Teaching Documents

Thursday 10 21 2021

GOD SEEKS INTERCESSORS

EZEKIEL 22:30

Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

In The Old Testament times, God had among His people intercessors to whose voices He had listened and given deliverances. In Isaiah 59 we read of a time of trouble when God sought for an Intercessor but found none. Isa. 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. And He wondered! Think of what that means-the amazement of God that there was no one that loved the people enough or who had enough faith in the power to deliever, that He would intercede on their behalf. If there had been an intercessor, God would have given delieverence; without an intercessor, His judgements came down. (Ez. 22:30)

Of what infinite importance is the place of intercessor holds in the Kingdom of God! Is it not indeed a matter of wonder that God should give men such power, and yet there are so few who know what it is to take hold of His strength and pray down His blessings on the world.

Let us try to realize this position. When God had in His Son worked out a new creation and Christ had taken His place on the Throne, the work of the extension of His kingdom was given into the hands of men. All that Christ was to do in heaven was to be in fellowship with His people on earth. In His divine condescension, God has willed that the working of His Spirit will follow the prayers of His people. He waits for their intercession that shows the preparation of their hearts—where and how much of His Spirit they are ready to receive.

God rules the world and His church through the prayers of His people. God calls for intercessors; in His grace He has made His work dependent on them; He waits for them.

Our Father, open our eyes to see that You invite your children to have part in the extension of Your kingdom by their faitfulness in prayer and intercession. Give us such and insight into the glory of this holy calling, so that with our whole hearts we may yield ourselves to its blessed service. Amen.

Thursday 10 28 2021

7 ways the Holy Spirit Helps us in our Prayer Life

Romans 8:26,27

Ro 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1.He Helps our Will to Pray Rom.8:5-8

Ro 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

2. He helps our bodies in time of Prayer Rom.8:10,11

Ro 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

3. He helps in our Request Rom.8:26

4. He brings us into access of the Father Eph. 2:18

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

5. He helps us in our asking Rom.8:26

6. He works for all to work out for Good Rom.8:28

Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

7. He helps us have the victory Rom.8:31,21

Ro 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Thursday 10 28 2021

Will you be an Intercessor

Jeremiah333.us

Isaiah 62:1-6

Isa 62:6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

We read how God is concerned about His people, the state they have found themselves. I believe that we as God’s people should have a deep concern over the condition of the church and over our loved ones in our lives. Isaiah has a burdened heart, broken over the state of the remnant of God’s people.

Isaiah is pleading with the people to remember how merciful and good God has been to them. Dear friend we must remember that the church of God are a Holy people. God dwells in His people. He reminds us to pray for Revival and encourage others to do the same.

Will you not join us today to pray ?

I. What is Intercessory Prayer ?

A. When one prays for others, especially on their behalf or pleading

for another, it is known as Interceding or intercessory prayer.

B. When we intercede for others it takes our strength to be able to

do this, and make no mistake it takes time.

C. When we intercede for the lost, we are interceding for their soul.

Our enemy (Satan wants to destroy them and all that pertains in their lives)

D. When we pray for our loved ones that are saved, we must

remember Satan hates God, and hates His people. We are

stopping Satan’s plan in their lives.

E. When we intercede for individuals we are trying to deliver their

ever dying eternal souls from Hell!

Who do you know that will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire

Unless someone Intercedes for them?

F. We are standing in the Gap when we Intercede.

Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

II. What are the basis for being a Intercessor ?

A. We find it mentioned in Isaiah 59:16

Isa 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

B. WE find that God is looking for Upholders

Isa 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.

C. We also find that an Interceder is one who stands in the Gap

Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

III. What do I do now ?

A. Realize that there is a great need for Intercessors

B. Realize that God is seeking Intercessors (be willing to pray as He leads you & burdens you)

C. Volunteer your will to His Will to be an Intercessor

D. Ask the Spirit of God to lead you in this Great Ministry

video broke up so start from left and work to the right

Thursday 11-4-2021

CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE IN INTERCESSION

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Christ ”made intercession for the transgressors.” What did that mean to Him? Think of what it cost Him to pray that prayer effectively. He had to pour out His soul as an offering for sin, and He had to cry at Gethsemane, “Father, Your holy will of love be done.”

Think of what moved Him thus to sacrifice Himself to the very uttermost ! It was love for the Father, so that His holiness might be manifested, and His love for souls, so that they might be partakers of His holiness.

Think of the reward He won! As Conqueror of every enemy. He is seated at the right hand of God with the power unlimited and assured intercession. And He desires to ”see His seed” (Isa.53:10)

A generation of those who have the same mind as Himself, whom He can train to share in His great work of intercession.

And what does this mean to us, when we seek to pray for the transgressors That we, too, yield ourselves wholly to the glory of the holiness and the love of the Father, that we, too, say, ”God’s will be done, no matter what it may cost”; that we , too, sacrifice ourselves, even to pouring out our souls unto death.

The Lord Jesus has taken us up into a partnership with Himself in carrying out the great work of intercession. He in heaven and we on earth must have one mind, one aim in life; that we, out of love for the father and for the lost, consecrate our lives to intercession for God’s blessing. The burning desire of Father and Son for the salvation of souls must be the burning desire of our hearts too.

What a honor! What blessedness! And what a power for us to do the work because He lives and because, by His Spirit, He pours forth His love into our hearts (Rom.5:5)

Everlasting God of love, open our eyes to the vision of the glory of Your Son,who always lives to pray. Open our eyes to the glory of the grace that enables us to live in His likeness so that we may pray for the transgressors. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Thursday 11 11 21

Thursday 11 18 21

How to Pray For Unsaved Loved Ones

1Timothy 2:1-4 (School of Int. Prayer) 11-18-21

1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

How do we pray for our lost loved ones?
How many of you have lost loved ones ?
How many of us realize what their eternity could be?
How many have tried to witness to your loved ones?

I think we all must agree that we are to pray for all people

We must ask God to help us to intercede on their behalf

The Bible says we are to pray for those in authority

1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

So we are instructed to pray for the lost !
But we are also to pray for those who have drifted away
Many times they may appear that they are lost
Their lives may resemble a lost man
We love them and we see what’s up ahead of them
They do not understand the danger they are in

What is the Real Reason we Want our Loved Ones Saved ?

What is your reason for your loved One being saved ? This is a real important for those of us that are saved !

I have heard and talked with people over many years about why they are praying for a lost loved one to be saved.

One wife told me that she wanted her husband to be saved so he would come to church with her.
One young person told me that he wanted his mom and dad to be saved so they would not give him a hard time about church.
One woman said that she wanted her husband to be saved so he would not fuss and give her a hard time about going to church
One wife told me she wanted her husband saved because he gave her a hard time about dressing Godly
One says, He is always getting drunk, and I’m tired of it. He needs to be saved.

Whatever the reason as good as they may sound this is not the number one reason to want them to be saved !

You may think that the main reason for them being saved is that they will not go to Hell !

I believe the main reason is…….

1. That God is not receiving the Honor & Glory out of their lives !

Jesus Christ loved them so much that He endured the suffering and shame and all of its pain that His Father in Heaven would be pleased!

Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Joh 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Christ death was a sacrifice to God the Father
God’s wrath was deterred by the sacrifice Christ offered to Him
Christ offered up Himself ounce (Heb.7:27)

Hebrews 9:14-How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Christ death was a Sacrifice to God

2. It was a Submission to God (obedience)

3. It was a Substitution to God

{Christ was once to bear the sins of many

4. Christ death was a Satisfaction to God

5. Christ death was a Salvation to God- {So we could be saved}

Matt.10:28- He gave His life a Ransom for us !

He purchased us with His own blood

6. Christ death was the means of our sonship with God

This is talking about reconciliation Rom.5:10

{God’s anger and wrath has been satisfied by the death of Christ, all those who believe are welcomed to come into God’s Family !

So How do we pray for them ?

1. That God would get the Glory & Honor out of their lives in which He died

For them.

2. That God would remove the scales from their eyes- 2 Cor. 4:4

-the Bible says that the eyes of their hearts be enlightened-Eph.1:18

3. That they would come to the knowledge of the Truth. 2Tim.2:25

4. That God would soften their heart

5. That the Spirit of God would draw them

6. That God would give them another chance to hear and be saved.

7. That God would break the chains & barriers that have them bound.

8. That the Holy Spirit would convict them of their lost condition

Thursday 12-2-21

The School of Intercession Outline

Hebrews 5:7 Heb.4:14-16 Romans 12:1-2 12-2-21

1. Consecration means Sacrificial Living Rom.1

A. Sacrifice your Body

B. Sacrifice your Service (a living sacrifice)

C. It is a reasonable service (logical- Worship)

2. Consecration means a Separated Life Rom. 2

A. Paul was addressing the church & Christians

-running back to the world

-the world is shaping the church

B. Satan has convinced God’s people we don’t have to live

a separated life.

C. Renewing of the mind (brings proof)

D. Renewing of the mind by the Word of God

3. Consecration meant to Paul

A. The God that called Him (counted Him worthy)

B. The Grace that changed Him 2 Cor. 5:17

C. The Guarantee that Confronted Him Matt.28:19,20

D. The Gospel that compelled Him Acts 1:8

E. The Gain that consumed Him Phil.3:7-10

G. The Goal that challenged Him Rom. 1:14-15

Ro 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

THE SCHOOL OF INTERCESSION

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Christ, as Head of the church, is Intercession in heaven, we as members of His body, are partners with Him on earth. Let know one imagine that it cost Christ nothing to become an intercessor. He is our example because of the enormous price He paid. What do we read about Him? “Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. “ Notice the repeated expression to regard to the pouring out of His soul.

The pouring out of His soul is a divine meaning of intercession. Nothing less was needed if His sacrifice and prayer was needed if His sacrifice and prayer were to have power with God. This giving over of Himself to live and die so that He might save the perishing was a revelation of the spirit that has power to prevail with God.

If we as helpers and fellow laborers with the Lord Jesus are to share His power of Intercession, we need to have the travail of soul that He had, the same giving up of our life and its pleasures for the one supreme work of interceding for our fellowman. Intercession must not be a passing interest; it must become an ever growing object of intense desire, for which we long and live above everything else. (It is the life of consecration and self sacrifice that will indeed give power for intercession.)

The longer we study this blessed truth and think of what it means to exercise this power for the glory of God and the salvation of men, the deeper our conviction will become that it is worth giving up everthing to take part with Christ in His work of intercession.

Blessed Lord Jesus, teach us how to unite with You in calling upon God for the souls you have bought. Let your love fill us and all Your saints , so that we may learn to plead for the power of Your Holy Spirit to be made known. Amen.

Interceding for the Preacher

2 Thess.3:1

2Th 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

Paul said in Ephesians 6:18,19- Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, These expressions of Paul suggest the strength of his conviction that the Christians had power with God and that there prayers would bring new strength to him in his work. Paul had such a sense of the actual unity of the body of Christ, of the interdependence of each member—even the most honorable—on the life that flowed through the whole body, that he sought to rouse Christians for their own sakes and for his sake and for the sake of the kingdom of God, with this call: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Col.4:2,3.

The church depends on the ministry to the extent that we very little realize. The place of the preacher is so high—he is the steward of the mysteries of God, the ambassador for God to beseech men in Christ’s name to be reconciled to Him—that any unfaithfulness or inefficiency in him must bring a terrible plight on the church, how much more does the ministry in our day need them?

The preacher needs the prayers of his people. He has a right to them. He is dependent on them. It is his task to train Christians for their work of intercession on behalf of the church and of other churches. Let them plead for God for individual men and for special circles. Let them continue in prayer, so that ministers may be men of power, men of prayer, and men full of the Holy Spirit. Fellow Christians, pray for the preachers.

Our Father who is in heaven, we humbly ask You to arouse believers to a sense of their calling to pray for the preachers of the Gospel in the spirit of faith. Amen

Heading 6

Important Facts Every Intercessor needs to Remember
1 John 1:9

Part One

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Have you ever thought, “How can I pray when I know I’ve failed God?” The awareness of recent sin or even a remote memory can haunt the mind and cripple your confidence in prayer.

You will never feel guilt but that Satan, whom God’s Word labels as the accuser as well as the adversary, will hound our minds with added evidence of our unworthiness and, therefore, of my hopelessness if I do pray.

Can you hear him now ? “You’ve botched it up so badly, how can you seriously expect a hearing from God. You don’t deserve anything. You know it, and He knows it ! Why do you not just forget all this praying ?”

Even after He says those things to us some of us press on by that attack to the point we pray something, but the words when our minds have been bombarded by the guilt and condemnation have a way of falling to the floor. Absent is the sense of the creative power to speak boldly in simple trust to God of all of Heaven. We feel instead like someone who seeks an audience with the head of state of a nation whose flag we have just trampled.

WAIT JUST A MOMENT ! (Think clearly) What just changed ? Do you think for a moment that Satan’s nature would defend God’s Glory by urging us to keep our dirty distance ? He’s consistently opposed to my union with the Father. When Satan contest a believer on righteous grounds you can count on it there is a trap

somewhere. The truth starts to surface. Remember, God is the God of all Glory and the God of all Grace !

What you and I need to learn is how to handle our biggest obstacle to effective prayer : GUILT ! the sense of having failed and thereby being disqualified for bold approach. What do I do with this dirtiness that I feel like I’m carrying ?

Remember God is on our side. “This man companies with publican and sinners !”
God’s forgiveness is available and adequate because it cost and infinite price: the blood of Jesus. (Forgiveness is abundant !
His love is designed to prompt our praise and thanksgiving……

…. Our bold approach to His Throne, even when we have sinned.

Handling this dirtiness in the Throne Room is not accomplished by hiding it but openly acknowledging exactly what we know to be so.

Loving Father, My heart is filled with the Greatness of your love. I want to please you. I want to thank you for your precious blood that washes me and cleanses me that I may have access to your Throne. Thank you for your abundance of Grace. In Christ Holy name, Amen

The Degree of Excellence of a Intercessor

Ephesians 6:18

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

You have heard me say that I have always interceded for others since I have been saved
But this calling of being an intercessor is one that has more passion and longing to intercede than ever before.
I have prayed, I have fasted, I have plead with God, I have cried, I have had sleepless nights, I have rejoiced at answered prayer. I have asked God that He would get honor and Glory if He answered this prayer.
When God called me to be an intercessor I knew without a doubt that this would be a on going learning experience.
I was given a set of E.M. Bounds books by my friend Dr. Darrell Dunn
He asked me about my Prayer Life. (think about that)
The average Christian does not stop and evaluate their prayer time.
What an honor, what a privilege to be an Intercessor.

I wanted to list some qualities that an Intercessor has.

(Hannah) Persistence

1Sa 1:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

Persistent definition means-stubborn,continuence,resolution,constantly repeated
A quality of being persistent !

I believe that Hannah had this quality
Her prayer life was one that was persistent
God is not afraid of our prayers nor is He offended
God is faithful and will answer our prayers

We give up too soon (wait patiently on the Lord)

She meant business, went to the Temple & prayed
She cried, she poured her heart out to God
She gave God her all & her request

(Daniel) Empathy

Da 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

This is a quality which means……

The quality of being able to identify with others.

He understood the importance of praying for others.

He prayed & fasted for others because he understood that

They were in captivity because of their sins

He knew prayer would transform peoples lives !

He knew they had needs that were unmet in their lives

He prayed when they were unable to pray

King David (Trust in God)

David learned and knew that the Lord could be trusted
He was a warrior at heart- on battlefield & in the Spirit
Listen to some of His prayers

Ps 4:1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Ps 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Ps 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

He prayed for all occasions (he prayed about Keilah)
He prayed his way through the hard times and bad times
He prayed constantly for the guidance of God
He knew the God he served (just read some psalms)

4. Job (Reliability)

Job 42:8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

We usually do not think about Job when it comes to prayer
But we see him praying constantly for his family & others
He prayed for his family because He knew God was merciful
We learn from Job about repentance
Job prayed on their behalf (family and friends)
God looks for our availability .

Dr. Radar said…. “If a man can beat the devil in the matter of regular daily prayer, you can beat him anywhere !

5. Apostle Paul (Dedication)

I believe an intercessor must be committed to Christ.
If this be so then he will pray for others
There is no substitute for dedication.

Dr. Brooks said….. If a man is man and God is God,

To live without prayer is not merely an

awful thing; it is an infinitely a foolish thing.

Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Paul was constantly praying and asked to be prayed for
Paul prayed for opportunity & success in the ministry
Paul wanted to be in God’s perfect will
Paul wanted more grace, peace and love

One of the Biggest Challenges to Intercessory Prayer

Luke 18:1- And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Ro 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

One of the greatest drawbacks to the life of intercessory prayer is that the answer does not come speedily as we expect. We are discouraged by the thought, “Perhaps I did not prayer correctly,” and so we do not persevere in prayer. This was a lesson that our Lord taught often and urgently. If we look further into the matter, we can see that there may be a reason for the delay, and the waiting may bring a blessing to our souls. Remember Daniel, who waited 21 days for the answer to his prayer. (Read Daniel 10:1-15)

When we pray, our desires must grow deeper and stronger, and we must ask with the whole heart. God puts us into the school of intercessory prayer of perseverance. This is so that our weak faith may be strengthened.

Believe that there is a great blessing in the delayed answer to prayer.

Above all, God wants to draw us into closer fellowship with Himself. When our prayers are not answered, we learn to realize that the fellowship nearness and the love of God are more to us than the answers to our petitions, and we continue in prayer. What a blessing Jacob received through the delay of the answer to his prayer ! He saw God face to face and a prince he had power with God and prevailed. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Christians, listen to this warning. Do not be impatient or discouraged if the answer does not come. Rather, continue in prayer. ”Pray without ceasing.” You will find it an unspeakable blessing to do so. You may ask whether your prayer agrees with God’s Will and His Word. You may inquire if i9t is in the right spirit and in the name of Christ. Keep on praying, you will learn that the delay in the answer to prayer is one of the most precious means of grace that God can bestow on you. You will also learn that those who have persevered in intercessory prayer and pleading God’s promises are those who have had the greatest power with God in prayer.

For those of us who are intercessors understand these truths we can look back already what God has done, it encourages us to keep on praying. Just think, How exciting it is to our souls to see and hear how God answers our prayers.” Praise God!”

THE INTERCCESSOR AND THE PRAYER MEETING

Acts 1:12-14

Ac 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

The disciples returned to Jerusalem from Mount of Olives
They had just witnessed an event they would never forget
The ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven
There they received the Great Commission (go into all the world)
This is for every Christian to obey
Of course we can do nothing w/o the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 1:8

-not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord

The Lord gave the instructions and they headed back into town

-they returned to Jerusalementered into upper room

-here they gather to pray

Chapter 2 we see the empowerment of the Church by the Holy Spirit
We see them united in prayer (One Accord)

-if we ever see a spiritual awakening it will come by Prayer !

-God is not waiting for Gov.’t officials to come to Him

-God is not waiting for the world to come to Him

-GOD IS WAITING FOR US TO GET ON OUR KNEES !

He wants us to Repent !

There are several things I would like to point out about this prayer meeting !

They Prayed Obediently

Ac 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.1

Their obedience was immediately
Their obedience was joyful

Lu 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

Their obedience was full of expectancy

-they expected to see something when they returned

They Prayed Constantly

They continued

They Prayed in Unity

They were united by the Saviour

-united by His great power

B. They were united in a common quest

- Jesus said the coming of the Spirit

C. They were united in a common Goal

-the great Commission

-get the gospel to the world

Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Make disciples)

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mr 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The Intercessor and the Prayer Meeting

Acts 1:14, 2:4

Ac 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Ac 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The value of a genuine prayer meeting is enormous. There God’s children meet together, to lift up their hearts unitedly to God. By this means Christians are drawn closer to each other. Those who are weak are strengthened and encouraged by those who are more experienced.

