For What Should We Pray (1)

For What/Who Should We Pray? (1)

2001007

Subject: Prayer

Introduction:

A. Series on prayer continues. 2 More lessons after this.

1. Phil 4:6 says…

2. Every situation can be an occasion to pray. Hope this series helped you get in a better habit of praying on regular basis.

B. Bible has very little to say about what God’s people are NOT to pray for.

1. 1 Jhn. 5:16 – not to pray for bro/sis who has sinned unto death.

2. Jer. 7:16 – Jeremiah told not to pray for Israelites who turned against God.

3. Apart from references such as this – nothing said on the negative side of prayer.

4. Examples in 1 Jhn & Jeremiah emphasize that prayer is of no value unless it is accompanied by:

a) Repentance & sincerity

b) unselfishness & a knowledge of what is being asked.

C. Now – as to the things that we are to pray for – there is no short list.

1. NT points out a variety of things to pray for as we go to God in prayer with thanksgiving.

2. Today’s lessons are actually divided into 2 parts.

a) When praying for others – what should we pray for?

b) Tonight: what should we pray for when we pray for ourselves?

3. Hopefully, today’s lesson will help us as we pray publicly & privately.

a) Hardest thing sometimes: lead public prayer – try to be mindful of everything needing to be prayed for. Other times: don’t know what to pray for.

b) Find myself experiencing the same thing when it comes to private prayer as well.

D. After today – we need to take these suggestions/points to heart & pray on a regular basis.

E. What do we need to pray for when we pray for others?

I. We Must Pray for Our Enemies…

A. Mt. 5:43-48 – love here: a moral love.

1. Thayer: to be full of good will & exhibit the same. To wish will to; to regard the welfare of.

2. Jameson; Faucet; Brown: compassionate outgoing of desire for another’s good.

B. Optional matter described here? Hardly!

1. Although may seem impossible at times – we must work on it.

2. never get to the level of righteousness Jesus wants us to obtain if we can’t learn to love enemies in this way!

C. Jesus pointed the right way here in sermon on mount…

1. Followed through by demonstrating this in Lk. 23:34 – desired their ultimate good – salvation!

2. Acts 7:60 – Stephan followed through as he died.

D. Exhortation directed to all Christians to follow Christ’s lead:

1. 1 Pet. 2:21-24 – He is the ultimate example!

2. Let’s be sure to work at putting this to practice!

II. We Must Pray for Our Government Authorities!

A. See 1 Tim. 2:1-2

1. Note phrase on behalf of all men. Includes leaders who immoral & against the cause of Christ.

2. Why so important? See Rom. 13:1-7. See 13:1 – leaders put there by God!

B. Brethren: God is in control!

1. He MUST be involved in such affairs – or it would be useless to pray with regard to them!

2. Even though we can’t possibly understand what God has in mind in allowing leaders He does, we must accept it as His will!

3. Remember also: Prayers/votes do make a difference! Let’s get involved!

C. 1 Pet. 2:13-17 – must submit to governmental authorities – 2:13

1. This is God’s will – 2:15

2. Must honor all people – 2:17

III. We Must Pray for the Sick.

A. Js. 5:13-16

1. FOA, prayer is appropriate in all kinds of trials – 5:13.

a) suffering (afflicted) here refers to “suffering hardship.” Other passages describing hardship: 2 Tim. 2:9; 2:3; 4:5; Js. 5:10)

2. 5:14 – sick is more specific in that it refers to physical sickness.

a) literally “weak” or “to be w/o strength.”

B. Weaver: “sick” person in 5:14 – not just any physical sickness – but rather a person under the burden of bodily suffering who suffers spiritually – being tempted in his faith.

1. This why we see not only statements concerning bodily healing – but references to confession & repentance & forgiveness of sins.

2. 5:15 – “restore one who sick” refers to physical healing. KJV/ASV uses “save” here. Again – many feel this refers to physical healing – not just spiritual healing.

3. 5:16 – same true here. Reason why James introduces confession/forgiveness here is that the one who ill & also in sin must receive forgiveness

a) lest his sin stand between him & being healed.

C. We do a good job of praying for the sick w/in this congregation. We do good job in looking after needs of sick. Keep on keeping on!

IV. We Must Pray for the Salvation of Others.

A. Hear us mention this in public prayers! Great! We need to pray that men will seek forgiveness found only through Christ.

1. Rom 10:1 – Paul prayed this way.

2. Lk. 23:34 – Jesus prayed that God would forgive those who crucified Him.

a) of course – they would need to repent & seek forgiveness. 2 Pet. 3:9 – God wishes ALL come to repentance!

b) Heb. 5:7-9 – salvation conditional on man’s part!

