What is Prayer?

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Topic # 455 (prayer)

Introduction:

A.     Faithful Christians are to be distinguished in their fervent petitions to heavens throne of grace/mercy.

1.      1 Thess. 5:17-18; Phil. 4:6

2.      It has been said: “prayer is the most abused right & neglected privilege that children of God have.”

3.      # 69 – What a Friend we Have in Jesus

a)      does our prayer life reflect real faith in the power & privilege of taking everything to God in prayer?

b)      What do we do first – when the problems of life confront us?

c)      An honest answer will help us see just how diligent we are about praying.

4.      Think this series a great way to start off the new year.

a)      let us renew our determination to utilize our great blessing of prayer.

b)      Prayer has been compared to a “golden key which, when kept bright by use, will unlock unto us the treasures of heaven.”

c)      Wds of # 69 – Oh what peace we often forfeit…

d)      I hope we will learn to pray about everything!

 

I.  Facts About Prayer in the Bible:

A.     Our attempt today will focus on need to define prayer.

1.      much said about prayer in both OT/NT.

a)      some 85 prayers recorded in OT.

b)      However – only explicit instructions concerning prayer in OT concerns the confession of sin.

1)      Lev. 5:5; 16:21; 26:40-42

B.      In NT – Christians not only told to confess – but they to pray for:

1.      enemies – Mt. 5:44

2.      to be heard/seen of God not men;

3.      for daily bread; not to be led into temptation

4.      & that sins might be forgiven – Mt. 6:5-15

C.     Remainder of today’s lesson – we will attempt to get a better idea of what exactly prayer is & what it involves.

 

II.  What is Prayer?

A.     Prayer = Sharing & Fellowship With God.

1.      Psa. 55:22-23

2.      not enough to possess simple knowledge of God as we live this life.

3.      We need times when we can get close w/God & concentrate our thoughts/attentions on Him.

a)      just like we do w/family and friends.

b)      Are we willing to sustain a relationship of trust w/God?

B.      Prayer = A Surrendering to God.

1.      Must surrender ourselves & our time to God.

2.      no such thing as a prayer w/o a person & time.

3.      Prayer = an acknowledgement that God is in control & that He can come to our aid when necessary!

a)         we not all powerful; all knowing.  Must learn to trust/depend upon God.  This = surrendering to Him.

4.      See Psa. 56:10-11; Heb. 2:13

C.     Prayer = Desire Expressed to God.

1.      Phillips Brooks: A prayer in its simplest definition is merely a wish turned heavenward.

a)         disclaimer:  believe that this wish must be a sincere yearning/desire of the heart.

b)         Put simply:  prayer = the desires of the heart expressed unto God.

c)         Let’s analyze this definition:

2.      Prayer involves desire: Rom. 10:1

a)         Paul expressed tremendous desire for the Jews to be saved.

b)         Shows his deep personal bond w/the people of his heritage.

c)         But note it is much more than simple desire:

3.      It is a desire expressed/addressed to God!

a)         Rom. 10:1 – Paul made his wishes of the salvation of Israel known to God.

b)         God must be addressed for our desires to be considered a prayer.

1)      prayer distinguished from other speech b/c it addressed to God.

2)      God = proper object of prayer b/c He is omniscient/omnipotent.

3)      Mt. 4:10 – prayer to be offered to deity alone b/c God is the exclusive object of all our worship!

4)      See also Phil. 4:6

D.    Prayer = Acknowledging & Praising God.

1.      Mt. 6:9-10; 13

2.      It is the acknowledging & praising God as being Sovereign & Majestic.  We acknowledge all things are subject to Him – forever.

 

III.  Types of Prayer:

A.      Think we can gain deeper insight into meaning of prayer by looking at terms in NT used to describe prayer.

1.        “Prayer” can be used in broad sense to include all various forms of prayer.

2.        OR, at other times prayer can be sued w/a more detailed meaning.

a)      see 1 Tim. 2:1; Phil. 4:6

B.       What is the difference between prayers & supplications?

1.        certain answer not known for sure.

a)       Weaver: prayer would include requests for fulfillment of needs that are always present.

1)      wisdom; understanding; greater faith; etc.

b)      Supplication could refer to requests made in specific situations.

1)      cure for illness; removal of persecution; salvation of someone, etc.

2)      of the 2 words – supplication takes on the meaning of a very strong request – much like our word beg.

C.      Intercession – 1 Tim. 2

1.        prayer to God on behalf of another.

2.        Basic idea of this word:  A “falling in with” or “A meeting where into converse freely.”

D.     Thanksgiving:

1.        involves a prayer of gratitude to God.

a)       see Psa. 75:1; 1 Tim. 4:4 – even our food is to be worthy of thanks.

2.        Must have a grateful heart that recognizes God as the giver of all good things.

3.        nothing should be taken for granted.

4.        Col. 2:7 – we must abound w/thanksgiving for all that God has done for us.

 

Conclusion:

A.     I hope that today’s lesson has helped give you a better idea of what prayer is.

1.      Let us endeavor to improve our prayer life.

2.      it will help us b/c stronger in Christ.

B.      Not Christian?  My prayer is that you consider what you need to do to get your life right b/f God.

C.     Already Christian?  My prayer is that you will strive to be faithful in all things.

D.    I N V I T A T I O N