The prayer meeting may become a great power for good in a congregation and a spiritual help to both the preacher and members. By means of intercession, God’s blessing is poured out at home and abroad.

But there are dangers to be considered. Many attend and are edified but never learn to pray themselves. Some go just for religious fervor and have a “form of godliness” but do not know the hidden life of prayer. Unless there is much prayer in the inner chamber, attendance at a prayer meeting may be a mere form.

It is a good thing to ask, “What constitutes a living prayer meeting?”

There should be hearty love and fellowship between the members. The leaders should realize how great the influence of a prayer meeting may be, with its roots nourished by the life of prayer in the inner chamber. Prayer should include God’s people and His church all over the world. Above all else there must be waiting on God for the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Dear reader, our goal is to help you in your spiritual life .Remember you are a part of the body of Christ. We must include all Christians in your intercession.

The hidden prayer life is inseparably bound with united prayer.

A TRUE MODEL OF INTERCESSION

Luke 11:5-8

Lu 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

We all have seen the power of prayer. It is the one power on earth that commands the power of heaven.The story of the early days of the church is God’s great object lesson—to teach His church what prayer can do. How we may draw down the treasures and powers of heaven into the life on earth.
Intercession is the most perfect form of prayer. In the prayer Christ prays on His throne let us learn what elements of true intercession are.

An urgent need.

A friend came at midnight. He was hungry and could not buy bread. If we are going to learn to pray properly, we must open our eyes and hearts to the need around us.

The willing love.

The friend took his weary, hungry friend into his house and into his heart. He did not excuse himself by saying he had no bread, even though it was at midnight. I am reminded of the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:4,5 The very nature of love takes their needs and makes them its own. I believe it is finding real joy in living and dying for others, as Christ did

The sense of impotence.

We often speak about the power of love. In one sense love does not have power itself, but this truth has its limitations which must not be forgotten. A mother might be willing to give her life for her dying child and yet not be able to save it. The friend was willing to give bread to his friend, but had none. It was a sense of impotence. This sense of impotence with God’s servants is thestrength of the life of intercession.

The faith in prayer.

What he does not have himself, another can supply. He has a rich friend near who will be both able and willing to give bread. He is sure if he only asks, He will receive.

The importunity that prevails.

The faith of the friend meets a sudden obstacle: the rich friend refuses to hear “I

Cannot rise and give thee”. His loving heart could not accept it. He presses his plea:

You are my friend and I have a need. This is the basis for our Intercession. We just

Cannot take no for the answer !

The certainty of a rich reward.

“I say unto you….because of his importunity he will….give himas many as he needeth. If we could only believe like that.. Those of us whowho pray must trust and believe. We need to take courage. This request will become joy and hope.

The model Intercessor is the model Christian worker. The secret of successful work is to give away daily what we ourselves are receiving from God. Intercession is the blessed link between our impotence and God’s omnipotence.

Prayer and Fasting

Mt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, 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.

21 Howbeit this kind goth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Our Lord here taught us that a life of faith requires both prayer and fasting. That is, prayer grasp the power of heaven, and fasting loosens the hold on earthly pleasure.

Jesus Himself fasted to get strength to resist the Devil. He taught His disciples that fasting should be in secret and that the

Heavenly Father would reward openly (Matt.6:6). Abstinence from food, or moderation in taking it, helps strengthen the soul for communion with God.

Let us learn this great lesson that abstinence, moderation, and self-denial in temporal things are a help to the spiritual life. After eating a hearty meal, one does not feel much desire to pray. To willingly sacrifice our own pleasure or bodily enjoyment, and to subdue the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, will help to set our minds more fully on heavenly things. The very exertion needed in over coming the desires of the flesh will give us strength to take hold of God in prayer.

The great lesson is this: our dullness in prayer comes from our fleshly desires for comfort and ease. Ga 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Prayer is not easy work. It may easily become a mere form. For the real practice of prayer, to really take hold of God and have communion with Him, it is necessary that all that can please the flesh is sacrificed and given over to death.

Beloved Christian, it is worth the trouble to deny ourselves daily, in order to meet the Holy God and receive heavenly blessings from Him.

God’s Clear Direction about Prayer & Fasting-*

Matt.6:16-18

Mt 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

1. Should Christians be Fasting in this Day & Age ? Lk. 4:1,2

A. Jesus gives us an example

B. Jesus said that they would fast after He was gone Matt. 9:14,15

C. Jesus taught them how to fast & please God Matt. 6:16-18

D. There are times when prayer needs to be joined with fasting

2. The examples of Fasting in the early church

A. The Brethren at Antioch Acts 13:1-3

B. The churches in Galatia Acts 14:21-23

3. The examples of Paul fasting as he ministered 2Cor. 11:23-28

Some fast for health reasons
Some fast in times of grief & sorrow
Some fast to gain self control

Christians Fast when seeking Divine Help !

OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS FASTED- David Fasted over sick loved ones

Daniel Fasted when seeking forgiveness

Ezra Fasted seeking God’s Protection

NEW TESTAMENT SAINTS FASTED- Jesus Fasted dealing with Temptations

Church at Antioch-serving the Church

Church at Galatia-selecting Elders

Fasting does…Humbles the Soul-Ps.35:13

Chastens the Soul- Ps.69:10

The Fast That Pleases God- Matt.6:16-18

The Prayer Life of an Intercessor (outline)

Matt. 6:9-13

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

I. Jesus prayed Intercessory prayers

He was ever praying for others

A. Jesus gave many instructions about prayer

B. Jesus gave Himself to prayer

C. Jesus taught us that God is over all.

D. Jesus gave us a command to pray

II. Peter & James gave us advice about how to handle Satan

A. Peter said to be Sober & Vigilant

B. James had this to say about the devil 1 Peter 5:8, James 4:7-8

III. Jesus Interceded for Us

A. He ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit Jn.14:16

B. He prayed for us Jn.17:19 Heb.7:25 Rom. 8:34

IV. Intercessory Prayer changes things

A. When you pray for others

B. We should be focused on what God wants

C. Let us be persistent in prayer

I believe Elijah was passionate

I believe Elijah was persistent

I believe Elijah was purposeful

I believe Elijah was powerful

GOD MOVED MIGHTILY

Jehovah Jireh (outline)

Genesis 22:14

Ge 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

I. God calls each believer to prove His faith

Ge 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

II. We must purpose in our hearts to trust God

Even when we don’t understand.

Ge 22:3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? {lamb: or, kid}

8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

III. The Lord see’s our faith & rewards us in His Time

Ge 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

The angel is the pre-incarnate OT
Abraham called that place Jehovah Jireh
The Lord will see & will provide

The Lord ever liveth to make intersession for us Heb.7:25

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

He [Holy Spirit] shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

John 16:14

When our Lord said to His disciples, “Lo, I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20), they did not at first understand or experience the full meaning of His words. It was at Pentecost, when they were filled with the Holy Spirit from heaven who brought down into their hearts the glorified Lord Jesus, that they began the new life in the joy of the abiding presence.

All our attempts to live this life of continuous, unbroken communion will be in vain unless we, too, yield ourselves wholly to the power and the indwelling of the ever blessed Spirit. Throughout the church of Christ, there is an apparent lack of faith in what the Spirit is as God, in what He can enable us to be, and in how completely He demands full and undisturbed possession of our whole beings. All our faith in the fulfillment of Christ glorious promises, especially that of the Father and Son making their abode in us (John 14:23), is subject to one essential and dispensable condition: a life utterly and unceasingly yielded to the rule and leading of the Spirit of Christ.

I hope no one will say, “The experience of Christ’s being with us every day and all day long is impossible.” Christ meant His words to be a simple and eternal reality. He meant the promises to be accepted as absolute divine truth: Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. But such truth can only be experienced where the Spirit, in His power as God, is known, believed in, and obeyed. What Christ spoke of in John 14 is what Paul testified of when he said, “Christ lives in me” (Gal.2:20), or as John expressed it, And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 1Jo.3:24.

Christ came as God to make known the Father, and the Spirit came as God to make known the Son to us.. We need to understand that the Spirit, as God, clainms absolute surrender and is willing to take possession of our whole beings and enable us to fulfill all that Christ ask of us. It is the Spirit who can deliver us from all the power of the flesh, who can conquer the power of the world in us. It is the Spirit through whom Christ Jesus will manifest Himself to us in nothing less than His abiding presence. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matt. 28:20

OUR COMFORTER

John 16:7,8

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: {reprove: or, convince}

I think every Intercessor should know as much as possible about the workings

of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

There is so much material given about Him that we will just talk about one area

which is He as Comforter.

I. The Holy Spirit is the believers Comforter.

A. Comforter means “one to run to our side and pick us up”

1Jo 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

The word advocate means “Comforter”
Jesus is our comforter and advocate.

B. When Jesus went to Heaven, He sent us another Comforter.

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

II. Jesus returns to Heaven to do His Work

A. To do His Work

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

B. He went to give the Holy Spirit His work to do

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C. As the comforter, the Holy Spirit helps our comforters.

Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

The Holy Spirit uses human instruments to do His comforting
The Holy Spirit at times will comfort you Himself
The Holy Spirit will empower & strengthen those who He sends to you.

III. The Holy Spirit brings things to your mind

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

A. The Spirit filled Christian may yield himself to the Holy Spirit

B. The Holy Spirit will give you what to say

C. The believer will enter the very work of the Spirit Himself

(as a tool to be a comforter)

Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

IV. Our Lord was our Comforter while He was here

A. He continues to comfort us on the right Hand of the Father

B. He sent the Holy Spirit to comfort us & do greater works can be done

C. Thank God you can talk to Him (the Holy Spirit)

D. He is with you, wherever you may be or go.

The Spirit of Prayer

“The spirit of the soul is in itself nothing else but a spirit breathed forth from the life of God, for the sole purpose that the life, nature, working, and inclinations of God might be manifested in it.

“The spirit of prayer is a pressing forth of the soul out of this earthly life; it is a stretching with all its desire after the life of God; it is a leaving as far as it can, all its own spirit, in order to receive a Spirit from above—to be one life, one love, one spirit with Christ in God. This prayer, which is an emptying of all its own natural desires and an opening of itself for the light and love of God to enter into it, is the prayer in the name of Christ to which nothing is denied. The love that God has for the soul—His eternal, never ceasing desire to enter into it, to dwell in it, and to open the birth of His Holy Word and Spirit in it—stays until the door of the heart opens for it. For nothing can keep God out of the soul, or hinder His holy union with it, except the heart that is turned away from Him.

“A will that is surrendered to worldliness is much like Nebuchadnezzar,’ who was driven from men and ate the grass like oxen.’ (Dan.4:33). Such a will has the same life as the beasts of the field, for earthly desires maintain the same life in a man and an ox. It is suitable for earthly food to be only desired and used for the support of the earthly food to be only desired and used for the support of the earthly body; but when the desire, the delight and the longing of the soul is set upon earthly things, then humanity is degraded, is fallen from God, and the life of the soul is made as earthly and animal as the life of the body.

Child of God, I pray that you will rise to a right conception of what it means that the eternal Father, by the Holy Spirit, breathes into us and is seeking to have His life, His nature, and His work revealed within us. In earthly things, we are not unwilling to make sacrifices for the objects of our desire. Will we not therefore begin, as never before, to make the knowledge, love, will, and pleasure of God the purpose of our study and our efforts? God is waiting to bless us, to reveal Himself to us, to fill us with His life, to use us for His glory, if we will simply yield ourselves to the life of continual dependence and adoration. We will then prove how possible it is for man to walk in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, living His life on earth every day in the love of the Father and to His glory.

The Spirit of Prayer-(outline)

Romans 8:26-27

Ro 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

I. The Promise & Fulfillment of Prayer

A. Old Testament promise concerning prayer Zech.12:10

B. Romans 8:15

II. Our Weakness and Prayer- Rom.8:26,27

A. Why are we so weak ?

B. What is the ministry of the H.S.to us in prayer ?

C. We are weak because of our enemies

D. We all are deficient in some way

III. The Holy Spirit helps us in Prayer

A. The test is not how He makes us pray better

But that He prays for us

B. He is our comforter (He prepares us,teaches us)

C. He knows what we should pray for

IV. The Spirit help in the matter of prayer

A. Rom. 8:26

- He intercedes for us in what we ask the Father for

-shoes, coat, suit, car etc.

Land I prayed for

The Communion of the Holy Spirit 1

2 Cor. 13:14

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

The word communion here is (having in common)
This way God made it to be that Christians may live in harmony.
They have something or some things in common.
One of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible is….

Mt 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

The word agree is where we get the word “symphony”.
When a believer is in tune with the Holy Spirit, we will be in tune with each other !
If we are in tune with Him, we will be in tune with each other.

I. We should be concerned about being in tune with

the Holy Spirit.

A. We have examples of this in scripture

Acts. 2:44, Acts 4:32, Acts 2:46

B. When we are in tune with Him, we will be in tune with

Other believers

C. We love the same Book,

D. We delight in fellowship with the Father

E. Walk in the Spirit

F. We enjoy the same songs He does

G. We walk in the light

1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1

II. WE as God’s Children should tune ourselves

with the Holy Spirit.

A. If every Christian would get in tune with the Holy Spirit we

would not have many troubles we are having.

1. Church arguments

2. Church Splits

3. We would not have church gossip

4. We would not have rumors spread

5. We would not have (critical natures running wild)

6. Slander on each other’s characters

7. Church members would love each other

B. Think of what it would do in a couples marriage.

1. Staying in tune with each other

2. Unnecessary fussing and fighting

III. We need to be in Tune with the Holy Spirit so

That we may be in Tune with Jesus

1Jo 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

A. Since the Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of being

Yielded to the Holy Spirit

When we are in tune with the Holy Spirit
We will be in tune with each other
We will be in tune with Him

B. We will be in Harmony with each other !

(God loves Harmony)

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The Communion of the Holy Spirit

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

When the Lord choice His twelve disciples, it was so” that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach”(Mark 3:14). A life in fellowship with Him was to be their preparation for the work of preaching.

The disciples were so deeply conscious of having this great privilege that when Christ spoke of His leaving them to go to the Father, their hearts were filled with great sorrow. The presence of Christ had become indispensable to them; they could not think of not being without Him. To comfort them, Christ gave them the promise of the Holy Spirit, with the assurance that they then would have Himself in His heavenly presence in a far deeper and more intimate sense than they ever had known on earth. Their first calling remained unchanged; to be with Him, to live in unbroken fellowship with Him, would be the secret of power to preach and to testify of Him.

When Christ gave them the Great Commission to- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt.28:19,20) He added the words, “Lo I am with you always ,even to the end of the world.

This principle holds good for all Christ’s servants for all time, as it did for the twelve disciples: without the experience of His presence always abiding with them, their preaching would have no power. The secret of their strength would be the living testimony that Jesus Christ was with them every moment, inspiring, directing, and strengthening them. It was this reality that made them so bold in preaching Him as the crucified One in the midst of His enemies. They never for a moment regretted His bodily absence; they had Him with them and in them. In the divine power of the Holy Spirit.

In everything that we do depends on a awareness through a living faith of the abiding presence of the Lord with His Servants. The living experience of the presence of Jesus is essential in preaching the Gospel. We need His Breath and His blessings. “Lo, I am with you alway.”

Prayer & the Holy Spirit in Divine Appointments-1

Acts 16:6,7 (Intercessory Prayer)

Ac 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

This subject tonight I have had several experiences concerning this subject
Those of us that are Intercessor’s need to get acquainted with it
Over these years since I was saved, I have had many Divine Appointments
It is a sad thing that some I did not realize what was happening
Oh how much God needs us !

Isa 14:27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Alexander Scott

It was the winter, (Dec. of 1977 in Louisville Kentucky. Visiting my bus route off of the outer loop. I had just been thrown out of a house where some kids were. I had made a promise to the Lord to visit 7 hours on my bus route. I had an hour left. I was discouraged. I’m going home. The H.S. reminded me of my promise and commitment. I went to a set of apartments off of Preston Hwy. The 3rd door opened. Big hairy man stepped out. Get in here ! sat down.

He came out with a Big Bible. He started crying. He got saved, door bell rang, son & his wife came in. They got saved. He gave me 60 $ for bus kids

God has a purpose for everyone of us !

A Divine Appointment for Phillip Acts 8:29

Ac 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and thyself to this chariot.(to be glued to him)

30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

H.S. is telling and leading him to this divine appointment

II. A Divine Appointment for Peter Acts 10:3-10

Peter is at a home near the sea side

Ac 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

Peter goes with the men to Joppa to meet Cornelius
Cornelius excepts Christ

III. A Divine Appointment for me.

General Hospital (Mr.Bus Man) Mr. Scott sent for me

Da 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Pr 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Character Traits of the Holy Spirit

Jn.16:7,8 6-30-22

Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: {reprove: or, convince}

I would like to remind us that the Spirit of God is a person
He is not an it, or solely an influence
He is a person which has (Characteristics)
Just because we cannot see Him doesn’t mean He’s not real
We can prove all this by the Word of God

The Holy Spirit’s Works manifest Personality

The Holy Spirit Speaks….

He said some will depart from the faith- 1Tim.4:1

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

The Spirit gave directions to Philip- Acts 8:29

Ac 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

He gave Peter charge over the Gentiles- Acts 10:19-20

Ac 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

He told the brethren at Antioch about Paul & Barnabas

Ac 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

The Holy Spirit Speaks
The Holy Spirit Teaches

He said He would teach the Apostles all things

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Jesus consistently refers to the H.S. as a “HE”

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The Holy Spirit bears witness

He testified of Jesus- Jn. 15:26,27

Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

The Apostles did bear witness of Jesus
The Holy Spirit also did the same
Remember the H.S. always points to Jesus
The H.S. never draws attention to Himself

The Holy Spirit guides, speaks, & Tells

He carried on the work of Christ

Joh 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Notice Jesus always refers to the H.S. as “He”

The Holy Spirit Forbids Acts 16:6,7

Ac 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

The Holy Spirit Intercedes Rom.8:26

Ro 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Just as Christ intercedes for us Rom.8:34
Ro 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

The Holy Spirit’s Works manifest Personality
The Holy Spirit Possesses Personal Characteristics

He has a Mind- Rom. 8:27

Ro 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (He thinks on His own)

He has knowledge 1Cor.2:11

1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

He Possesses Affection Rom. 15:30

Ro 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

He has a Will 1Cor. 12:11

1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

He the H.S. divided the gifts to each person

III. The Holy Spirit suffers personal Injuries

A. He can be grieved Eph. 4:30

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are

Sealed unto the day of redemption

He can be Blasphemed Matt. 12:31,32

Mt 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

He can be Insulted Heb.10:29

Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

He can be lied to Acts 5:3

Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

He can be Resisted Acts 7:51-53

Ac 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Keep in mind that He is a real person. He is not a thing, He is not a it, He is not some kind of floating cloud but He is a real person.

Dr. R.A. Torrey said……

All the distinctive marks or characteristics of personality are ascribed to the Holy Spirit in the Bible. The marks of personality are. knowledge, feeling, and will and any being who knows, thinks feels, and wills is a person whither He have a body or not.

(page 16-The Holy Spirit Who He is, and What He Does)

PRAYING PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE

1 Samuel 12:23 {Intercessor Class} 7-7-22

1Sa 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

- When comes to praying, this great Man of God encourages me much

- Samuel is a man that is known for praying continually .

- Samuel was known as the Mighty Intercessor for Israel.

Samuel was a product of his mother’s prayers

1Sa 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Samuel learned the business of Importunate Prayer

She poured out her soul

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

She would not take No for the answer

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord

Eli marked her mouth.