B. Need to pray that hearts of men be open/receptive to gospel! Pray continually for this!

1. live in country where many/majority close minded about religion. Mind made up before even start to talk!

2. Brethren…God hears & will answer our prayers!

V. We Must Pray for Spiritual Growth & Progress of the Gospel.

A. Paul often prayed for His brethren – and requested their prayers for Him.

1. 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1; see also Heb. Writer – 13:18-19

B. Note the other things Paul requested prayer for:

1. Phil. 1:9-10 – for spiritual growth of brethren

2. Eph. 6:19 – prayed that he would speak with boldness

3. Col. 4:3 – that doors of opportunity would be opened to Him

C. We need to pray for success of work here in Rapid.

1. not only pray for success but believe in success!

2. not only must we believe in success – but be ready for success!

D. Note Paul’s request in Rom. 15:30-33.

VI. We Must Pray for Strength & Forgiveness.

A. When we pray – let’s look out for others. Note Paul’s prayer in Eph. 3:14-17.

1. A good idea: pray specifically for brethren!

a) Directory

b) Boost to know that you are praying on my behalf.

c) Include – every single member of this congregation!

2. Utilize prayer list – Thanks to C. Terry for compiling this list.

a) do this on daily basis!

b) Will help bring us closer together!

B. Need to pray that we grow up in Christ. That we will continually grow stronger. Note these examples:

1. Lk. 22:32 – Jesus prayed for Peter…. that his faith would not fail.

2. If we know bro/sis struggling: get on knees & pray for them!

3. Don’t be bashful – tell someone your praying for them!

C. If bro/sis falls into sin – pray for them! Acts 8:22-24 – Peter dealing with Sorcerer.

1. we have bro/sis fallen away from God that were part of this congregation. Are we diligently praying that their hearts be opened to the truth?

2. Let’s renew our emphasis on this matter!

Conclusion:

A. This list is not meant to be exhaustive in our prayers/intercessions for others.

1. But it does give us a good place to start!

2. How often do we pray for others? Today is a good day to start!

B. Let us use prayer as a tool to help bring each one of us closer together!

C. Not a Christian? I’m praying that your heart may be opened to the gospel.

1. God wants you to be saved!

2. He sent His son on YOUR behalf.

3. Obey the gospel today!

D. Already a Christian? I’m praying that you will be strengthened. Have sin? Need prayer? Take advantage of today’s invitation.

