1. Welcome

3. Questions about Prayer
What is the definition of Prayer ?
Talking to God
Rom. 10:1 “my hearts desire and prayer”
“A prayer is a wish turned heavenward.”
Expresses the desires of his heart to God.

4. God does not answer prayers of sinners !
Who can Pray ?
God’s People
1 Pet. 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.”
Jas. 5:16 “…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”
God does not answer prayers of sinners !

5. Christians should pray at all times !
How Often should we Pray ?
“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thes. 5:17
“Continue in prayer” - Col. 4:2
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Ps. 55:17
Christians should pray at all times !
Every day should begin and end with prayer
“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night. At night it is our covering; in the morning it is our armor.”

6. How Long should our prayers be ?
Some were short
David - 2 Sam. 7: = 2 or 3 min.
Elijah - 2 Kings 18:36-37 = 30 seconds
Solomon - 1 Kings 8:22-61 = 8 minutes
Disciples - Acts 1:24-25 = 15 seconds
Model prayer - Matt.6:9-13 = 30 seconds

7. How Long should our prayers be ?
Some were Long
Prophets of Baal - 1 Kings 18:27-38 = about 6 hours
Jesus - Luke 6:12 = prayed all night
Matt.23:14 “for a pretence make long prayers.”

8. Does God answer prayers today through Miracles ?
Miracle = an act of God superseding or suspending a natural law.
[1] If miracles have ceased then God cannot answer our prayers today.
[2] If God answers our prayers today it is because miracles continue today.

9. [1] If miracles have ceased then God cannot answer our prayers today.
Assumes all prayers are answered by miracles
In the days of miracles God answered by normal means
1 Kings James 5:17
Hannah - 1 Sam. 1
Acts 9 - Tabitha - Dorcas

10. [2] If God answers our prayers today it is because miracles continue today.
He did in times past
Miracles have ceased - 1 Cor. 13
God does answer our prayers today, but it is not through miraculous means !!

11. Why Pray if God’s will must be done ?
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:”
If God’s will must inevitably be done, why pray at all ?
God’s will is sometimes conditional upon man’s will !

12. Seasons Gravity Seeds Laws Are there limits to Prayer ?
Matt. 17:20 “... If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
God has limits on what we can do in prayer!
Seasons
Gravity
Seeds
Laws

13. Is prayer necessary since God knows All things ?
Does the omniscience of God make prayer unnecessary ?
God is all knowing
God knows all our needs
So why do we pray ?

14. Is prayer necessary since God knows All things ?
Matt. 7: James 4:1-3
God wants us to ask
We pray not to inform God of our needs
We pray because God does know and desires to answer

15. Questions about Prayer
Prayer is a wonderful Gift that God has given to His children.
Many questions about prayer can never be answered. But some can be answered.
Question for you?
Are your prayers heard ?

17. Nelson Chapel Church of Christ
5039 Six Mile Road
Maryville, Tn
July 22, 2018
Sermon by Arthur Pigman
2705 Druid Hill Dr.
Maryville, Tn
CCL