She Made a Covenant with God

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

III. Let us first dwell upon HIS HABIT OF INTERCESSION

Intercessory prayer is a benefit to the man who exercises it,

Ps 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

As Noah sent out the dove so that it returned

1Sa 12:19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.

Samuel brought about great deliverances for Israel
Samuel did not scold the people when they rejected him

1Sa 8:21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.

Samuel would not cease from praying no matter what

Unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand

Of the Philistines.

A. Samuel knew not to pray was a sin

1Sa 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

B. Samuel was hurt & grieved but he kept praying

C. Samuel had put his faith & trust in God to handle this.

-God told Samuel they were rejecting Him not Samuel

- 1Sa 8:7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto

The voice of the people in all they say unto thee, for they

Have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me,that I

Should not reign over them.

Samuel in HIS PERSEVERING INTERCESSION.

1Sa 15:11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Samuel was pouring out his soul

Samuel showed HIS SINCERITY IN INTERCESSION

He continues long after they reject God’s plan

1 Samuel 15:& 16.

Scripture says that the people feared God & Samuel

1Sa 12:18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

Samuel continued interceding after God was rejected

1Sa 19:18 So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.

19 And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.

20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

1Sa 19:21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.

23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

Great welch Revival

I have several books about this great Revival
When the fire fell-
Fire in the Thatch
Voices from the Welch Revival

Reporter was going to expose Evan Roberts

Abraham, The Intercessor

Genesis 18: 16-33 {Great people of Prayer} 7-14-22

When I spoke to children at camps Jr,Churches there were several

Several Bible characters I loved to preach about.

Abraham was one of them
Abraham was a great Intercessor !

-His intercession for Lot which was at Sodom maybe the 1st intercessory prayer in the Scriptures,

This is a remarkable prayer.
We see this Intercessor plead with God on others behalf.

-this is what an intercessor does

Ge 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

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26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:

28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.

30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.

32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

Abraham was such a man that could move God that could move the Forces of Nature !
Abraham was a great Intercessor.(pleads on the behalf of others)
Let us look at a few things about this great Intercessor

THE INTERCESSOR PLEASES GOD

God is pleased to see Abraham cared for others to plead

For others.

There are so many people who never get a chance to

Experience the mercy of God & get a 2nd chance.

God is moved with love and compassion

He is open to compromise (don’t sound right does it ?)
He is moved by Abraham’s intercession

He starts at 50, 45, 40, on down to 10

A Intercessor makes a big difference

Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Abraham cared enough to plead for these sinners

Plead for the guilty

Abraham said, Shall not the God of all the earth do right ?

God has no pleasure of the death of the wicked

He is always looking for a way for victory
He sent His Son to die for sins of this world

The Intercessor gives God the basis for mercy

He is patient
He is looking for Intercessor’s

The verses that God gave us when He called me into this is…

1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

THE INTERCESSOR PLEASES GOD
THE INTERCESSOR IMPACTS MAN

It may appear that Abraham’s prayers wasn’t answered

- actually, He got God down to 10

- Lot was removed which was an answer to his prayer’s

His prayers were actually answered

To the extent that God could do so consistent

with the facts.

Abraham prayed that the righteous would not be destroyed with the wicked.
That prayer was fully answered

Ge 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

THE INTERCESSOR EXERCISE’S FAITH

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The only way possible to please God is by Faith
The word “believe” is in the aorist tense, a decisive act,

Ounce foe all.

-those who come to God must believe that He is !

-we have not seen Him but we believe He is an eternal Spirit, -self-existing Jehovah.

C. Abraham believed God ! Enoch believed God

-we believe that the one and true God

-we simply believe He is God, period !

D. Faith accepts that the fact that God is…….

a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

He is the rewarder of every good & perfect gift. Ja.1:17

-diligently seek Him means-keenly desire for God

-desire to fellowship & walk with God (Enoch)

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of God. May God help us all to improve in the area of the

ministry of intercession.

How to Spend Thirty Minutes With God

James 4:3

Praise: (Thanking God for what He does) 1 minute to make a list

4 minutes to express

Worship: (Thanking God for what He is) 1 minute to make a list

4 minutes to express

Confession: (Confessing your sins to God) 1 minute to make a list

4 minutes to ask forgiveness

Prayer:

1 minute- basic needs
1 minute- asking forgiveness
5 minutes- praying for others
5 minutes- praying for the power of the Holy Spirit
3 minutes- conclusion:

Ask the Holy Spirit to ask the Father for anything you forgot, or anything He knows you need that you don’t know you need.

(Romans 8:26)

Ask for forgiveness for anything that may have been amiss in your prayer. (James 4:3. Romans 7:18,19, Job 42:8, Ecc.7:20, Psalms 19:14)
Claim a promise. (John 16:23, Romans 8:28, 2Peter 1:4, John 15:7, Romans 8:32. Psalms 119:132, Matt. 7:11, 2 Samuel 23:5, Matt. 7:7,8
My final plea.(1 Samuel 1:17, 2 Chron. 6:40-42,1 Kings 8:51-52

Ephesians 3:20, John 16:23)

Give God the last bit of Honor. (Psalm 41:13, Revelation 19:1-4

1 Timothy 1:17, Revelation 7:11,12, Revelation 5:13,Jude 24,25

Just a note, We are busy people, This is not a replacement for spending much time with God. But at times you can still spend quality time with Him even if the time is short.

Dr. Timothy Anderson

Elijah, the one who prevailed with God

James 5:17,18 (Great people of prayer) 7-28-22

Jas 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Elijah one of the oldest of the prophets learned the lesson of prayer.

He is known as one who prevailed with God.

His time was the time of vengeance.

He did not come clothed with a Olive Branch, but come with FIRE !

He was the symbol of Justice and the messenger of wrath.

Her stood with Holy Boldness

Elijah prayed in faith

1Ki 18:41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

He heard what others did not hear. Heb. 11:1

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

This is the secret of powerful praying.

(believing before the answer arrives)

Elijah prayed Humbly

1Ki 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

He went Boldly before God in the spirit of Humility

Humble yourself before God & He will lift you up

Elijah prayed persistently

1Ki 18:43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, .

Elijah prayed Definitely

He knew exactly what he wanted ! (Rain)

Ps 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

-it means to set in order as arrows in a bow

-prayers that get answers are those based on the Word of God

1Jo 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: {in: or, concerning}

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Elijah prayed successfully,

1Ki 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

The prophet had the promise
He presented the need to God
He ask the Lord that He would send rain
He knew God’s Word was true

He got the answer, (small cloud) He claimed it for God !

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Hezekiah ,The Man the Lord Heard

2 Kings 19:14-19 People of Prayer 8-4-22

2Ki 19:14 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

15 And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

16 LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

17 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

18 And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

19 Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.

In those days Hezekiah became very ill
Isaiah the prophet went to see him on his death bed.
The prophet told him ,God said put your house in order
You are going to die, and will not recover
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly.

2Ki 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

Before Isaiah left the courtyard, God sent him back in

1

The Lord said that He heard Hezekiah’s prayer & would heal him.

This is an amazing story in Scriptures

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

Let us look at the prayer for just a few moments

What happened that the Lord reversed this whole out come ?

How he received the bad news

2Ki 20:2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,

-to hide, to get along with God, cozy up

-he really prayed ! (pour your heart out)

-it caused him to get real with God !

II. How he approached God with this news

3 I beseech thee, O LORD,

-without hypocrisy (he has come clean with God)

-All that he has accomplished would all be reversed

-God would be dishonored

III. How he prayed while facing this this news

3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked

before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done

that which is good in thy sight.

It does matter how we walk before Him
It does matter how we live before Him (truth,perfect heart
And have done that which is good in thy sight

What did Hezekiah do that which was good ?

-He changed everything that his wicked father did(King Ahaz) He was Zealous for the Lord

He restored the priesthood & opened up the Temple

-pagan gods & idols were destroyed

-He put God first in everything

C. -He stood firm when facing the Assyrians 185,000 dead

3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

IV. The brokenness he exhibited facing this news

Hezekiah wept sore
Hezekiah burden & brokenness can be seen in Isaiah 38:9-20

Isa 38:9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:

10 I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.

11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

12 Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.

13 I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.

14 Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

15 What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.

16 O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.

17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.

20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

V. The Lord hears and sends the answer back quickly

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

A. What a lesson we learn when we have our own needs

B. Let us realize our God hears & answers prayers

God’s answers to me have been so many

Groceries needed

Bills paid

Cars broken down

Cloths needed

Money sent for God’s Work

Daniel ,The Man who Talked with God

Daniel 6:10 8-18-22

Da 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

What do you think when I say The Man Daniel ?
He was such a man of prayer, that he was arrested for praying
If you were arrested for praying, would there be enough evidence to convict you ?
He prayed when it was against the law to pray
Daniel prayed in secret, but did not keep it a secret that He prayed ! (everybody knew)
What was the characteristics of Daniel’s prayer life ?

He was committed to prayer

After he knew the law was wrote, he continued to pray with his windows open !
He continued as He had been doing as before
He was committed to prayer !

Prayer was His personal devotion to His God

He depended upon His God vrs.10,11

Da 6:11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

Daniel was loyal to King Darius,

…. But more loyal to the God of Heaven

…..He is the living God

…..He served Him continually

…..He is able to deliver

…..The king recognized that He was the living God

…. The king acknowledged God was the God of Daniel

Da 6:20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

Da 6:26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

Daniel devoted specific time for prayer

3 times a day

Ps 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Daniel had a specific place to pray Daniel 6:10
Daniel prayed with thanksgiving

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Daniel knelt when He prayed

Da 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Ezra , a Priest who Prayed

Ezra 7:10, 4-15

Ezr 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

God’s people are in exile in Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar took them and vessels from temple
The Temple was demolished
Gates and walls were destroyed (Nehemiah)
All order was destroyed from life to Worship
God placed it in the Kings heart (Cyrus’) to build a Temple
The king then puts Ezra to over see this process

"Ezra reveals God as the power behind earthly events, moving even pagan kings according to His purposes.”

{Something we know about Ezra}

Ezr 7:6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

He was a man of God who held up the standard of God’s holiness! (That earned him the reputation of having God’s hand on him)

EZRA’S REPUTATION REVEALS A MAN WHO THIRSTED AFTER GOD’S HOLLINESS

God’s Hand was on Him
He studied God’s Word (diligently) 2 Tim.2:15
This effected the way he lived his whole life Ez.7:10

Ezr 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

EZRA APPLIED WHAT HE LEARNED TO HIS DAILY WALK

He understood that He was accountable unto God
He was consistent in his walk with God
He was consistent in his temperament when confronted by evil

1

I’d rather see a sermon

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example always clear;

And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see the good action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done,

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be wise and true;

But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

EZRA’S ATTITUDE WAS ONE OF HUMILITY

Ezr 7:27 Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:

28 And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

He always gave glory to God for all he did and accomplished.
He was humble & God honored that
He was Humble and people honored that

EZRA WAS A PRIEST THAT TRUSTED GOD WITH HIS WHOLE HEART

He had Faith in God that God would finish the task through him.
He knew it was God that protected him

Faith and Doubt

Doubt sees the obstaclesFaith see’s the way !

Doubt sees the darkest night,Faith see’s the day !

Doubt dreads to take a step,Faith soars on high !

Doubt questions, "Who believes?"Faith answers,“I”

Faith answers, "I"!

EZRA WAS A PRIEST WHO KNEW THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD

He grieved over sin like God did
He felt the pain of sin when the Holy Spirit was grieved
He led a public prayer of confession
He linked his self with the community

Ezr 9:6 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

7 Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

8 And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

9 For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

10 And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments,

11 Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.

12 Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.

13 And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;

14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?

15 O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

Ezra’s prayer

1. He involved himself with those of whom he spoke (6)

2. He was keenly aware of the havoc wrought from sin (7)

3. He was conscious of God’s mercy (8,9)

4. Ezra confess’ blatant disobedience of God’s commands (10-12)

5. He recognizes the right of God to destroy them (13)

6. He cries for mercy (14,15)

EZRA LED THE NATION TO REPENTANCE

NEHEMIAH, A MAN WHO BUILT A CITY ON PRAYER

Neh. 1:1-4 9-7-22

Ne 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

Let me for a few minutes as the way of interdiction to Nehemiah
Many believe that Ezra (priest/scribe is the author of the book)
Nehemiah was born in exile to Jewish Parents
He was the cupbearer to Artaxerxes, king of Persia. (Neh. 2:1.)
He is noted for rebuilding ancient Jerusalem walls under great odds
His name means.. Comforter
King Artexerxes stepmother was Queen Esther
He became the King’s closet confidant

Nehemiah’s Prayer Neh.1: 5-11

Ne 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Nehemiah’s Reflection Neh. 2:1,2

Ne 2:1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

Four months goes by
His countenance was sad
The king noticed this (serious thing)
Nehemiah gives the run down about the situation
Long story short (He returns & rebuilds the walls & gates)

Let’s look at Nehemiah’s prayer & analyses it tonight

Nehemiah’s Passionate Prayer (he moved God’s Heart)

Praise- Ne 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: (great & teririble) awesome

God keeps His promises

Nehemiah’s is declaring God’s Character

Petition-1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants,

Immediately after Praise he makes his petition

God always pay’s close attention to us

Confession- 1:6,7 , and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

He admits his families sin in breaking God’s rules

Our sins always hinders God from working in & though us

Claiming God’s Promises 1:8-9 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

This deepens our connection with Him

Claiming His promises ,He cannot lie ! 2

His Humility is on display 1:10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

Nehemiah acknowledges God’s power of redemption

He refers to God being successful in bringing out His people out of Egypt

He knows God can do it a second time

His Fervent Praying 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

God wants us to pray from our heart

Our petitions serious and meaningful

Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Esther The Woman Who Saved The Jewish Nation

Esther 4:16 9-14-22

Es 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

We have been looking at praying people in Scripture

Samuel the product of a Mothers Prayers

Abraham the Intercessor

Elijah, the man who prevailed with God

Ezra, the Priest who prayed mightily

Daniel, the man that talked with God

Nehemiah, a man who rebuilt a city on prayer

The woman who saved the Jewish Nation

This is another Bible Story I would love to break down &

Explore step by step.

Maybe we will revisit all of these at another time.

7 things mentioned

I would like to give you a little back ground about Esther
There is much to discuss, but simply can’t / time wise

Esther is a highly revered book to the Jews
This book is one of the 5 Scrolls read at Jewish Holidays

Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther

The purpose of the Book- demonstrates the Sovereignty of God.
God is seen in His power, providence, protection,

& preservation.

Esther is stamped with Romans 8:28

Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Esther means- Persian Star

-she is a beautiful picture of the redeemed

Of the Lord, believers in Jesus Christ

I can tell you that the book Esther is a prophetical

forecast of God’s deliverance of the Jews

from the Anti-Christ in the Tribulation.

I would like to give you a short explanation about this

wonderful story that God has preserved in His Book

for us to hear and know !

The Refusal

Chapter 1- The King (Ahasuerus)- makes a feast

He commands His wife Vashti to appear

The Search

Chapter 2- The search for a new queen (Esther is chosen)

Mordecai her uncle is her guardian

Mordecai discovers a plot to hurt the king

The Advancement

Chapter 3- Haman is introduced (advanced over all princes)

All were to bow to him (Mordecai would not bow)

Mordecai was a Jew (Haman wants all Jews dead)

Law was made to kill all those he considered enemies

The Great Threat

Chapter 4- Mordecai mourns & puts on sackcloth with ashes

The Queen is made known of the law

For such a time is this (Fast proclaimed )

If I perish I perish

2

The Invitation

Chapter 5- The gallows were being built (Haman’s wife’s advice)

Esther stands before the King

The King’s Insomnia

Chapter 6- The King does some late night reading

The king honors Mordecai (Haman is humiliated)

The Queen’s Revelation

Chapter 7- Esther reveals Haman’s plot to destroy all the Jews

Haman begs forgiveness (Haman is hung)

The wrong is made right

Chapter 8- The King sends out messengers to reverse the law

Chapter 9- The coconspirators are all put to death

Chapter 10- It is all recorded for us to see God’s great work

What we learn from all of this

The Lord is always working in our lives
Follow the Holy Spirit’s guide in your life
There will be days when your world is turned upside down.
If we do not yield in God’s plan, He’ll send someone else
Walk with God before the problems come
God will make a way and bless you above what you

could ever imagine

No matter who you are or where you came from, God

Can use you to accomplish great things

Prayer & fasting is more powerful than we realize
God can turn things around & make it all work for His Glory

10. God still worked in Vashti’s life (Had a son-Artaxerx)

Prayer Was Made

Acts 12:1-5 9-21-22

Ac 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.

4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

There is a before & after in Peters Life (like us all)
Peter was brought to Jesus by Andrew his Bother
We see him confessing Christ Diety-Mat.16:13-19
He was rebuked by Christ- Mat.16:21
He ask some important questions Mat.18:21 (sin against bro.)
Reusing Christ menial service-Jn. 13:6-10
Walked on water-
The denial of Christ- Mat.26:69-75
Weeping bitterly
Returns to fishing- Jn.21

Ounce he was a coward- courageous

Ounce he was impulsive- humble

Ounce he was ignorant- enlightened

Ounce he was inquisitive- submission

Ounce he was boastful of self- bow of Christ

Ounce he was timid & afraid- fearless

Ounce he was asleep- vigilant

Peter is now being used of the Lord (Annanias & Sapharia)

Peter & Lame man,

Peter is on housetop receiving a vision (explanes it to others)
King Herod is persecuting the church (grandson of Herod Aggippa)

Killed many at Jesus birth

The persecution has broadened from the Government

-influential people liked it

-they killed James the Bro.of John with a sword

-Peter is left, so they lock Peter up

The church meets together to pray

………..the Bible says w/o ceasing

………..importunity praying

Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

God’s Power was revealed by Peter’s imprisonment

Satan waste no time
Satan wants to bury the church Jesus founded
Persecution
Bring in strife to the others

God’s people learned what Prayer really was

No one else to turn to
He was guarded by 16 soldiers
The weapon of Prayer (God obligates Himself to answer)

(Hezekiah & Isaiah- verses Sennacherib)

(Elijah on Mt.Carmel)

God’s people saw what Prayer could really Do

I believe God wants His people to see what He can do!
God may lead you into a situation for you to see it also
Herod dies & is eaten by worms !
The Word of God grew & multiplie
All in the house learned a great lesson

Fasting & Prayer in Scripture Outline

Mark 9:23-29 9-28-22

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

• On this particular day came a man with his child for help

• The child had demon (dumb spirit)

• They could not cast the demon out

• So Christ cast the demon out & explained why they could not

FASTING IS A BIBLE DOCTRINE MANY DON’T PRACTICE

1. THERE IS A TOTAL FAST

-no food, no drink in a certain period of time

-pure fast in a 24 hour

2. THERE IS A JUICE FAST

-nothing is eaten, but water & juice is allowed

-we are talking about fasting

-drinking or not is up to you

-not eating food is fasting

The 1st mention of fasting is in Exodus 34:28

Moses is receiving the 10 Commandments

Moses did not eat or drink for 40 days

• Can’t mention all of the fasting in the Bible

1

3.1 Kings 19:8 Elijah ate no food

4. 2 Samuel 12:21-23 David Fasted (lost the baby) prayed for healing

5. Ezra 8:21- Ezra fasted (proclaimed a fast ) Jews returned from exile

6. Nehemiah 9:1- Great revival under Nehemiah-fasted

7. Esther 4:3- Jews Fasted, Esther risk her life, Hamman wanted Jews dead

8. 2 Chron. 20:3- Josephat fasted

9. Daniel Fasted- Daniel 9:3, supplication & prayer with Thanksgiving

10. Joel 1:14- during a time of National Calamity a fast was proclaimed

11. Jeremiah 36:9- another National Calamity, the whole Nation w/o food

OUR LORD JESUS FASTED !