E. I N V I T A T I O N



For What/Who Should We Pray? (1) 2001007 Subject: Prayer Introduction: A. Series on prayer continues. 2 More lessons after this. 1. Phil 4:6 says… 2. Every situation can be an occasion to pray. Hope this series helped you get in a better habit of praying on regular basis. B. Bible has very little to say about what God’s people are NOT to pray for. 1. 1 Jhn. 5:16 – not to pray for bro/sis who has sinned unto death. 2. Jer. 7:16 – Jeremiah told not to pray for Israelites who turned against God. 3. Apart from references such as this – nothing said on the negative side of prayer. 4. Examples in 1 Jhn & Jeremiah emphasize that prayer is of no value unless it is accompanied by: a) Repentance & sincerity b) unselfishness & a knowledge of what is being asked. C. Now – as to the things that we are to pray for – there is no short list. 1. NT points out a variety of things to pray for as we go to God in prayer with thanksgiving. 2. Today’s lessons are actually divided into 2 parts. a) When praying for others – what should we pray for? b) Tonight: what should we pray for when we pray for ourselves? 3. Hopefully, today’s lesson will help us as we pray publicly & privately. a) Hardest thing sometimes: lead public prayer – try to be mindful of everything needing to be prayed for. Other times: don’t know what to pray for. b) Find myself experiencing the same thing when it comes to private prayer as well. D. After today – we need to take these suggestions/points to heart & pray on a regular basis. E. What do we need to pray for when we pray for others? I. We Must Pray for Our Enemies… A. Mt. 5:43-48 – love here: a moral love. 1. Thayer: to be full of good will & exhibit the same. To wish will to; to regard the welfare of. 2. Jameson; Faucet; Brown: compassionate outgoing of desire for another’s good. B. Optional matter described here? Hardly! 1. Although may seem impossible at times – we must work on it. 2. never get to the level of righteousness Jesus wants us to obtain if we can’t learn to love enemies in this way! C. Jesus pointed the right way here in sermon on mount… 1. Followed through by demonstrating this in Lk. 23:34 – desired their ultimate good – salvation! 2. Acts 7:60 – Stephan followed through as he died. D. Exhortation directed to all Christians to follow Christ’s lead: 1. 1 Pet. 2:21-24 – He is the ultimate example! 2. Let’s be sure to work at putting this to practice! II. We Must Pray for Our Government Authorities! A. See 1 Tim. 2:1-2 1. Note phrase on behalf of all men. Includes leaders who immoral & against the cause of Christ. 2. Why so important? See Rom. 13:1-7. See 13:1 – leaders put there by God! B. Brethren: God is in control! 1. He MUST be involved in such affairs – or it would be useless to pray with regard to them! 2. Even though we can’t possibly understand what God has in mind in allowing leaders He does, we must accept it as His will! 3. Remember also: Prayers/votes do make a difference! Let’s get involved! C. 1 Pet. 2:13-17 – must submit to governmental authorities – 2:13 1. This is God’s will – 2:15 2. Must honor all people – 2:17 III. We Must Pray for the Sick. A. Js. 5:13-16 1. FOA, prayer is appropriate in all kinds of trials – 5:13. a) suffering (afflicted) here refers to “suffering hardship.” Other passages describing hardship: 2 Tim. 2:9; 2:3; 4:5; Js. 5:10) 2. 5:14 – sick is more specific in that it refers to physical sickness. a) literally “weak” or “to be w/o strength.” B. Weaver: “sick” person in 5:14 – not just any physical sickness – but rather a person under the burden of bodily suffering who suffers spiritually – being tempted in his faith. 1. This why we see not only statements concerning bodily healing – but references to confession & repentance & forgiveness of sins. 2. 5:15 – “restore one who sick” refers to physical healing. KJV/ASV uses “save” here. Again – many feel this refers to physical healing – not just spiritual healing. 3. 5:16 – same true here. Reason why James introduces confession/forgiveness here is that the one who ill & also in sin must receive forgiveness a) lest his sin stand between him & being healed. C. We do a good job of praying for the sick w/in this congregation. We do good job in looking after needs of sick. Keep on keeping on! IV. We Must Pray for the Salvation of Others. A. Hear us mention this in public prayers! Great! We need to pray that men will seek forgiveness found only through Christ. 1. Rom 10:1 – Paul prayed this way. 2. Lk. 23:34 – Jesus prayed that God would forgive those who crucified Him. a) of course – they would need to repent & seek forgiveness. 2 Pet. 3:9 – God wishes ALL come to repentance! b) Heb. 5:7-9 – salvation conditional on man’s part! B. Need to pray that hearts of men be open/receptive to gospel! Pray continually for this! 1. live in country where many/majority close minded about religion. Mind made up before even start to talk! 2. Brethren…God hears & will answer our prayers! V. We Must Pray for Spiritual Growth & Progress of the Gospel. A. Paul often prayed for His brethren – and requested their prayers for Him. 1. 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1; see also Heb. Writer – 13:18-19 B. Note the other things Paul requested prayer for: 1. Phil. 1:9-10 – for spiritual growth of brethren 2. Eph. 6:19 – prayed that he would speak with boldness 3. Col. 4:3 – that doors of opportunity would be opened to Him C. We need to pray for success of work here in Rapid. 1. not only pray for success but believe in success! 2. not only must we believe in success – but be ready for success! D. Note Paul’s request in Rom. 15:30-33. VI. We Must Pray for Strength & Forgiveness. A. When we pray – let’s look out for others. Note Paul’s prayer in Eph. 3:14-17. 1. A good idea: pray specifically for brethren! a) Directory b) Boost to know that you are praying on my behalf. c) Include – every single member of this congregation! 2. Utilize prayer list – Thanks to C. Terry for compiling this list. a) do this on daily basis! b) Will help bring us closer together! B. Need to pray that we grow up in Christ. That we will continually grow stronger. Note these examples: 1. Lk. 22:32 – Jesus prayed for Peter…. that his faith would not fail. 2. If we know bro/sis struggling: get on knees & pray for them! 3. Don’t be bashful – tell someone your praying for them! C. If bro/sis falls into sin – pray for them! Acts 8:22-24 – Peter dealing with Sorcerer. 1. we have bro/sis fallen away from God that were part of this congregation. Are we diligently praying that their hearts be opened to the truth? 2. Let’s renew our emphasis on this matter! Conclusion: A. This list is not meant to be exhaustive in our prayers/intercessions for others. 1. But it does give us a good place to start! 2. How often do we pray for others? Today is a good day to start! B. Let us use prayer as a tool to help bring each one of us closer together! C. Not a Christian? I’m praying that your heart may be opened to the gospel. 1. God wants you to be saved! 2. He sent His son on YOUR behalf. 3. Obey the gospel today! D. Already a Christian? I’m praying that you will be strengthened. Have sin? Need prayer? Take advantage of today’s invitation. E. I N V I T A T I O N