayer: 4. Will keep us in a right relation with God (Matt. 6:5-15) A. 3 Requests for others. B. 3 Requests for ourselves: 1. Daily bread. -- necessities. 1. Daily bread. -- necessities. 2. Forgiveness of past sins. 2. Forgiveness of past sins. 3. Lead us not into temptation -- Concern for spiritual oneness w/God in the future. 3. Lead us not into temptation -- Concern for spiritual oneness w/God in the future.

When Should We Pray? 1. Examples from godly men (Ps. 55:17) -- morning, noon, & evening -- morning, noon, & evening 2. Examples of Jesus --a great while before day & privately 3. Brief “arrow” prayers Neh. 2:1-5; Acts 16:25; 20:13(?)

 While Prayer is a Privilege, prayer will not save anyone who is not a Christian (Jno. 9:31).  It can not substitute for one’s obedience to the gospel (II Thess. 1:7-9).  While prayer is a condition for one who is a Christian to be forgiven of sin (Acts 8:22), it will not take the place of repentance or confession (Acts 8:22; I Jno. 1:9).

Summarized, The more our will coincides with God’s revealed will, the more likely He will positively and providentially answer our requests. However, if we truly seek Him, He will always give what is best for us eternally, even if we do not know what it is. However, if we truly seek Him, He will always give what is best for us eternally, even if we do not know what it is.

Questions: 1.A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered any prayer he has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14]

Questions: 1.A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered any prayer he has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14] 2.A godly Christian wife and mother of two teenage sons develops cancer. She is in her early 40’s. First, is it Scriptural to pray that she regain health? (Scripture?_____) Second, what should be the most important thing asked for in prayers relative to this person? [Scripture? _______________] Third, after many Christians have prayed much, she still dies. A skeptic asks how could a good God let something so bad happen to a good family. How would you answer? (Scripture?)

Questions: 1.A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered any prayer he has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14] 2.A godly Christian wife and mother of two teenage sons develops cancer. She is in her early 40’s. First, is it Scriptural to pray that she regain health? (Scripture?_____) Second, what should be the most important thing asked for in prayers relative to this person? [Scripture? _______________] Third, after many Christians have prayed much, she still dies. A skeptic asks how could a good God let something so bad happen to a good family. How would you answer? (Scripture?) 3.A family has a wayward child. Prayer to God is made that this person be restored. Is there anything else that should be done? (Scripture? ___________)

Questions: 1.A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered any prayer he has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14] 2.A godly Christian wife and mother of two teenage sons develops cancer. She is in her early 40’s. First, is it Scriptural to pray that she regain health? (Scripture?_____) Second, what should be the most important thing asked for in prayers relative to this person? [Scripture? _______________] Third, after many Christians have prayed much, she still dies. A skeptic asks how could a good God let something so bad happen to a good family. How would you answer? (Scripture?) 3.A family has a wayward child. Prayer to God is made that this person be restored. Is there anything else that should be done? (Scripture? ______________________) 4.A gospel preacher has lived the majority of his adult life in faithful service to the Lord. He is 83 years of age and has a terminal illness. What is most important to pray for? Scripture?____

Questions: 1.A young person says that he can’t see how God has ever answered any prayer he has ever given. How would you answer? [hint: keep in mind Jas. 4:2-3; I Jno. 5:14] 2.A godly Christian wife and mother of two teenage sons develops cancer. She is in her early 40’s. First, is it Scriptural to pray that she regain health? (Scripture?_____) Second, what should be the most important thing asked for in prayers relative to this person? [Scripture? _______________] Third, after many Christians have prayed much, she still dies. A skeptic asks how could a good God let something so bad happen to a good family. How would you answer? (Scripture?) 3.A family has a wayward child. Prayer to God is made that this person be restored. Is there anything else that should be done? (Scripture? ______________________) 4.A gospel preacher has lived the majority of his adult life in faithful service to the Lord. He is 83 years of age and has a terminal illness. What is most important to pray for? Scripture?____ 5.A 96 year old Christian woman has had dementia for several years. What is most important to pray for? Scripture? __________

Prayer …is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of the most misunderstood Bible subjects. Defined: to make request;

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Prayer …is one of the most discussed & commonly performed acts of worship, yet likely one of the most misunderstood Bible subjects. Defined: to make request;

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