12. Acts 13:2,3- The church sent out missionaries (Paul & Barnabas

13. Acts 10:30- The early church fasted

14. 2 Corinthians 6:4,5- Apostle Paul fasted

SEVERAL TIMES OUR COUNTRY FASTED

George Washington Fasted

He called for a day of National Prayer & Fasting

James Madison “””””””””””””””””””””””””””””

John Quincy Adams””””””””””””””””””””””””””

Abraham Lincoln”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””

I. The powerless Disciples

-they could not cast the demon our

II. The prayerless Disciples

-going through the motions

III. The purposeful Enlightenment

-Now they understand

-they received the truth

-to whom much is given much is required

Great answers over the years

Land provided

Cars provided

Cloths provided

Results provided

Needs met

This Kind !

MOSES PRAYED OUTLINE

Numbers 11:1,2 (Intercessory Prayer) 10-5-22

Numbers 21:7

Nu 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

2 And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.

• I know when I speak on prayer, most folk think it is all

the same old stuff.

• But I want you to know that if the Lord does anything or anywhere else

it will be from the response of people prating.

• Unless we as God’s people get serious about God’s agenda He will do

nothing.

• I’m not I interested in seeing what I can do I want to see what God can do

-I’ve been in this thing long enough to see what is real & what is fraud .

• A lot of things looks good from a distance, but close up it is a

a different thing ( TV Show Amos & Andy)

• A lot of Christians are walking around that have no substance to them.

• You talk to them about having fellowship with the Father &

They look at you funny.

-talk to them about intercession & supplication their baffled!

-talk to them about a Holy life, they think you’re Holy roller

• I’ve had my members tell me that others has said, come to

Our church, want be bothered about Holiness &

Being separate or being spiritual, all that stuff !

No wonder we are spiritually empty.

How come He is not working as in days of Old !

If we are not obedient, He’s unable to do what He promises

The reason we are not obedient, we don’t believe God

We do not have faith for Him to work

Faith & prayer moves God

Faith is the foundation for Christian character

An obedient faith make a powerful praying

1

Todays Christian lives like they want to

Dresses the way they want to

Talks like they want to

Hang with who they want to

Wear hair styles like they want to

Whatever appeals to their flesh !

Moses was on praying ground !

I. Moses prayed & God’s Judgement was stayed

Nu 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

2 And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.

A. Judgement comes in many forms

Fire, possessions were lost, sickness, loss of health, loss of a job

Loss of income & security, death, loss of loved ones

B. Their sin was the sin of complaining

-some think this was to severe !

C. The history of complaining in Israel’s history

1. They complained & grumbled because of trials

-they wanted to return back to Egypt Num.14:2-4

2. They complained & grumbled because of no food 16:2,3

3. They complained & grumbled because of no water 17:3

4. They complained & grumbled because of leadership 16:3,11

5. They complained & grumbled at God’s judgement 16:41

Complaining & Grumbling are signs of distrust & unbelief 16:8

Ex 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

-heart of unbelief

-don’t believe in God’s power

-don’t believe in God’s control & will work things out

2

Complaining & Grumbling are often due to a person’s lack of Faith

In God’s Word

Ps 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

25 But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.

-refusal to read & obey God’s Word

Complaining & Grumbling are often due to foolishness & sin

Pr 19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

La 3:39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?

Complaining & Grumbling are to have no part in a believers life

Php 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

When Moses prayed, results followed

When Moses prayed Judgement stayed

Helpful Daughter

Little Susie, a six year old , complained:"Mother, I've got a stomach ache."

"That's because our stomach is empty", the mother replied. "You would feel better if you had something in it."

That afternoon her daddy came complaining that he had a severe headache all day.

Susie perked up: " That's because it's empty", she said. "You'd feel better if you had something in it."

3

WHAT WE SAY, WHEN WE DO NOT PRAY

Luke 18:1-8

Lu 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Some years ago I was convicted about not having a prayer life
I started reading books about men that were Men of Prayer

R.A. Torrey, George Muller, E.M. Bounds, D.L. Moody,John R. Rice. Evan Roberts, Andrew Murray, Jack Hyles,

Praying Hyde, S.D. Gordan, G. Campbell Morgan, Charles Blanchard

Such statements that were made convicted me of my prayer life
Actually I did not have a prayer life (Man of Prayer)
I found myself trying to place prayer around my work
I should be placing my work around my prayer !
I found myself not having time to pray

So what are we saying when we do not pray ?

It is a Denial of God Ps. 65:2

Ps 65:2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

He is our Creator
We are made for the Praise of His Glory
He is a Jealous God
We are worse than Atheist

Ps 77:14 Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. 1

It is a Denial of His Existence Ps. 145:18

Ps 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

It is a Denial of His Nature Matthew 7:11

Mt 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

God is Holy & perfect
His nature is to provide for His children Ps. 37:4

Ps 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

We tie God’s Hands by not asking
God has locked Himself into an agreement with Man to answer prayer

1Jo 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: {in: or, concerning}

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

It is a Denial of His Purpose Luke 18:1

Lu 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2Ti 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Prayer is a privilege (ask Him for everything)
Ask Him for a Child, Job, car, Right Mate, unsaved to be saved etc…
Ask Him according to His Will !
The Men of God in the Bible were Men of Prayer

We say plenty when we do not pray

No wonder we have no Revival
No wonder we have no converts
No wonder we have no power
No wonder our churches are failing
No wonder we are loosing our children ! 2

Teach us to Pray-Outline

Luke 11:1-4 Matthew 6:9-13

Lu 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:9-13

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

HOW’S YOUR PRAYER LIFE ?

Ps 55:1 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

I. Biblical Prayer Warriors

A. Nehemiah- Neh. 1:4-11 (fasted & prayed seeking God

B. Daniel- Daniel 6:10 (daily praying & giving thanks)

C. Elijah- James 5:12-18 (prayed earnestly)

D. Jesus-Luke 6:12 (often prayed all night)

E. Paul- Eph. 3:14-19 (bowed his knee before the Father)

II. Historical Prayer Warriors

A.Charles Wesley - one of the seventeen children of Suzanna Wesley – her most famous: John and Charles Wesley (founders of the Methodist Society) – it said of Charles Wesley that the floor by his bed had imprints from his knees because of his time spent in prayer.

B.George Whitfield- – Most famous preacher of the Great Awakening – is said to have constantly prayed over every verse of the Bible asking God to give him understanding.

C.David Mueller – ran an orphanage completely on faith and prayer. It is said that the children in his care never missed a meal.

D.Charles Spurgeon – the Prince of Preachers. Said his ministry was fueled by the prayers of his church.

E.Thomas Watson – the Puritan writer – died in his prayer closet on his knees. 1

III. The Fact of the Matter

A. We all want to pray better

We all want to be satisfied with our prayer life

Old Timers said, (Pray Aright)

B. We all want to have an intimate fellowship with God

To be a prayer warrior

To enter into the Throne of Grace without fear

To approach His Throne of Grace , no rejection

Book stores are full of books on how to pray

C. I cry out, Lord teach me to pray !

-O if there was a Prayer 101 course that we could take

Good news there is one !

These Model Prayers are not to be prayed like so many pray them

Matt. 6:9-13 or Luke 11:1-4- These are what we call the Model Prayer

Repeating them, becomes mechanical & repetitive, reciting them

Lutheran Church Aunts funeral

Mt 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

So Jesus teaches His Disciples how to Pray

-they heard Him Pray, they saw results, they felt His presence

1. Heavenward

OUR FATHER

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

- The focus is upward, toward God

- The focus is on our relationship with God

- We were one time alienated from Him ,hostile, sin separated us

Col 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled {in...: or, by your mind in}

22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

- When we believe on Him we become His children

- John 1:12- Sons of God

Hallow Be Thy Name

- Never forget who you are approaching

- He is the Holy God, Creator Gen.1:1 1 Peter 1:16

Thy Kingdom Come

Mt 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 2

- He is King of Kings & Lord of Lords

- We are acknowledging that He paid the supreme price for us !

- He is Ruler, we are bought with a Price

1. Heavenward

2. Earthward focus is now toward Man

Mt 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

- Daily Bread- showing our dependence

Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Ps 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

- Forgivness- Forgive us our sins

Mt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Forgiveness begins with us !

Romans 5:8

Peters question about forgiving a Brother

Loving God, can’t hate a Brother

- Lead us not into temptation

Mt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

- acknowledging our deliverance is on the Lord Rom 7:14-25

- He will never lead you into temptation (make a way to escape)

CONCLUSION

Step One: Start With Praise & Worship

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Step Two: Pray God’s Will Be Done

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Step Three: Pray For Your Needs

“Give us this day our daily bread,”

Step Four: Confess Sin & Ask For Forgiveness

“..and forgive us our debts,”

Step Five: Ask For Help Forgiving Others

“..as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Step Six: Pray For Saftey, Protection & Deliverance

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

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Important Points to remember about Prayer

Matthew 6:5,6

Mt 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

I know that we call this section the sermon on the Mount
But Jesus was instructing His Disciples on many things
But one major thing He was teaching was……

being alone with your Heavenly Father !

He talked about how the religious leaders loved impressing

those around them

In verse 6 He mentions getting away from others & being along

with God

I will speak soon on the way we get the Closet door closed !

Notice Jesus said to them (pray to thy Father which is in secret)

Tonight I want to point out some important points in praying

to our Father which is in secret !

{ little boy praying loud to God when his mother walked by}

Have a secret place to pray

Have a special place where you spend time with God
It can be a closet, or a place where you can be alone
Do not make it your bed room (if at all possible)
Not in a recliner (sitting or kneeling)
A place where you can be along from outside …………….disruptions
Take a pen & paper with you,be ready to hear from

Begin with a time of Praise

This is Thanking God for what He has done as well as

what He is doing !

Example- Salvation,Family,Job,House,Car,health

Church, America, etc….

Has He did anything for you ?

Next- spend some time Worshipping Him

This is Thanking Him for who He is !

Example- HE is ELOHIM my Creator, Living God He is

The GOD OF ISRAEL

HE is the ANCIENT OF DAYS

HE is MY SHIELD(protector)

HE IS MY HIDING PLACE

Next is -A TIME OF CONFESSION

This is why it is so important to be along with God

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you of any sin that you may

Have over looked(reveal it to you)

Simply come clean with Him

Next is PRAYER & SUPPLICATION

Your Basic Needs

Asking Forgiveness

Praying for Others

Praying for the Power of the Holy Spirit

In conclusion, Ask Him if there is anything you may have missed

Spend some time just Loving on Him !

George Muller in his life time recorded over 30,000 answers in prayer

He supported Missionary’s and orphanages

He prayed in over 7 Million Dollars without asking anyone for a dime

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Prayer and Miracles

Acts 1 :1-3

Ac 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

You notice that Jesus showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs
Acts is the 2nd part of a two volume work, Luke being the first Col.4:14
Luke chronicled all that Jesus began to do & teach.
Jesus called His Disciples & gave them power & authority over demons

& to cure diseases and to preach the kingdom of God.

I believe in Miracles. Had several myself over these many years

What is a Miracle ?

a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.

a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences.

an amazing product or achievement, or an outstanding example of something.

Our Father is a Supernatural, prayer answering God !
We are a part of God’s family and will pray for Miracles

All through the Scriptures we have miracles performed

Healing the mother of Peter's wife. Healing of the blind man of Bethsaida

Healing of one that was born blind . Healing of the Deaf Mute of Decapolis

Think about this verse…..Mt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, 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.

The story about the $ 4,500.00 dollars needed at a very crucial time
The little lady that picked me up when I ran out of Gas
The money needed to pay a bill that came at the last moment
E.M. Bounds at the railway station, waiting there with his son

I could go on, talking about the many miracles I have witnessed in my own life

How can we see Miracles in our own lives ? (even more)

Spend time with Jesus in your Secret Place

Mt 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. {without me: or, severed from me}

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

II. Pray for Miracles

Ac 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

-the early church prayed for miracles and saw lots of them

III. Stir up your Faith

Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

-Read stories in the Scriptures that deal with miracles happening

-Remember when the Lord did something for you (encouragement)

-Study those verses that deal with Prayer Promises

-Share your experiences with each other

The greatest of all miracles was when Jesus saved you

How To Get The Door Shut

Psalms 91:1

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

The Closet- The Closet can be anywhere that you can go

that is private where you and God can be

alone!

1. Have a secret place

2. Pray secret prayers

3. Be persistent in your prayers.

In the Closet you are going to pray to the Father which is in Secret ! Remember the door needs to be closed in order to have a glorious experience with the Father. This is obtainable .

Most of all Christians go into the closet and pray but never get the door closed !
The average Christian does not know how to get the Closet Door closed !
If the Closet Door is not shut then we can not live in the Secret Place !

What a Special Privilege it is to be in the Throne Room of Heaven

This is so Real ! You can almost see Heaven before you! (The eyes of your Heart)

It is so real, you can’t wait to go back there again

Why Get The Door Closed ?

-The first door we can open by just stepping into it. (Inside this door acts as a corridor)

-You cannot shut that door on your own. Why? The Devil has hold of the door handle.

-When you pray, He is on the outside yelling and bringing things to your mind!

-Our minds wonder, He harasses us while we are in the closet ! (Bills, phone, etc.)

How Can We Get The Door Closed ?

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Since we cannot close the door because we are no match for the Devil,
The Holy Spirit lives in your body, when you enter into the Closet the

Holy Spirit enters with you into the Closet !

Ask the Holy Spirit to close the door !
Acknowledge your helplessness , tell Him you cannot shut the door!

Ro 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The Holy Spirit Is The Spirit Of Prayer !

The Holy Spirit is the One that will bring you into the Presence of the Father!

The Holy Spirit is the One that will Shut The Door and Open the Door into the

Throne Room Of God.

What is the Devil doing while you are in there ?

He is shouting but you cannot hear Him because the Door is Shut !

Ro 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Do not give up, Do not faint, Mean business about what you are doing !

The Certainty Of Prayer

Luke 11:1-4, 13

Lu 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Lu 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Jesus was in Bethany- (Home of Lazurus,Mary,Martha)
Chapter 11,starts off with them being in a certain place !
The disciples have been watching Him Pray & hearing Him pray.
One of them said…. (Lord, Teach us to pray) (John taught also)
I think as a Pastor- One of my jobs is to teach- (many things)
But the greatest thing would be PRAYER !
I would be a failure, if I did not teach you this truth

CERTAINTY-firm conviction that something is the case.

-the quality of being reliably true.

- a fact that is definitely true or an event that is definitely going . to take place.

I. A Certain Place vrs.1- we must all have a Secret Place

II. A Certain Plan vrs. 1- teach us to pray

III. A Certain Pattern vrs. 1- as John taught his Disciples

IV. A Certain Pleasure vrs. 2- when you pray

V. A Certain Person vrs. 2 – Our Father

1

VI. A Certain Praise Vrs.2- Hallowed be Thy Name

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

VII. A Certain Program Vrs. 2- Thy Will be done

VIII. A Certain Petition Vrs. 3- Give us this Day

Lu 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

-our daily bread……….Forgive us our sins

-we forgive others……..lead us not into Temptation

- deliver us from Evil

IX. A Certain Parrable Vrs. 5-13

Lu 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

X. A Certain Promise Vrs.- 13 The Holy Spirit

2

Prevailing Prayer

James 5:13-20

Jas 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

{ -cause to make it happen, fervent, powerful, forceful}

17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

We have covered a lot on this road of prayer
We have discussed much but we have so much yet untouched

Tonight I would like to discuss Prevailing in Prayer

What is Prevailing Prayer ?

-a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.

Prevailing, or effectual prayer, -is that prayer which attains the blessing that it seeks. -It is that prayer which effectually moves God. -It is a effectual prayer that effects its object.

What are the attributes of Prevailing Prayer ?

-no time or space to mention all the things to make up

Prevailing Prayer, but mention some of them

Attribute-regard something as being caused by (someone or something).
a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.

You must pray for a definite object. (not random praying)

-Must have an distinct object

2. You must pray in accordance with the revealed will of God

- there are 3 ways in which God’s Will is revealed to man

a. express promises in the Bible Mark 11:24

(what things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye

Receive them, and ye shall have them)

b. some things God reveals His will by His Providence

He makes things clear, by His Word (it is written)

c. by His Spirit- The Spirit will instruct you (Rom.8:27)

3. To pray effectually you must pray with submission to the Will of God.

4. Effectual prayer implies a desire for that object & it’s importance

(Jacob praying I will not let thee go unless you Bless me Gen32:26)

(Prevailing prayer is often offered in the present day)

5. Prayer, to be effectual, must be offered from right motives.

(should not be selfish- you want God to have the Glory)

6. Prayer, to be effectual, must be by the intercession of the Spirit.

( influenced by the Spirit of God- must be a faith)

7. It must be Persevering prayer. (until you get an answer) “Agony”

8. You must pray a great deal.

(to pray effectually there must be much time on your knees)

9. You must offer it in the Name of Christ. (not in your name)

(His name is always acceptable)

10. You must renounce all sin, repent of them.

11. You must pray in faith. (faith pleases God)

I. What is Prevailing Prayer

II. What are the attributes of Prevailing Prayer

Why does God requires such Prayer ?

I will state some of the reasons why these things are essential to effectual prayer. ?

1. These strong desires strongly illustrate the strength of God's feelings.

2. These strong desires described are the results of great benevolence benevolence,

3. The soul of a Christian, when it is thus burdened, must have relief

4. These effects of the spirit of prayer upon the body are the feelings of the soul

It is not essential to prayer, but is the natural result of great efforts of the mind.

2

5. This exercise of agonizing prayer forms a bond of union between Christ

And His Church. (His love for souls)

SUCH PRAYER WILL AVAIL MUCH.

Elijah mourned over Israel going away from God
Elijah prayed that the judgments of God would come

Upon the guilty nation.(not rain, shut up Heaven)

Jas 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he . prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the . earth by the space of three years and six months.

John Knox was a man famous for his power in prayer, so that Queen Mary of England used to say that she feared his prayers more than all the armies of Europe. And events showed that she had reason to do it. He used to be in such an agony for the deliverance of his country, that he could not sleep. He had a place in his garden where he used to go to pray.

One night he and several friends were praying together, and as they prayed, Knox spoke and said that deliverance had come. 21 He could not tell what had happened, but he felt that something had taken place, for God had heard their prayers. What was it? Why, the next news they had was, that Mary was dead!

REMARKS.

A great deal of prayer is lost, and many people never prevail in prayer, because, when they have desires for particular blessings, they do not follow them up. They may have desires, benevolent and pure, which are excited by the Spirit of God; and when they have them, they should persevere in prayer, for if they turn off their attention, they will quench the Spirit.

Praying for each Other

Romans 15:30

Ro 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

I have had a lot of nice things done for me over these many years
I have experienced the unexpected things happen also
The greatest thing that we can do for each other is to pray for one

In the 15th chapter of Romans Paul continues to address the Christians

In Rome.

Paul had hope to visit them on his way to Spain

Paul wrote the letter to Roman Christians while being in Corinth

Paul understood that many of the Christians were being persecuted by

the Jewish people.

Paul is wanting to encourage and uplift those new believers in Christ

So Paul says-that we strive together praying for him and others!

Prayer is getting things done for others that you ordinarily

could not do.

2Co 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Paul is expressing gratitude to the believers for their

help in support- financially, moral supportbut most

of all their prayers.

There is nothing more important to God than prayer with dealing with mankind
Failure to pray is a failure along the whole line of life

Asking God to do.
Asking God to use you to do.

Praying for others enables us to love people that otherwise

we would not love.

Phm 1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

A personal letter written to one individual (no church polity)
Paul was imprisoned for the first time, (prayer for release)
Philemon was lead to Christ by Paul (speaking 2 yrs. In Closs)
Philemon owned slaves (Onesimus had ran away)
Paul led Onesimus to Christ.

Pray for those who spitefully use you (mistreat you)
When Job prayed for his friends (God answered his prayers)

I. Prayer is getting things done for others that you ordinarily

could not do.

II. Praying for others enables us to love people that otherwise

we would not love.

Praying for others gives us interest in them

You will feel a closeness to your own children
You will feel a closeness to your friends
You will feel a closeness to your enemies

Praying will give you more victories

You pray for others, they can get a victory
When they get a victory, that is your victory also
They’re thrill becomes your thrill also

Praying makes us grateful for each other

Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

We feel loved if others are praying for us
We all meet at the Throne of Grace

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The Importance of Prayer Meetings

Matthew 18:19,20

Mt 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

I was asked by a old preacher why I had prayer meetings.
He seemed to think it was a waste of time.
Prayer meetings are all throughout the scriptures
I would like to talk a little about united prayer meetings

Here is a perfect picture of Unity in Prayer (two)
Here is a perfect picture of agreement in prayer (agree on earth)
Here is a perfect picture of what prayer is. (asking)
Here is a perfect picture of the power of unity in prayer.

(it shall be done for them)

Here is a perfect picture of the One who performs. (my Father)
Here is a perfect picture of unity around His Name
Here is the perfect picture & promise (I am in the midst)

ACTS 12:5-17

Ac 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Here we have another example of united prayer being made
Prayer Meeting at Mary’s home (John Marks Mother)
How did the Lord answer their prayers ?

Peter was kept in prison (5)
Prayer was being made without ceasing of the church (5)
Peter was bound with chains between 2 soldiers & keepers (6)
The angel of the Lord came upon him (a light, a smote, raise) (7)
The chains fell off Peter (7)
The commands given for moving time. (8)
The chains fell off when he obeyed (7)
The answer came so quickly (9)
God open the doors for Peter (10)

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Peter was shocked at the answer (11)
Prayer meeting was shocked the answer really came (13-17)

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

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12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Never under estimate the power of prayer

Never under estimate the power of united prayer

Just a few more verses just for us to think about !

Ac 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

Ac 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Lu 1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. {mighty: or, hidden}

Jeremiah 33:3

Jere.33:1-3

Jer 33:1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

2 Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name.

3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah is in prison (He told the king the message God had

King Zedekiah)

The people grew tired of Jeremiah’s message of repentance.
They were all for the king trying to shut him up.
Jeremiah will continue to tell the truth (must obey the truth)

The Power of His Position “Call unto me”

-When God thinks about us He thinks thoughts of

peace & not of evil(Jer.29:11)

-Jeremiah said to seek Him & He will be found

-Luke 11:9,10- Knock and it will be opened

-Psalms 55:17-Evening,morning, noon will I pray

II. The Power of His Promise “I will answer thee”

-You are serving a God that cannot lie

-Romans 8:32- He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up . for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

- I am preaching today because someone prayed for me.

- I am pastoring this church because of prayer

III. The Power of Persuasion “I will Shew thee”

How will God show us ? How will He persuade us ?
He said 3 ways…..

Great Things
Mighty Things
Things which Thou knowest not.

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Examples in Scriptures- Jacob faces Esau’s wrath

Jacob experiences deliverance

were about to attack Moses & God’s people yet

they experienced a great deliverance

Gideon thought little of himself, but God wrought great things

thought much of himself yet God used him to give

the enemy a final blow.

won great victories in his life because of prayer

Nothing is beyond the ability of God !

Paul got an answer about a prayer. He asked 3 times about it !

God said-“My grace is sufficient for you”-for my strength is made

Perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9

Great Things- (Nothing is beyond the Ability of God

His Healing-physically, mentally, spiritually

Mighty Things- (Is anything to hard for the Lord?)

Rebuilding, Restoring, Showing Mercy

Things Thou knowest not- (Can’t imagine)

Deliverance, answers come, Hope

{ Conversion of one of our teens}

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Kentucky & my Life verse- (Needing a Job, for school)

The Goal of Prayer

James 5:16-18

Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

E.M. Bounds…..{little prayer is the characteristic of a backslidden age and of

a backslidden church}

…..{whenever there is little praying in the pulpit or in the pew,

spiritual bankruptcy is imminent & inevitable}

E.M. Bounds….{We have twin doctrines, you will not find one without the other.

{Prayer fails when we desire and effort for personal holiness

fail. No person is a soulwinner who is not an adept in the

Ministry of prayer.}

Please read the following……………………………………..

Mr.Moody, at a time no other place was available, kept his morning watch in the coal shed, pouring out his heart to God, and finding in his precious Bible a true ”feast of fat things.”

George Muller also combined Bible study with prayer in the quiet morning hours.

At one time his practice was to give himself to prayer, after having dressed, in the morning. This his plan underwent a change. As he himself put it; “I saw the most important thing that I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God, and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, instructed ; and that thus, by means of the Word of God, whilst meditating on it, my heart might be brought into experimental communion with the Lord. I began, therefore, to meditate on the New Testament early in the morning. The first thing I did, after having asked in a few words for the Lord’s blessing upon His precious Word, was to begin to meditate on the Word of God, searching, as it were, into every verse to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word, not for the sake of preaching on what I had meditated on, but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul. The result I have found to be almost invariably thus, that after a very few minutes my soul has been led to confession, or to thanksgiving, or to intercession, or to supplication; so that, though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer.” The study of the Word and prayer go together, and where we find the one truly practiced, the other is sure to be seen in close alliance. But we do not pray always. That is the trouble with so many of us. We need to pray much more than we do and much longer than we do.

Robert Murray McCheyne gifted and saintly, of whom it was said, that ”Whether viewed as a son, a brother a friend, or as a pastor, he was the most faultless and attractive exhibition of the true Christian they had ever seen embodied in a living form,” knew what it was to spend much time upon his knees, and he never wearied in urging upon others the joy and the value of holy intercession. 1

“ God’s children should pray,” he said. They should cry day and night unto Him, God hears every one of your cries in the busy hour of the daytime and in lonely watches of the night. “

In every way, by preaching, by exhortation when present and by letters when absent, McCheyne emphasized the vital duty of prayer, importunate and unceasing prayer.

Luther spent his last three hours in prayer : John Welch prayed seven or eight hours a day. He used to keep a plaid on his bed that he might wrap himself in when he rose during the night, Sometimes his wife found him on the ground lying weeping. When she complained, he would say, ‘O, woman, I have the souls of three thousand to answer for, and I know not how it is with many of them.’ The people he exhorted and charged: “Pray for your pastor. Pray for his body, that he may be kept strong and spared many years. Pray for his soul, that he may be kept humble and holy, a burning and shining light. Pray for his ministry, that he may be abundantly blessed, that he may be anointed to preach good tidings, Let there be no secret prayer without naming him before your God, no family prayer without carrying your pastor in your hearts to God.”

TO SUM IT ALL UP- THE GOAL OF PRAYER IS THE EAR OF GOD The goal can only be reached by patient and continued and continuous waiting upon Him, pouring out your heart to Him and permitting Him to speak to us.

Only by so doing can we expect to know Him better we shall spend more time in

His presence and find that presence a constant and ever increasing delight.

Why should we pray ?

Prayers Honors God

High Regard, Great Respect, To Credit,To Worship

Prayers Acknowledges His Being

God is Creator,God is Right,God is Truth,God is All Powerful

God is Just[]

Prayers Exalts His Power

This world has a lot of powerful things operating in it

Bible says that All power belongs to God !

Prayers Adores His Providence (future provision, God’s Guidance)

Nothing Escapes His Eye

Nothing Escapes His Ears

Nothing Escapes His Way

Nothing Escapes His Will()

Prayer Secures His Aid
Isaiah brought news of death and God added 15 more years

Nineveh -was spared from destruction because of prayer

- Prayed over dead children & they came to life
- kneeled beside Dorcas & she opened her eyes
- prayed for the sick and they were healed
- prayers gave Samuel to Israel
- prayers changed Esau hate to brotherly embrace

John the Baptist- was given to Elizabeth because of prayer.

-prayed and the famine ended and a harvest to Israel.

Ezra’s- praying carried the Spirit of God in a heart-breaking conviction

to the city of Jerusalem.

Hezekiah- prayer brought an angel to slay 185,000 in Sennacherib’s

Army in one night.

- praying opened to him a vision of prophecy and shut the lions

The angel was sent to Cornelius to open through him the gospel to the

Gentile world.

…….. This doesn’t even began to touch-

The ReformersThe Martyrs

The Saints of today

Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Addressing the Hindrances to Prayer

Acts 6:1-7

Ac 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Important Facts:

Nothing that is truly built on God can excel or exceed without Him .
The difficulties of the ministry has lead me into a closer walk with Him.
When friends leave you & disappointment comes, He never will.
To accomplish His task & goals, we must have His blessings & presence.
To have the power of God you cannot leave out Holiness, His Word,prayer.

Motivation is a good thing but one must have more than that.

I would love to inspire more people to be intercessor’s

But motivation will only go so far.

If you can get ahold of this truth !

If you could get this truth in your heart

Then act on this truth

You must act on this truth you received

Our failures are prayer failures !

We usually have half hearted praying

Praying must be real ! Real to you.

Tonight I will make some valuable statements

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1. Whatever hinders our prayer life, hinders our Christian life!

-to busy to pray, then you’re to busy to live a Holy Life

2. Duties in life will press you and crowd out prayer

-we all have responsibilities , must priorities

Dr, was asked, “What killed Mr.Prayer life ? He said he was

choked to death.”

-when prayer has been choked ,we don’t realize it unto it’s to late !

A closed prayer chamber is a life of Christianity that is out of business !

-This will not change on it’s own !

3.Prayer is hindered in stages, not all at ounce !

First- Prayer is hindered by unrest. (don’t have time)

Second- Agitation, (Emotional disturbance)

-we shorten our prayer times (time & agitation)

Third- Prayer is crowded into a corner.

We cease to pray, we cease to live spiritually !

The value of prayer depreciates. (loss of importance)

Fourthly- When prayer is hindered, worldliness will flood in.

-There will not be a zeal to reach others for Christ

Fifthly- To preserve Prayer we must Estimate Prayer

(Daniel went to prayer after the bill was signed)

He opened the window as he did before !

He was already practicing this .

Sixthly- to estimate prayer we must examine the Devils tricks

He likes destroying the best with the good !

HE ATTACKS

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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Devil says………………

DO NOT PRAY !- He yells, screams, whispers !

DO NOT PRAY !- The government says stop it, not allowed

DO NOT PRAY !- Atheist says, not allowed

DO NOT PRAY !- Modernist says out of date

DO NOT PRAY !- Calvinist says, want make any difference

DO NOT PRAY ! Family members fuss, no time for them

DO NOT PRAY !- World says, losing out on fun

DO NOT PRAY !- Television says, missing your favorite show

The life of Prayer…………………………….

You must have a private place.

A place where you involve the whole man.

Time you can devote as much time as you can.

Just a little talk with Jesus

How it sooths the rugged road

How it cheers and helps me onward

When I faint beneath the load

When my heart is crushed with sorrow

And my eyes with tears are dim

There’s naught can yield the comfort

Like a little talk with Jesus

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Interceding Prayer that Changes God’s Mind

Genesis 6:6,7 2-8-23

Ge 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

I am sure that this subject will be controversial for some
Especially those that are Hyper-Calvinist
But we believe the Bible (I am a Biblist) Baptist by choice)
I want to establish the fact that at times God changed His mind.
The word “repented” means “a change of mind”
That change can come at mans behavior or by man’s requests and prayers.

I. Moses on Mount Sinai Ex. 32:7-10

Ex 32:7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:

8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

A. Notice in vrs.10- The Omnipotent God talking to Moses

Moses is one of His creatures & allows Moses to have Veto power.
Moses could prevent God from consuming His people

B. Notice how Moses answers the Lord Ex. 32:11-14

Ex 32:11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

C. Notice was asking God not to inflict punishment upon His people

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D. Notice vrs.13,14- Moses simply reminded God of His promises

E. Notice God changed His mind in vrs.14

II. God changes His mind about the destruction of Nineveh

Jonah 3:1-9

Jon 3:1 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.

4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:

8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

A. God did see their works & God did change His mind

B. Jonah was not happy about God not destroying Nineveh

C. The prayer is found in 3:8

III. There are many places where God changed His mind

A. God changed His mind concerning Judah in the days of Joel.

B. In Joel 2:12-14- God’s judgment had been pronounced

The message came that God was merciful
If God’s people would repent & turn to Him
He would change His mind

C. God changed His mind concerning Ephraim. Hosea 11:8

One place God said to leave him alone (joined to idols)
He changed His mind about Him

D. God changed His mind many times with dealing with His people.

Jeremiah 15:6Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

God was weary of changing His mind so many times

IV.

If man will meet the condition of God and pray, God will

Respond to his prayer and perhaps change the course of His direction.

2. Many that would oppose this teaching never learned how to enter the

Great heart of God.

3. God is longsuffering, merciful, compassionate, full of love.

4. God loves His people and will respond to them.

5. God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent and leans toward His

Children to hear what they say.

6. God longs to have them present their petitions to Him that He may

Give consideration to their request.

The Fullness Of His Love

The fullness of His blessing

encompasseth our way;

The fullness of His promises

crowns every brightening day;

The fullness of His glory

is beaming from above,

While more and more we realize

the fullness of His love.

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Prayer and Obedience

Deut. 5:29 John 14:15

De 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Under the Mosaic Law, obedience was looked upon as…

“BETTER THAN SACRIFICE”

Unquestionably obedience is a high virtue!
Obedience is a Soldier quality

-it is the first & last lesson.

-one must know how to practice it all the time without question

How important is obedience in our life and with prayer ?

I. OBEDIENCE IS FAITH IN ACTION

Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

A. A marvelous statement of relationship created and

maintained by obedience.

Jesus said……For I do always those things that please

Him.

B. When we do not obey Him we show a lack of faith in Him.

C. Faith moves God ! (Faith pleases God!)

II. OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS A CONDITION OF SPIRITUAL

AND STABILITY OF HEART

A. How spiritual do you think you are ?

B. A spiritual person wants to be yielded to Christ

C. The most spiritual person in this room does not know they

are the most spiritual person !

Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

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III. OBEDIENCE OPENS THE GATES OF THE HOLY CITY

AND GIVES ACCESS TO THE TREE OF LIFE.

Re 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

A. Happy is that person that obey His commands

B. It is funny how we pick & choose what to obey

C. Always be open to what the Lord commands us to do.

IV. WHAT IS OBEDIENCE ?

A. Doing God’s Will

Mr 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

B. Keeping His commandments

Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

C. How much should we keep His Commandments ?

“partial obedience is total disobedience”

V. DOES GOD GIVE COMMANDS THAT MEN CAN’T OBEY ?

A. Absolutely not ! (earthly parents do not do this)

B. How much greater is our God

1. it is giving up one’s own way and follow another

2. it is the surrendering of the will to the will of another

3. it is the submission of self to the authority of another

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VI. GOD’S COMMANDS ARE NEVER IN TYRANNY BUT IN

LOVE.

A. This love is in our interest.

VII. OBEDIENCE IS LOVE

A. It is love expressing itself

B. Love delights to obey and please whom it loves

(Dr. Hyles on airplane & passenger)

VIII. WE CAN PLEASE GOD

A. It is easier to please God than men.

IX. WE CAN KNOW WHEN WE PLEASE GOD

A. We have the witness of the Spirit

B. We have a Divine assurance

X. GOD”S COMMANDS ARE:

A. Righteous

B. founded in justice & wisdom

C. Holy, Just, Good, True

XI. OBEDIENCE & OUR PRAYERS

A. Obedience helps prayer

B. Obedience speeds prayer to the Throne

C. God will hear an obedient child

E.M. Bounds…..

“If you have an earnest desire to pray well, you must learn how to obey well .”

Why call me Lord Lord and do not the things I say !

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E.M. BOUNDS……………………………………..

IF YOU HAVE AN EARNST DESIRE TO PRAY WELL, YOU MUST LEARN HOW TO OBEY WELL. IF YOU HAVE A DESIRE TO LEARN TO PRAY, THEN YOU MUST HAVE AN EARNEST DESIRE TO LEARN HOW TO DO GOD’S WILL. IF YOU DESIRE TO PRAY TO GOD, YOU MUST HAVE A CONSUMING DESIRE TO OBEY HIM. IF YOU WOULD HAVE FREE ACCESS TO GOD IN PRAYER, THEN EVERY OBSTACLE IN THE NATURE OF SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE, MUST BE REMOVED. GOD DELIGHTS IN THE PRAYERS OF OBEDIENT CHILDREN.

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Prayer And Discipline

Mark 1:35-38

Mr 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

The Lord is our Example in everything
I could never duplicate His perfection
But we can duplicate His consistency & His discipline in some

area’s of His life.

Discipline is not a miracle !
Discipline is a matter of bringing my body into subjection.

-it is me telling my body what it will do.

-most people allow the body to tell them what to do.

Discipline is when I set the boundaries according to the Word of

God & tell my body “” !

I. The prayer life of the Lord Jesus illustrates discipline.

A. He set a time to commune with His heavenly Father Vr.35

B. He had a sanctified & solitary place to pray. Vr.35

C. He had special places where He Interceded for others.

1. We must have a place away from the Hustle & bustle of life.

2. We need a set place that we frequently go. (Joe Henry Hankins Mom)

II. The prayer life of the Lord Jesus illustrates a steady habit

A. The definition of Habit is….

- a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is

hard to give up.

B. This was not a passing fancy !

C. If our Lord had a set time, a solitary place, a habitual practice

How much more we as frail humans need a place to

exercise the discipline of prayer !

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III. The Christian life is a Disciplined Life.

A. Discipline tells my body “ This is what the Bible says !”

B. This is right, whether I like it or not !

C. We will do what the Word of God says………………..

Consistently

By schedule

On purpose noy by accident !

D. It takes time to pray & do what ought to be done.

Time must be given to prayer !

IV. I believe God deserves the best hours of the day.

Prov.8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early

shall find me.

A. Most give God the left overs of the day. (crawl into bed)

B. God wants the quality time & quiet time. (uninterrupted)

Song: Sweet Hour of Prayer

C. God wants our attention as well as our time.

John Wesley……………….

-it was said that he prayed 2 hours every morning…. One

Preacher told him that he was to busy to pray 2 hours. Mr.

Wesley said, I am too busy not to pray 2 hours a day. I cannot

Get done what has to be done unless I get help from God

Almighty.

D. We have time for everything except for time to pray

E.M. Bounds…………….

- Not to give prayer and religion a set and sacred time is to murder

It outright.

- The Devil fears nothing more than he fears prayer. So he fights

Nothing more fiercely than he fights our prayer lives

V. Nothing in the Bible is there by accident vrs.35-a

Mr 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day,

A. This is a significant statement ! (God is trying to teach us)

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B. The heart that is slow to seek after God in the morning

is a heart that has lost its relish for the person of God.

C. God wants us to fall in love with Him than that we fall in

Love with His work !

Robert Murray McCheyne…………..

-He was a great man of prayer. He tottered into the grave at the ripe

Age of 29. He literally prayed himself to death.

-He accomplished more in his life time than we would living 129 yrs.

VI. It would be great if we were addicted to Prayer & doing

His Will.

A. Some closing thoughts about those who were great people

Of prayer.

Francis Asbury…………………….

-He was an old circuit riding preacher, he had pleurisy so

Bad that he would wrap his body and take a stick and twist

It so he could ride for fifty or sixty miles in great pain.

-He said of his prayer life he arose at 4 o’clock as often as he

Could to spend 2 hours in meditation and prayer.

- These men probably went to bed about 8 o’clock to rise early.

Samuel Rutherford………………

-a great old prayer warrior said he arose at 3 o’clock in the

Morning to meet with God and did not miss a morning watch.

Joseph Elene……………………

-spent from 4 oclock to 8 oclock in prayer & communion with God.

- He said that he was ashamed to know that people would get up at

3:00 to make money but God’s people would not arise at 3:00

to meet with God.

E,M, Bounds………………………

- No man gets God in His fulness who does not follow hard after Him.

Before the day dawns.

LAST STATEMENT- Real prayer has not only to do with the act of crying out to God, but it has something to do with an atmosphere. Atmosphere makes prayer what it ought to be.

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Conditions to Answered Prayer

Matthew 7:7,8

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

I. First Condition Clear the Way Ps.66:18

Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

A. Tolerating known sin Is.59:1,2

Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

B. Confess every known sin 1Jn.1:9

II. Second Condition A Righteous Life James 5:16

Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

A. The Lord’s eyes are upon the righteous Ps.34:15

Ps 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

B. Live close to Christ (do right)

III. Third Condition Have Faith Mark 9:23

Mr 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

A. Emerson said…they can conquer who believe they can

B. Hebrews 11:6… impossible to please God

IV. Fourth Condition Obedience John 3:22

1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

A. Obedience is necessary to get prayers answered

B. Do that which is pleasing in His sight

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V. Fifth Condition Abide in Christ John 15:7

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

A. Abiding means that you are yielding, surrendering, allowing Him to live

Through you.

B. A branch to survive must have the minerals flowing through it from roots.

VI. Sixth Condition Have right motives James 4:3

Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

A. What are the reason you are asking for ?

B. Does it honor & Glorify Christ ?

VII. Seventh Condition The Will of God Jn. 5:14,15

1Jo 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:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

A. His Will is in the Book

B. Be lead by the Holy Spirit- (your prayer partner)

VIII. Eighth Condition Persistence Matt.7:7

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

A. Paul prayed 3 times for thorn to be removed (Paul changed his prayer)

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

B. Many just quit too soon

IX. Ninth Condition Idols removed Ez. 14:3

Eze 14:3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

A. Anything that gets in front of God is an Idol

B. Idol can be..Car, Person, object, Money, Job, etc….

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X. Tenth Condition Relationships Right 1 Peter 3:7

1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

A. Wives are to be submissive

B. Men are to love their wives as themselves

XI. Eleventh Condition Be Specific Jn.14:3

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

A. The man asking for bread for a friend

B. Be specific in what you are asking for !

Lu 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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Some Reasons for Unanswered Prayer

Isaiah 59:1,2 Psalms 66:18

Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Psalms 66:18

Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Great men of God tells us that Christians should be getting regular answers to prayer

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

It is normal for an obedient child to ask for bread and get it.
If we do not receive we should be seeking why not ?
We do not have to guess at what sins that hinders our prayers.

I. Wrong Relationship of a Husband and Wife hinders prayers

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

A. How to win their lost husband (not with clothing)

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

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B. Meek and quiet spirit

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

C. Sins at home can cause no answers to prayer (Achan)

D. Rebellion toward each other. (as sin as withcraft) (Angels fell)

E. Husbands dwell with wives according to knowledge

-giving honor as weaker vessel

-being heirs together

II. Prayers blocked by wrongs not made right Matt. 5:23,24

Mt 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

A. Unpaid debts (Zacchaeus)- 4 fold

B. Offended Brothers unreconciled. (Jailer, washed their stripes)

III. Unforgiveness grieves God & hinders prayers (Matt.6:14,15)

Mt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

A. He will not hear your prayers

Saved sinners, Lost sinners

B. God hates the sin of unforgiveness- Matt. 18:21-35

IV. Covetousness Hinders Prayers (Col. 3:5)

Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

A. A Covetous man is an Idolator (a love of money is root of all evil)

B. This man will rob God of the tithe

V. Self Will & Rebellion, disobedience Hinders Prayers

1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

VI. Indifference toward the Bible hinders prayers

Pr 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

A. The Blessed Man- Ps.1:1-3

VII. Unconfessed, Unrepented Sin grieves God-Hinders Prayers

Psalms 66:18, 1 Jn. 1:9

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Acceptable Prayer

Luke 11:1

Lu 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Php 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Lord teach us to pray.

-they had connected His wondrous life to His secret life of prayer

He is the Master in prayer.

-we need to enroll in the school of prayer

-be prepared for a long continuance in this Divine Art of prayer

and intercession.

Lord teach us to pray.

-it is the fellowship with the unseen Holy One

Prayer.

-To get hold of Him !

-To get Him to hear us !

What is Acceptable Prayer ?

It should be to the Glory of God
It should be a full surrender to His will
It should be in full assurance of Faith
It is in Jesus Name (His merits)
It is a perseverance that will not be denied
It is a realization we need Him as our teacher & guide
It is allowing the Holy Spirit to have access to our hearts

(He teaches, give thoughts, how to ask, He is the Spirit of Prayer)

It is more important to know how to speak to God than to men
It is important to take time to meditate-(pray, tarry at the Throne)

able to be agreed on; suitable.

-able to be tolerated or allowed.

Watch & Pray

Matthew 26: 36-41

Mt 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Jesus is on His way toward Calvary
In chapter 22,23 He deals with the Pharisee’s

-watch & observe , do not do for they are hypocrites

-they are like painted sepulchers / dead men’s bones

In chapter 24 He is shown large buildings

-there will not be one stone standing upon another

-in those verses He speaks prophecy to them of the future

In chapter 25 He speaks of the 5 wise & 5 foolish virgins
In chapter 26 He finished these sayings

-He tells them about the Passover in a few days

-He would be betrayed and crucified

He is in Simon the lepers home (approached by a women)

-She has this costly ointment to anoint Him

He has the Passover with His Disciples

-He then goes with them to the Mount of Olives

- Peter tells Jesus He would never Deny Him

-Peter you will 3 times and the cock will crow

The Scriptures says that Jesus tells them He was going to pray
The Bible tells us that Jesus prayed this one prayer 3 times

Mt 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

He was not asking for a way out of this!
He was having the weight of the world’s sin upon Him
He was dying but He had to drink the bitter cup !
He returns and finds them asleep (Peter)

41 , that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Judas soon arrives and you know about that part.
JESUS told them to Watch & Pray…………………………

I. Watch for the approach of Temptation

Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

II. Watch for the Temptation from Within

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

A. Materialism B. Pride C. Laziness

D. Self Centerness E. Anger F. Bitterness

G. Envy H. Lying H. Sexual Sins

(Watch for that besetting sin that entangles us ) a weakness to !

- that sin we habitually fall into,

- something we are weak and cannot resist if we aren’t careful

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III. Watch for the enticements of the World 1 Jn 2:15,16

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

IV. Watch out for Satan’s attacks 1 Peter 5:8

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

V. Watch out for a coldness of Heart

Mt 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

VI. Watch out for Sinful Motives

VII. Pray for God’s help to overcome temptations

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Watch & Pray (Charlotte Elliot)

Christian, seek not yet repose, Hear the victors who o'ercame:

Cast thy dreams of ease away; Still they mark each warrior's way;

Thou art in the midst of foes: All with one sweet voice exclaim,

Watch and pray. "Watch and pray."

Principalities and pow'rs, Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,

Must'ring their unseen array, Him thou lovest to obey;

Wait for thine unguarded hours: Hide within thy heart his word,

Watch and pray. "Watch and pray."

Gird thy heav'nly armor on, Watch, as if on that alone

Wear it ever, night and day; Hung the issue of the day;

Ambushed lies the evil one: Pray, that help may be sent down:

Watch and pray. Watch and pray.

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Watch, as if on that alone

Hung the issue of the day;

Pray, that help may be sent down:

Watch and pray.

The Power of Prayer

Matthew 7:7-11

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Power belongeth unto God

-all that belongs to God we can have for the asking

Every child of God has provision from Him for power in life & work
If we have no power- it is a neglect of prayer

The great story in Acts 3:1-11 (Peter & John and the lame man)

Silver & gold I have not but such I give you (stand up and walk)
What power there was

-The Lord added to the church (salvations) great powerActs 2:47

-5,000 saved Acts 4:4(What power)

-Acts 6:4(They gave themselves continually to prayer

The early church had a abounding Love & abiding fruitfulness

-Acts 2:44-47Acts 4:32-37Acts 8:4Acts 11:19,21

Here lies the secret to much power in life & service

-they continued steadfastly !

-how little time the average Christian spends in prayer(to busy)

-we spend a lot of time on the machinery of the ministry

God delights in answering Prayer [CALL UPON ME]

Ps 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Remember those who were the Doers in Scripture were the Prayers !

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The people who have made an impact

On the church were people of prayer !

Satan wants you to lay aside the weapon of Prayer !

PRAYER CAN DO ANYTHING GOD CAN DO

The Arm of God responds to the touch of prayer

1. Prayer has power to bring a true knowledge of ourselves and our needs.

A. To know our weaknesses

B. To know our sinfulness

C, To know our selfishness

People of power usually begins with a revelation of

Our powerlessness & worthlessness !

Isa 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

2. Prayer has power to cleanse our hearts from sin

A. Secret Sin

B. Known Sin

Ps 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3. Prayer has power to hold us up in our going and give us victory over

Temptation.

Ps 17:5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

A. Jesus told His Disciples to pray that ye enter not into temptation

B. They slept instead of praying.

4. Prayer has power to govern our tongues.

Pr 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Pr 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

A. A unruly tongue can hinder the fulness of God from your lives.

B. James 3:8- speaks of an unruly tongue (only prayer can control it)

5. Prayer has power to bring us wisdom

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

A. God expects His children to walk in the light, not darkness

B. Ask in Faith

6. Prayer has power to open our eyes to behold things from the W.O.G.

Ps 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

A. Difficult passages are opened !

A book in my library- the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Many believe that Charles Mueller wrote this

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7. Prayer has power to bring the Holy Spirit in fulness and Power

A. The Disciples continues in prayer before they were filled

B. Every Spiritual blessing you receive is an answer to true prayer

Ac 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Ac 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

8. Prayer brings God into our work

A. Obstacles the N.T. Church faced were always lifted by prayer

Ac 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Ac 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

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The Petition which I asked of Him

1 Samuel 1:27,28

1Sa 1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

A man of Ramath a im zophim -name Elkanah
He had 2 wives one Peninnah (she had children)

The other was Hannah-(she had no children)

She had great pain over this (tortured)

Her husband was very good to her(she went to God in prayer)

She got down to business !

Priest was Eli. (He saw her come into Temple to pray , made no sound)
He told her she would have the answer to her prayer
She had Samuel (because I asked God for him)
Hannah takes him to the Temple as she promised (dedicated him to God)

Let us look at this petition… Request, earnestly inquiry

I. She wanted something so bad, she was willing to go without food.

1Sa 1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

Have you ever wanted something so badly you was willing to fast ?

II. She went to God and met Him !

1Sa 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

She traveled a great distance to get there !

III. She was burdened so badly it affected her soul. Vrs.9

O what praying comes from this

IV. She vowed a vow to the Lord

1Sa 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

A solemn promise (to give them to God for His will) 1

V. She continued praying.

1Sa 1:12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. (multiplied prayers)

This is in the linear sence Matt.7:7,8

VI. She prayed in an unusual manor.

1Sa 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

There were laws that governed women in the Bible
Devil only knows what you tell him verbally

VII. She poured out herself to God.

1Sa 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

Have you ever been there? Thoroughly right with God
Oh God ! (start getting into the area of Praying in the Spirit)

VIII. She did not want to be identified being with the wicked.

1Sa 1:16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

This complaint-converse with herself, her condition

IX. She wanted the Man of God to be pleased with her.

1Sa 1:18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

It is important to God where you stand with the Preacher
More discussion-Heb.13:7 & 17

X. She arose up and Worshipped God

1Sa 1:19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

XI. She conceived and bore a Son

1Sa 1:20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

XII. She praised & Thanked God Publicly 2:1-10

She kept on living for God after she got her request

WHAT CHRISTIANS DO NOT UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE WAR WE FIGHT

2 Tim. 2:1-5 Eph. 6:10-17

2 Timothy says that we are Soldiers of Jesus Christ
We are told what kind of Soldiers we are to be

2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Eph. Tells us to put on the whole amour of God

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

We wrestle not against flesh and blood

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The soldiers equipment

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Loins-girt about with truth (being alert, ready for battle)

-bracing up ones self

Breastplate- of righteousness

-having a right relationship with God

-obedience (seat of your emotions & feelings)

Feet Shod

Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Protect the feet ! ready to move forward

Shoes like football players (cleats)

Shield of Faith

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Fiery darts of the wicked one

Pride-Deception-Rejection-Loneliness-Fear etc.

Helmet of Salvation

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Protecting your mind

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Sword of the Spirit

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Word of God

“A favoured person seeks wisdom from the Word of God and finds power in prayer.”

“ Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” C.S.

“We are the Bibles the world is reading; we are the creeds the world is needing; we are the sermons the world is heeding.”

“The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture.”

“The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.”

“The Bible is the book of my life. It's the book I live with, the book I live by, the book I want to die by.”

“I’ve read the last page of the Bible, it’s all going to turn out alright.”

All of these armour parts are important to do battle !
But, where is the real battle ? (where is it being fought ?)
Where are you attacked most ?

-church, home, work, giving, fellowship, Soul Winning ?NO!

WE ARE NOT FIGHTING FLESH & BLOOD

PRICIPALITIES- this is the main governing body of wickedness

-their authority and power

POWERS- demonnistic control

RULERS OF DARKNESS- doing things against God

SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS- fighting us, keeping us from being spiritual

WHERE IS THE REAL BATTLE BEING FOUGHT

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Object is to keep you out of the prayer closet
Everything is hinged on prayer
You are no more spiritual than how much you pray !

1. Praying- to defend, to be safe, to rescue ,to free, to get the victory

2. Always- continuing wagging of the tongue

3. With all prayer-to feel sympathy, to be touched by a feeling, to come together

4. And Supplication- petition, prayer, beseeching, bonds, urgent need

5. In the Spirit- the heart, soul, mind, plus you, plus us, breath hard !

6. Watching thereunto- be sleepless, awake, quiet, stillness

7.With all Perseverance- being earnest, diligent, servant, attendance ,continue

8. And Supplication- petition, prayer request, beg, urgent

9. For all Saints-

THE WHOLE SPIRITUAL BATTLE IS FOUGHT ON YOUR KNEES

Story of Moses & Joshua & Hur- Ex. 17:10-12

Story of Elijah- 1 Kings 18:20-46 (small still voice- do you hear Him ?)

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Praying in the Will of God

Matt. 26:39,42 1Jn.5:14,15

Mt 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Mt 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

1Jo 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: {in: or, concerning}

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Successful prayer is for those who love the Lord and surrendered to His will.
If we want our prayers answered we must seek to pray in the Will of God.
We must seek to pray for things that please Him and Honor Him.
We should never seek things that will grieve Him or hinder His blessed work.
We must not seek things that encourage sin.

God loves us so much !

-the only way to measure it is the gift of His Dear Son !

-He wants to answer our prayers and give His Children things !

Ro 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Praying in His Will isn’t praying for less but it is praying for more!

-Our Father wants us to be happy and we will if we receive what He wants us to have.

( Loving Surrender is only right)

I. Jesus in Gethsemane is our Example

Mt 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Mt 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

A. He was not praying that He would not die on the cross !

- but not die before the time He would go to the cross. Heb.5:7

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

-He did not shrink from the cross (may our hearts be surrendered to the Will of God)

II. The assurance in prayer 1Jn. 5:14

1Jo 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:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

A. if we pray in His Will we have the confidence our prayers will be answered.

B. It is sweet to know that He is listening to us as we pray.

C. We can know without a doubt we will receive those things requested

D. We should delight in His Work, Word, Will !

More to reason we should Abide in Christ

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

What does it mean to abide in Christ ?

-being one with Him

-being agreed with Him

-surrendered to His Will

-trusting joyfully in Him

Words abide in you (His Word)

Ps 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

Ps 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Ps 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Ps 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Ps 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Ps 56:10 In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.

Ps 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

III. Asking in Jesus Name

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

What does it mean to ask in His Name ?

Praying in the Name of Jesus does not mean that we get our way. Praying in the name of Jesus means that we get Jesus’s way.

IV. Faith comes when Praying is in the Will of God

A. Knowing it is in the Will of God our faith will grow

1.When we pray in the Will of God………………….

-with our heart fully surrendered to His way

-eager to do and have His will done

-with the sweet leading of the Holy Spirit

-and the Word of God

FAITH WILL GROW

B. He wants us to be filled with His Spirit and have the power of God.

-that we may have His power to win souls

-that we may receive His Blessings in our lives

-that we may be a blessing to others

Prayer and Forgiveness

1 John 1:5-10

1Jo 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

To night we will look at praying for forgiveness
Nothing more important than praying for forgiveness
Those that are saved realize that sin will block our prayers
Believers are forgiven but we still sin in our daily lives. (Omission & Comission)

I. Praying for salvation

Praying for forgiveness as an unbeliever (praying for salvation) (from unbelief to faith)
Until you are saved, you can’t pray for anything at all.

Joh 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.

The A B C’s of praying for salvation

Ro 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

-God says your sin is a transgression of his holy law. It is an act of rebellion against

your Creator,

-God says that your sin separates you from Him, it deserves eternal punishment

-Unless it is forgiven, you will suffer punishment in hell when you die

-We cannot fix this so we need a Saviour.

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The second step is to believe in Jesus as your Saviour.
You have just admitted to God you need a Saviour
Now you believe that Jesus is the Saviour who can save you from your sins.
Jn. 1:12 says, all that receive Him He gives the right to become the children of God.
You do not have to do anything to be saved. (No works or religious deeds)
Salvation is not something you earn by doing, but receive by believing.
There are 2 things you need to believe about Jesus

1. you need to believe who Jesus is( The Son of God who came as a man to be your Saviour)

2. you need to know what He did (He died on the cross for your sins and arose from the dead

So you could be forgiven)

C. Confess:

Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

A- stands for admitB-stands for believeC stands for confess.

Now you go to God in prayer confessing your sin and confessing Jesus Christ as Saviour.
When you come to Jesus for salvation, God forgives all your sins.
He forgives the sins in the past, present, future (not even committed yet.)

How do you pray for salvation? Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believe in Jesus as your Savior. Confess your sin and Jesus as Lord.

I. Praying for salvation

II. Confessing sin (what about believers praying for forgiveness) ?

We confess sin so that we can have an ongoing fellowship with God.

A. Unconfessed sin breaks your fellowship with God

1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Unconfessed sin breaks your fellowship with God
Walking in darkness blocks fellowship with God

B. Confessing sin restores your fellowship with God 1 Jn.1:9

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confessing sin restores your fellowship with God.

C. Do I ask God for forgiveness or thank God for forgiveness?

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

I believe the reason Jesus tells us to ask for forgiveness is because forgiveness is more than just a transaction. It is part of a personal relationship.

I. Praying for salvation

II. Confessing sin

III. Forgiving Others (Very important, it is essential part of Praying)

Mt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

How do you want the Lord to forgive you? (How do you forgive others?)

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A. Forgive us as we forgive others

Mt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

B. Forgive others as Christ forgave you. Eph. 4:32

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

CONCLUSION:

The Bible teaches us that both believers and unbelievers need to pray for forgiveness.

-Unbelievers need to pray for salvation so that their sins can be forgiven, and they can enter into a right relationship with God. -Believers need to confess sin and ask for forgiveness in order to maintain fellowship with God.

Praying for forgiveness – it’s free for the asking, a free gift of God’s grace purchased for you by Christ at the cross.

This is where it all begins. Because until you pray for forgiveness, you really can’t pray for anything at all.

Posture’s in Prayer

2 Chronicles 6:14

2Ch 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

I would like for you to pay attention to the part kneeled down upon his
One may ask does it matter how we pray ?
Does it matter if I kneel, stand, cry out, lay prostrate ?
When God created us he did so to be complete.
We are body, soul, and spirit, all of our various parts feed and affect

All the others.

Prayer is not dependent on body positions.
I do believe that our posture might intensify our praying.

We read about people who play golf, play baseball, basketball and other sports

Say it matters how they posture themselves to achieve better results.

So, what does the Bible say about posture in people who prayed ?

1. Bowing- Ex.34:8

Ex 34:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.

2 And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.

3 And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.

4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.

6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

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A. To bow is a physical expression of honor and allegiance.

B. Bowing is associated with worship

C. David centuries later said in Ps.5:7 (He bowed in reverence to God)

2. Kneeling 2 Chronicles 6:13

2Ch 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

A. Many places speak of dropping to our knees in prayer.

B. Solomon prayer of dedication of the temple in front of the congregation

C. Daniel did so 3 times a day before an open window. Dan.6:10

D. Phil.2:10 says every knee will bow on earth & under the earth before Him

3. Lying Prostrate Neh. 8:6

Ne 8:6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

A. Sometimes the bowing of the head and on the knees still doesn’t reflect the

Devotion we intend.

B. Ezra the priest gave that all morning public reading of the Word, he bowed

His face to the ground.

C. Jesus praying in the garden agonizing before His torture & death

Mt 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

D. John saw Jesus on the island of Patmos admitted he fell at His feet like a

dead man. Rev.1:17 (lying prostrate)

Re 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

4. Lifted Hands Ps. 141:2

A. The Bible has a lot of prayers with uplifted hands

Ps 141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

B. Paul said he wanted every man in every place to pray and lift up Holy Hands

1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

C. Solomon and Ezra prayed while falling to their knees & lifting up their hands

D. A position of total, physical worship & praise.

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5. Lifted Eyes John 11:41

Joh 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

A. Closing of the eyes is a good way to limit distractions

B. The lifting of eyes toward heaven as Jesus did (raised His eyes)

C. Jesus did this again at the feeding of the 5,000

Lu 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

6. Silence Ps.46:10

Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

A. What we do with our voices is as important as the position of our bodies.

B. The story of Hannah prayed in anguish (speaking in her heart)

7. Lifted Voices Ps. 141:1

Ps 141:1 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

A. The Bible tells us also to lift up our hands and our voices to God.

Ps 77:1 I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

8. Crying Out Ps. 55:17

A. It says that Jesus cried aloud during His prayer time.

Ps 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

B. Jesus was heard because of His reverence Heb. 5:7

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

C. 20 times in 22 chapters in Rev. words spoken in heaven (intense & loud)

Conclusion- posture isn’t everything, but we all can identify the difference !

-I have laid on my back, I have walked praying, I have crawed,

- I have raised my hands and did all of the above !

-One thing is a must, pray earnestly ,pray from your heart,

- Worship God, love on Him, spend time with Him

- Pray your way through the Word of God !

But PRAY !

Men Ought Always to Pray

Luke 18:1-8

Lu 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Many think that prayer is just a privilege. (Look closely at verse One)
Men ought to pray ! (ought’s meaning-(deh-on) necessary, binding,must,should
Jesus is telling us that it is expected of us, it is a must! Never take it forgranted !
We must understand that it is an obligation !
We will never overcome -sin, flesh, world, Satan !
We can have power as we pray- to do the work of the Kingdom, our church prospers, The gospel reaches souls, the H.S. endues the preacher as he preaches,

The Holy Spirit endues the people when we pray.

We become stale when we do not pray- we fail, cold, indifferent, worldly, cold.

I. PRAY FOR THE UNSAVED

A. Remember it is the person’s final decision (Heaven or Hell)

B. Christian’s are the only intercessor’s that God has appointed

C. The Holy Spirit is moving on someone to pray for the lost ! (My Grandmother)

- Joe Henry Hankins tells a story about a mother staying on her face until

her daughter get’s saved in Texas

- Many that I have prayed for especially one teen in our church we prayed for to

Get saved. (fasted & prayed all week) she came in & told me she got saved !

II. PRAY FOR OURSELVES

A. We must pray ! (Devil fights us so hard)

B. The flesh fights us to- compromise, Be worldly, cast stumbling blocks)

C. Prayer makes it possible that you can make it anywhere. (Daniel)

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I. PRAY FOR THE UNSAVED

II. PRAY FOR OURSELVES

III. PRAY FOR OUR HOMES

A. The Devil wants to destroy our homes.

-If homes are destroyed, think what devastation it causes in many lives.

B. There was the Home before there was a Church !

- in the home there should be a lot of heaven, peace, love, joy, happiness.

- in some homes there is alcohol, drugs, fighting, fussing.

- God is left out !

IV. PRAY FOR THE CHURCH

A. The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth.

1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

B. Pray that the Church will be separate from the world

C. Pray that the Church will keep souls at the for front in it’s purpose

D. Pray that the Church will not become a country club

E. Pray that the Church will keep it’s doors open

F. Pray that the Church will be an example to the young ones

John Wesley stood at Aldersgate England. The Holy Spirit

Came upon him and set him on fire, he turned England to

God. An old black preacher stood on that bronze plate and

Prayed “DO IT AGAIN LORD, DO IT AGAIN”

“ Our churches have forgot how to pray !”

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Why Prayer Is So Important

Math. 7: 7,8, 11 7-19-23

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Mt 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

James says that we have not because we ask not !
All of our problems are prayer problems

I. Prayer has power to bring true knowledge of ourselves and needs

A. weakness, selfishness, sinfulness

- Isaiah came face to face with himself….

“Woe unto me I’m a sinful man with unclean lips

II. Prayer reveals to us to cleanse our hearts from sin

Ps 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

A. Sin robs us of our power

B. Sin separates us from God

C. Sin will destroy us (courting sin)

III. Prayer holds us up in our goings & gives victory over temptation

A. Jesus told them to pray that they enter not into temptation

Mt 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

IV. Prayer helps us to govern our tongues

A. Have you ever had problem with the tongue ?

Ps 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

V. Prayer will bring wisdom James 1:5

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

A. We stumble around foolishly

VI. Prayer will open our eyes to behold wondrous things

Ps 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

VII. Prayer brings the Holy Spirit in all His power in our hearts

Lu 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

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VIII. Prayer will promote our own spiritual growth in Christ likeness

A. The early church would assemble and cry out over obsticales.

Peter in Jail
Praying over children by name

IX. Prayer will bring Salvation to others

A. Paul was being prayed over before his salvation

B. Prayer will reach around the world

C. Prayer has always been behind the great Revivals (Finney & others)

Teach Me Lord

Teach me, Lord,

What I don't know.

Show me which way

And where to go.

Alone I stumble,

Alone I fall,

But your gentle voice

Leads through it all.

Take my hand,

Light my way,

Be my beacon

Night and day.

I am weak

And sometimes so low,

But you give me strength

And make me whole.

Teach me, Lord and Father.

Your child has become like new.

Empty me of myself

So I can live for you.

Doeth What Hinderth Us

2 Chronicles 6:1-11 7-26-23

2Ch 6:1 Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

2 But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.

3 And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.

4 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying,

5 Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

7 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

8 But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:

9 Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name.

10 The LORD therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

There was a man in the Bible who had a desire to do something for God
David was that Man- (Man after God’s on heart.)

Those who know God the best are the richest & most powerful in prayer

Little acquaintance with God and strangeness and coldness to Him make prayer

A rare and feeble thing.

One main desire David had was to build God a House !

God said No. Because the sword would never leave his house .

But through his loins came a son (Solomon)
We know him for his- wisdom,wealth,reign,judgements…..

But we do know him for his praying !(1Kings 3:5-14)

God used Solomon to complete the task (prayer of Dedication)

-the Ark is brought into the Temple

-Glory of God fills the House(prayer is 2 Chron.6:14-19

-Praise, Worship, confession,Glory, confession of peoples sins

The end of the prayer brings great results (7:1)
God comes to Solomon & lays down some conditions for God to dwell, work,

Bring Revival1

I. IF MY PEOPLE

A. You are bought with a price- 1Cor. 7:23

II. WHICH ARE CALLED John 15:16

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

III. BY MY NAME Luke 12:48

A. What responsibility we have tonight

Lu 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

IV. SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES

A. We will never grow unless we learn to humble ourselves

-the way up is down !

-God hates a proud look & a forward mouth !

V. AND PRAY

E.M. Bounds said- Prayer unites with the purpose of God and lays itself out to secure those purposes.

A. Prayer influences God greatly

B. We must have the fire of God working through us.

Joshua stepped into the breach with prayer
Jacob supported prayer with a vow
Jonah’s prayer secured and end
Hannah poured her heart out to God
Samuel devoted his whole self to God by prayer
Samson knew how to talk to God
David knew the way to God
Solomon had a close relationship with God
Abraham always erected an Altar
Job was a man of prayer
Moses had all night prayer meetings with wonderful praying
Elijah’s secret places brought things to pass.

VI. AND SEEK MY FACE

A. Stay until you reach Him

VII. TURN FROM YOUR WICKED WAYS

A. What ways are wicked in your life ? disobedience, rebellion, selfishness,

God’s Word not read, treat men, God’s House, God’s Tithe ??????

VIII. I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN

A. If He hears us ! 1 Jn. 5: 14,15

1Jo 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:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

IX. FORGIVE THEM THEIR SINS 1 Jn. 1:9

X. AND HEAL THER LAND

A. We need a real healing in our land today

B. Our Homes, our churches, our relationships

C. We so desperately need Revival !

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a clean heart,

O God; and renew a right spirit within me

Rekindle my desire, oh Lord, take me higher restore unto me the joy of knowing Thee

Renew my spirit,oh Lord, make me alert reactivate in me

the faith I have in Thee.

Rejuvenate my thirst, Oh, Lord to make You first,

Revitalize in me to put my trust in Thee

Reinvigorate my passion,oh Lord, of your compassion

Revitalize in me the love I have for Thee

Oh Lord, rekindle my desire, take and lift me higher

take and lift me higher, set my heart for you afire

so I may others inspirie

When they Prayed, Something Happened

Matt. 7:7,8

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

“What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer.”

“Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still. He will never talk well and with real success to men for God who has not learned well how to talk to God for men.”

“Our praying needs to be pressed and pursued with an energy that never tires, a persistency which will not be denied, and a courage that never fails.”

It is exciting to me every time God answers a prayer that I have prayed
I love reading about great men and women of God having prayers answered.
Do you remember your first prayer that God answered ?
I do remember God answering a prayer about money needed.
I wished I had made note of so many of them being answered.

I. When Moses prayed, results followed. Ex. 32:9-14

A. Moses comes down from Mt. (made a golden calf)

B. God wants to destroy them.

Ex 32:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? {the LORD: Heb. the face of the LORD}

12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

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II. When Abraham Prayed, God healed Abimelech.

Ge 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.

18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.

A. Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife.

B. God had placed a curse on Abimelech

III. Hezekiah Prayed, the Syrian Army was defeated.

2Ki 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

16 LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

17 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

18 And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

19 Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.

IV. Elijah Prayed and Fire Fell

1Ki 18:36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

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V. Elisha Prayed & eyes saw things natural eyes couldn’t see

2Ki 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

A. Syrians war plans were being told by Elisha

B. Soldiers surrounded Elisha

C. Elisha prayed and eyes of servant were opened

D. Elisha prayed and soldiers eyes were blinded

VI. Daniel prayed when it was unpopular

Da 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

A. No law would stop him

B. No spies would stop him.

C. No trouble would stop him.

D, nothing would change his discipline of prayer time

Lions den- the law was changed

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The Importance of Praying

Matt. 6:5-15

Mt 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Powerful weapon we have is prayer.
Our battles are won or lost in the prayer closet

I. THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER VRS. 5-7

A. It gives access to God

B. It gains us attention of God

C. It gets us an answer from God

II. THE PLACE OF PRAYER VRS.6 (meet God in the Closet, He’ll

A. The secret of the closet deliver it in the church)

B. The subject that’s in the closet (God)

C. The show that’s out of the closet

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I. The purpose of prayer

II. The place of prayer

III. THE PATTERN OF PRAYER VRS.9-13

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

A. Prayer is approaching God- vrs.9,10

B. Prayer is asking God- 11-13

C. Prayer is adoring God- vrs 13

IV. THE POWER OF PRAYER ACTS 4:31-33

Ac 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

A. Strength for service

B. Surprise for the servant- Acts.12:1-19 (Peter in prison)

C. Salvation for Sinners Acts 16:

Vrs.14-15 Lydia is Saved Vrs.16-18 Soothsayer Saved Vrs.25-34-Jailer

V. THE PRAYER PROMISES OF THE BIBLE

Jer.33:3- Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Matt.7:7,8- Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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1Jo 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:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Mt 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Mt 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Some Examples of Paul’s Praying

1 Thess.5:17 & 25

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 25 Brethren, pray for us.

Have you noticed that the people that God uses are people of prayer?
If you intentional look you will find a lot of prayer is in scripture.

Abraham was a man of Prayer- Genesis 20:7

Ge 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

Moses was a man of Prayer- Num.11:2 (Kadish…Fire from the Lord)

Nu 11:2 And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.

Hannah’s Prayer- 1 Sam.1:10, 2:1-10

Samuel –a man of prayer- 1 Samuel 7:5,8-12:19-25

Prayer is the greatest thing you can do for another
Prayer is the greatest thing you can do for your Pastor
Prayer is the greatest thing you can do for your church
Prayer is the greatest thing you can do for your children
Prayer is the greatest thing you can do for the lost
Paul asked many times for people to pray for him.
Let’s examine some of his request.

I. Prayer request for those at Rome- 1 Thess.1:1-9

Ro 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

1. Prayed that he would have a prosperous journey- (by the Will of God)

2. He could impart a Spiritual gift to them (be established)

3. That he would be delivered from those who do not believe (evil men)

4. That his service may be accepted of the Saints. (service-office)

5. That he would come to them with Joy. (By the will of God)

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

6. That they would be refreshed. (re-enlist & recruit )

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II. Prayer for Philippi Phil. 1:19

Php 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Php 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

A. Turn to my salvation- (rescue & safety & health)

B. The supply of the Spirit-(contribution,supply,minister,nourishment)

C. He would not be ashamed

D. Christ would be glorified (in his body in life or death)

(-to live is Christ & to die is gain)

III. Prayer for Colossea Col.4:3 Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

A. Open a door of utterance (topic,reasoning,communication

B. Speak the mystery of Christ (Messiah)

C. To make it manifest (show forth)

C.W. Renwick

The only footprints on the sand of time that will really last are the ones made

After knee prints

C.H. Spurgeon

Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused.

D.L. Moody

A man that prays much in private will make short prayers in public.

George Muller

The most important part of prayer was the 15 minutes after he said A-men.

Make me an intercessor !

Make me an intercessor, one who can really pray

One of the Lord’s Remembrances, By night as well as day

Make me an intercessor. In Spirit-touch with Thee.

And give the heavenly vision, Praying through to victory.

Make me an intercessor. Teach me how to prevail

To stand my ground and still pray on, through powers of hell assail

Make me an intercessor, sharing Thy death and life

In prayer claiming for others, Victory in the strife

Make me an Intercessor, Willing for deeper death

Emptied broken then made new, and filled with living breath.

Make me an Intercessor,Reveal this mighty thing

The wondrous possibility Of praying back my King

Make me an Intercessor, Hidden-unknown-set apart

Through little of by those around, But satisfying thine heart

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He heard the voice of my Weeping

Psalms 6:1-10

Ps 6:1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. {all...: or, every night}

7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

This Psalm is the very first penitent Psalm of David
Psalm 51 is usually the one we examine about David’s Sin
David is heart sick, broken over the result of the sin
David has repented, he is crying every night over it
The child is dying as God told him it would
David is now carrying the full load of his actions
Bathsheba, Uriah, stained leadership military, Nation

What I noticed was the term- {Heard the voice of my weeping}

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1. The Jews would use this when they wanted forgiveness.

2. After backsliding when one had repented and made vows to

Return to God’s Will & His work.

3. There was a desire to return in vrs. 2

2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

4. Notice the groanings in vrs. 6

6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. {all...: or, every night}

5. The desire for forgiveness. Vrs. 2

6. David is ashamed & he has cast a stumbling block to the enemy.

7. Picture David kneeling beside that little bed of his dying son.

I. God knows when we are sincere.

II. God’s heart is touched at our pure brokenness

III. God’s Love & mercy is the salve that sooth’s the soul

IV. God hears what others do not hear

(partly praying in the Holy Ghost)

V. David knows that God has heard his prayer.

1Jo 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:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

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Improving our Prayer Life

Ephesians 6:18

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6 is known for the Armour of God
God has given His children equipment for offence & defense
Each piece is to be put on with prayer
Notice it says always with all prayer. {present tense}

A Prevailing Prayer Life

Luke 21:36- Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Ac 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Acts 12:5 ¶ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Colossians 4:2 ¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

II. A Petitioning Prayer Life

Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1Ki 8:59 And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require:

A. Supplications is getting close to God (be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night)

B. Supplications is requesting the interest of the petitioner (that he maintain the cause of his servant)

C. Supplications is surrendering to the will of God to do what is best. (as this matter shall require)

THIS ELEMENT OF PRAYER SETS TRUE PRAYER APART FROM JUST A LIST OF RQUEST

III. A Powerful Prayer Life

A. Spirit enables us to address God as Father.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

B. Spirit enables us to know how and what to pray for.

Martin Lloyd Jones says about Spirit led prayer- “ Praying in the HolySpirit! This means the Holy Spirit directs the prayer, creates the prayer within us, and empowers us to offer it and to pray it.”

Romans 8:26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

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Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

C. Spirit enables us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

{ Successful prayer is not based upon length or position but on what moves us to prayer. }

Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

IV. A Persevering prayer Life.

A. Steadfast attentive prayer

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Thessalonians says “ pray without ceasing”

B. Sincere unselfish prayer

Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Matthew 15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.

Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

A Prevailing Prayer Life
A Petitioning Prayer Life
A Powerful Prayer Life
A Persevering prayer Life.

I asked the Lord, that I might grow Yea more with His own hand He seemed

In faith, and love, and every grace; Intent to aggravate my woe;

Might more of His salvation know, Crossed all the fair designs I schemed

And seek more earnestly His face. Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

T’was He who taught me thus to pray Lord why is this?’ I trembling cried

and He I trust has answered prayer, ‘Wilt thou pursue Thy worm to death?’

but it has been in such a way ‘This in this way,”the Lord replied,

it almost drove me to despair. ‘I answer prayer for grace and faith.

I hoped that in some favored hour These inward trials I employ

At once He’d answer my request, From self and pride to set thee free;

and by His love’s constraining power And break thy schemes of earthly joy,

Subdue my sins, and give me rest. That thou mayst seek thy all in Me.’

Instead of this, He made me feel John Newton

the hidden evils of my heart;

And let the angry powers of hell

Assault my soul in every part. 2

The Lord Heard the Voice of My Weeping

Ps.6:1-10

Ps 6:1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

The Lord gave us this thought while praying at Southport.
So heavy burdened about what I was going through
David here feels God’s Hand against him for his sins of Uriah.
He cries out to God for forgiveness & God hears him.
Remember the secret of prayers answered is God hearing us. 1John 5:14
Crying is a part of our lives
Tears are shed for many reasons…newborn baby, deep sadness, happiness etc.. Hagar Cried Over Ishmael – Genesis 21:16

And she went, and sat her down over against him a

good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me

not see the death of the child. And she sat over against

him, and lift up her voice, and wept.

Esau Wept When He Didn’t Receive His Rightful Blessing – Genesis 27:38

And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one

blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my

father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

Joseph Wept When His Brothers Came Seeking- Genesis 43, 45, 46, 50

Nehemiah Wept When He Heard About the Walls- Neh.1:4

Peter Wept After He Denied the Lord – Mark 14:72

The Lord Wept At the Tomb Of Lazarus – John 11:35

There will be weeping in Hell Matt. 13:49-50

( The Lord heard the voice of His Weeping)

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THE TRAVAIL OF HIS SOUL Ps. 6:1-5

Ps 6:1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

The chastisement of David

Galatians 6:7

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a

man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Numbers 32:23

23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned

against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out

The Confession of David – “O, Lord I am weak, for my bones are vexed vrs.2

THE TEARS OF HIS SORROW Ps. 6:6-8

Ps 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

The Weariness of His Cry
The Weeping of His cry

THE TRUST IN HIS SAVIOUR Ps. 6:9,10

Ps 6:9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be . …… ashamed suddenly.

The Response to Davids Tears
The Reception of David’s Prayer

The Lord gave us Peace that He heard our prayer !

Thanksgiving and the Prayer Life

1 Thess. 5:18

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I have so much to be thankful for in my life
The last year God has done so many wonderful things
I contribute everything that has happen to God
Prayer and Thanksgiving go hand in hand

1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Isa 12:4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Thank Him for giving you life
Thank God for your Salvation
Thank God for His great Love
Thank God for your family
Thank God for your Church
Thank God for your Health
Thank God for everything

Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

How God Feels Toward Those Who Pray

Daniel 9: 1-4

Da 9:1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

My goal is not to do a study on the book of Daniel
Nor is it to talk about these prophecy’s Daniel will deal with
Daniel and the 70 weeks are much studied in the realm of prophecy.
I just want to address the structure of the prayer & some key elements.

The Prayer of Daniel 3-20

He acknowledged God was faithful
He acknowledged that His people were unfaithful
He acknowledged God’s mercy dealing with a sinful people
He acknowledged that God keeps His word
He appealed to God on the basis of God’s mercy

5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.

9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

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12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

15 And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.

17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.

18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

The Response To Daniel’s Prayer 21-23

21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

III. The Reassurance We Receive From His Praying

A. While he was praying- the answer came -21

B. He was touched while He prayed-21

C. He was informed-22

D. His Name was called-22

E. He was told that He was greatly loved- 23

Conclusion

May the example of Daniel’s life, faith and prayer encourage and inspire us to have a closer walk

with God. Do we have the type of relationship with God that we can pray like Daniel?

How is the Word of God Connected to Prayer

1 Timothy 4:1-5

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

God’s Word is a record of prayer (praying men & their achievements)
When reading God’s Word we receive encouragement
When reading God’s Word we realize that God uses praying people.
To do God’s Will we will pray and not faint

I. Even God’s House is called the House of Prayer Mark 11:15-17

A. Prayer is the most Holy Office (Bible is the book of prayer)

B. Prayer is the great Theme & content messages to man kind.

C. The church is a Sacred place set aside for God (not secular purposes)

D. Jesus made it known by casting out money changers ! (making it less)

{ Josiah brought the Bible out & had it read- found the Book}

{ Ezra after returning from Babylon brought the Book out}

II. God’s Word is the directory to the Prayer of Faith Romans 10:17

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

A. Paul said to let the words of Christ dwell in you richly- Col. 3:16

B. Faith is constructed of the Word of God and of the Spirit

C. Faith is the body and substance of prayer

-many ways prayer is dependent on the Word of God.

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

III. God’s Word is the basis and inspiration of our Praying Heb.11:1-3

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

A. Old Testament Saints through Faith obtained promises

B. His answer did not come until He prayed 7 times !

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IV. The Word of God is food by which prayer is nourished

A. Prayer receives warmth and life from the Word.

B. Man cannot live by bread alone- (must have the Word of God)

C. If you want to pray well…….You must study well !

Listen to these statements………………………….

Pray without ceasing

Continue in prayer

Continuing instant in prayer

In everything by prayer

Let your request be made known to God

Pray always

Pray and faint not

Men should pray everywhere

Praying always with all prayer & supplication

ALL THIS IS FROM THE WOD OF GOD !

Lord Teach Us to Pray-2

Matthew 6:9-13

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Last week we started this journey on the Lord’s Prayer

This is the Model prayer that Jesus gave an outline on how to pray.
Within the Lord’s prayer as we call it we find all we need

God’s relation to man 2. Man’s relation to God
Man’s relation to God 3. Man’s relation to man

Man’s relation to man 5. Foundation stones to Christian Theology

6. Christian Morals 7. Help for our wants

8. Help for our duties 9. Strength for the hour of death

10. Strength for the hour of Judgment

We discussed after this Manner- (Last Week)

I read in Matthew 6:9 Jesus said to those disciples who ask the question “ LORD TEACH US TO PRAY”- Jesus then says…. IN THIS MANNER

The first thought that hits me is- Prayer can be a learning experience !

JESUS WAS PRAYING HIMSELF
JESUS PRAYED IN A CERTAIN PLACE Luke 11:1
JESUS FINISHED HIS PRAYER- Luke 11;1 (When He ceased)
JESUS ALWAYS HAD AN AUDIENCE Luke 11:1

The Disciple spoke up and said…(Lord. Teach us to pray, Like John taught his disciples)

There is something to prayer when God is in it ! (Hyman Appleman, Dr. Hyles)
God can put us in a place where we want to do His Will (eye injury)
Many times we are known for something in our lives
We teach with our lives. (what we do, where we go, what we say)
A Teacher teaches with their lives not just in a cladss room

Who was John the Baptist ?

He was the forerunner of Christ
His last name was not Baptist (what He did)
Baptist people were named Baptist by our enemies (Ana Baptist etc.)
John Baptized Jesus- He preached about God’s Judgement
Jesus said there is none greater than John the Baptist 1
John said He must Increase and I must decrees.
John must have been a great Man of Prayer
I think we should rub off on others like that !

So the disciple said…..LORD TEACH US TO PRAY !

I WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS A MAN OF PRAYER

Prayer aligns us with God’s Will

There is the revealed Will of God
There is the hidden Will of God
There is the What in the Will of God
There is the Where in the Will of God

Ps 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Lu 18:1 ¶ And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Prayer helps us develop our relationship with God

Prayer brings us in close to our Father (Ask,Seek,Find)

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Prayer provides answers in life

Directions in life. –work, friends, partner for life

Ps 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Prayer gives us strength

Serve Him, witness for Him, avoid temptations

Ps 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Prayer helps us accept God’s Will

1Jo 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: {in: or, concerning}

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Prayer for Miracles Jer.33:3

We serve a Miracle working God 2

The Lord’s Prayer

Luke 11:1 (Teach us to Pray) 2-14-24

Lu 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Great opportunity to study what we call The Lord’s Prayer
Again this is what we call the Model Prayer
The words and works of Christ are inexhaustible
These words here to me are some that I really can’t fathom the meaning.

I can’t help but think how moving and inspirational this was to hear Jesus pray !

I am looking at every word that leads up to the request “Lord teach us to Pray”

And it came to pass- a continuation of something that was happening

Jesus was sending the 70 Disciples- The harvest is plenteous
But the labourers are few, Good Samaritan, Mary & Martha
We then see that He was in a certain place praying
Disciple said Lord, Teach us to Pray as John taught his disciples.

Before we dig into this let us address the first word the disciple used “LORD”

Master, owner, Sir, the title of significance, an owner, one who has disposal of anything, Emperor of King, supreme in authority, controller, respectful
LORD- (KURIOA) supremacy
How many can address our Lord in this manor ?

I thought what our Lord said about the word LORD………………….

Lu 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Mt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Teach us to pray Luke 11:1

This Disciple was teachable not everybody is teachable

Why is it many are not involved in prayer

There are ways that we learn Eye Gate, Ear gate, Experience gate (Ricky 7th)
They actually wanted it half the battle… want to (contacts

Not Everyone Has a Desire for God

People have religious fronts (form of Godliness)
David went after God ! (Hunger & Thirst) (When I was Saved) (Darrell Dunn)

(When I saved, such a hunger to know) (Darrell Dun Spiritual knowledge)

They were willing to learn

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This meant everything to them

This explains why we do not see God working in our Churches
Right Priorities
Cherished time’s spent with the Lord

They understood they had to have what He had

Power for God is to have power with God
Pray, Pray, Pray

Dr. Clearance Sexton asked Dr. Lee Robertson if he could do it all over would there be anything different, He said” I would pray more!)

Teach Me, Lord

Teach me, Lord,
What I don’t know.
Show me which way
And where to go.
Alone I stumble,
Alone I fall,
But your gentle voice
Leads through it all.
Take my hand,
Light my way,
Be my beacon
Night and day.
I am weak
And sometimes so low,
But you give me strength
And make me whole.
Teach me, Lord and Father.
Your child has become like new.
Empty me of myself

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WHEN YOU PRAY

Matt. 6:9-13 , Luke 11:1-4

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Lu 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

To me , prayer is now more vital to my life than ever before
In 1980 the Lord allowed my paths to cross Darrell Dunn. (changed my life)
Our discussion while riding to Fayetteville NC made an impact on me
Discussion about the Holy Spirit and prayer changed my life forever
Days and years that followed grounded me for today in this ministry
It seems to me if I am going to pray, I want to be able to get a answer from God
The Disciples had the same thing in mind !
Lord teach us to pray ! (Like John) (We also want to know prayer)
A lot of folk talk about prayer, but many only know facts.

The Lord says o.k. When you pray…………………

Notice back in Chapter 6 of Matthew he tells them how not to pray…………..

1. Don’t pray like Hypocrites Pray

2. Don’t pray like the Gentiles Pray

He then gives them the Model structure on how to pray

I. JESUS ASSUMES THAT PEOPLE PRAY

A. People pray everywhere (help me out of this mess)

B. Saved people pray (from the heart) (Pat Turner)

C. Righteous people pray (prayer is to the soul what oxygen is to the body)

II. DON’T PRAY LIKE THE HYPOCRITES.

Mt 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. ( 1)

A. Hypocrites is a Greek form as meaning as actors on stage, putting on a mask.

-this is to conceal their true identity

-they play a role like they are someone else

-it is really putting on a show in front of others

-they like to be views by others (looked up at them) (putting on a show)

-they love to pray…. (putting on this role in front of others)

-Jesus said that they have gotten all they will get. (their Reward)

B. Sincere Prayer will be rewarded by God

- The Secret to Prayer is SECRET PRAYER

- Jesus said that God who sees in secret will reward you openly

- Secret Prayer is a reward in itself !

III. DO NOT PRAY LIKE THE GENTILES PRAY

Mt 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

A. Use not vain repetitions as the heathen do (gentiles) memorized words, same prayer over

And over, insincerely,

B. Much speaking, (they are trying to impress someone !

IV. WHY DO WE PRAY ?

Lu 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

A. We pray because our Father Commands us to pray. !

B. We pray because we have needs in our lives

C. We pray because some of those needs only God can handle them

D. We pray because God our Father delights in hearing from His Children

E. We pray because our Father delights in answering our prayers

V. WE PRAY BECAUSE NOT TO DO SO WOULD BE A SIN

1Sa 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

A. Sin will destroy you as a Christian

B. Sin will dishonor the Lord as well as those around you.

C. Sin will place a barrier between you and the Lord

When you are heavy burdened He knows !

DR. C.C. MCCUTCHIN of Oklahoma was on the highway, traveling from Tulsa to Oklahoma City, to visit a member who was in the hospital. But on the way, he got a flat tire. Thankfully, he made it to a “Call Box” on the side of the road. But he had never used it, and was a little bit confused. He picked up the phone, and a voice responded on the other end. Nervously, he began to try to tell her his problem. But she kept trying to cut him off. He kept trying, but the more he tried to tell her where was, the more she kept trying to interrupt him. Finally, she got his attention and was able to tell him, “Sir, I have a computer on this end. I already know where you are. Just tell me what you need!”

2

The Lord’s Prayer- 5

Matthew 6:9 {Our Father which art in heaven}

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

This is a model prayer or a guideline on how to approach God
We have looked at each word leading up to the model.
Jesus now tells those who are asking Him to Teach them how to pray.

War time account of a soldier caught returning to his tent from a nearby woods. He was charged with giving information to the enemy. His defence was I was praying. The Officer said if you were praying then fall on your knees and pray right now. The soldier did so an did so with fervency. The officers heart was so touched and he said I believe you, you may go. The officer could tell that this soldier practiced what he preached.

If our prayer life was placed under a review, how would we turn out ?
Jesus said after this manner (in this way)
Or How to Pray 101
We notice He says- Thy Name, Thy Kingdom, Thy Will ! (all about God)

Our Father

This term speaks of Relationship

- We are in the Family

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

- We are to approach Him as His child

Christians are the only ones that have the privilege as addressing God as our Father.

Mr 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. Ro 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Ga 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

t sermon B. This also speaks of an Intimate connection to Deity Romans 8:15

Ro 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have . ………..received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

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Our Father (Speaks of Relationship)
Our Father (Speaks of Responsibility)

A. There Is The Responsibility Of The Father To The Child

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

-There is a responsibility to Provide

1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. {house: or, kindred}

-There is a responsibility to Protect Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

- There is a responsibility to Prepare (this involves discipline) Proverbs 3:12 “ For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

B . There Is The Responsibility Of The Child to The Father 1. As a child, I reflect my Father. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 2. As a child, I should respect my Father Exodus 20:12 "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land Respect His word Respect His will (He knows best)

Reverence my Father (Demonstrated in obedience) Ephesians 6:1

In the Old Testament the scripture says if you find a disobedient child then Stone Him!

Conclusion:

I am so thankful to Have a loving Heavenly Father

He is so faithful !

He is preparing a place for me.

He is coming back for me (No one left behind)

2

Our Father which art in Heaven- 6

Matthew 6:9-11 (Lord’s Prayer)

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Mt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

After this manor
What prayer can do for us
Teach us to pray
When you pray (How to pray)
Our Father- (Relationship, Responsibility, Reverence )
Which art in Heaven

We will look at Heaven where our Lord is.

Jesus is teaching His Disciples how to approach God in this series

Prayer is the heart of the Christian Life.

How do we approach God in Prayer ?

Our Father in Heaven- { Our, we are His children}
Relationship- we come to Him as His little Children
Father- approach Him with a child like trust.
Abba Father- Aramaic word (precious Father- equivalent to

our English word Poppa, Daddy.

God allows us to call Him Father. (Through Christ)

God’s dwelling place

Heaven- God’s position as Sovereign
He is on Heaven’s Throne. (he is worthy of our faith.

Ps 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Re 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

A Spiritual Home

Heaven is not a mythical place Hebrews 12:22

Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Heaven can’t be seen with physical eyes
God is so big that the universe cannot contain Him
God is so big but yet can dwell in men’s hearts
His Throne is in Heaven and His footstool is on the earth

He fills the earth with His presence dwells in the believers heart
Ac 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

God dwells in His Children

We are the Temple of God

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Isa 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

God is preparing a place for His Children

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Our bodies will be transformed from mortal to immortal bodies

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Jesus is the only way to Heaven

Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Heaven is a wonderful place
Heaven belongs to God

John 14:1- says In my Fathers House(description given House)

C. God is Omnipresent (His residence is in Heaven)

I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,

I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!

Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,

For I’m part of the family, The Family of God.

The Lord’s Prayer- 7

Luke 11:1-4

(Hallowed Be Thy Name)

Lu 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

We have gotten thus far in this series (Lord’s Prayer)

After this mannor- (pray in such a mannor, Jesus interprets our prayers)
Pray Ye-importance of Prayer, Prayer aligns us with God’s Will

Prayer develops our Relationship with God

Prayer provides answers in life

Prayer gives us strength & accepts God’s Will

Prayer brings Miracles in our lives

Teach us to pray-Lord….Master,owner, supreme

Not everyone is teachable

Not everyone has a desire for God

Not everyone has a willingness to learn

They had to have this, it was a must !

When you Pray…. People do pray Pat Turner & from the heart

Do not pray like the Hypocrites pray (mask)

(putting on a show)

Do not pray like the Gentiles Pray(vain reptitiond)

(much speaking)

Our Father….. Relationship (approach Him like a child)

Deals with endearment , intimate relationship

Responsibility- A Father to a child-child to a Father

-provides, protects, prepare-discipline

Reverence- our respect to the parent

Which art in Heaven… The Dwelling Place (God’s Throne) Spiritual place

God dwells with His Children & in His Children

Hallowed Be Thy Name….. to treat Him as HOLY !

To reverence Him that is due

It means to set apart as Holy

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How to we Hallow His Name ?

We Hallow His Name in Our Reverence

Romans 1:20

Ro 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Ps 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

God’s Names have meanings-

Elohim- the mighty Creator(Gen.1:1)

Adonai- Master or Lord(Gen.15)

El-Elyon- Most High(Gen.14)

El-Roi- srong One that sees(Gen.16)

El Olam - Everlasting God (Gen 21:22-33)

Jehovah – self-existent one (Exodus 3: 14-15 )

Jehovah Jireh – the Lord our Provider (Gen 22)

Jehovah M’kaddesh – the God who Sanctifies(Lev 20:1-8)

Jehovah Nissi – the Lord our Banner (Exodus 17:8-16)

Jehovah Rohi – the Lord my Shepherd (Psalm 23)

Jehovah Rophe –the God who Heals (Exodus 15:22-26)

Jehovah Shalom – the Lord of our Peace (Jud. 6:11-24)

Jehovah Shammah – the Lord is Here (Ezekiel 48:30-35)

Jehovah Tsidkenu – the Lord our Righteousness (Jer. 23:5-6)

We Hallow God’s Name In Our Relationship

We are placing Him on the Throne of our Hearts

We Hallow His Name in our Reflection

Do you live in such a way that it Glorify’s His Name daily
His reputation is at stake daily in our lives
Everything we do and say is a reflection of Him

1. God has a Name

2. God’s name is Holy

3. God wants us to praise Him

4. I can praise God’s name in the Lord’s Prayer

5. God will not force anyone to praise His name.

HIS NAME -8

Matt 6:9-13 (Lord’s Prayer)

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

We have taken this Model prayer piece by piece
I do believe praying has to be taught !-by example, by a teacher,H.S.
In my library I have some real old books by great Men of God

Torrey, Finney, Roberts, Nee, Rice, Hyles, Hutson, Bounds, etc….

I am continually reading after Great Men
We have taken thus far piece by piece this model prayer to learn by it.

After this manor- in like manor, or when you pray follow this example

Very important that we pray, Jesus gives us an example

Lord teach us to Pray- special when we pray & God is in it !

We teach with our lives, not just in a class room

Prayer aligns us with God’s Will

Prayer helps us develop our relationship with God

Prayer provides answers in life

Prayer gives strength & gives strength etc.

To Pray- Importance of being Teachable (Disciple’s were teachable)

They wanted to Learn (having a desire for God)

When you pray- Jesus teaches the difference of praying

Prayer of Hypocrites, Gentiles

Not to pray would be a sin

Our Father- WE taught about The Father (Relationship)

It teaches about Responsibility (to us)

It teaches about our Responsibility to Him

It also teaches Reverence to Him

Which art in Heaven- He teaches us how to approach God in prayer

He teaches us How to approach God in prayer (as children) with a (child like trust)

Heaven- (God’s dwelling place) (Spiritual Home) (Dwelling with & in His Children)

Hallowed be Thy Name- We Hallow His Name in our Reverence to Him

Spend some time while praying Worshipping Him

We Hallow His Name in our Relationship

We Hallow His name in our Reflection from our lives

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His Name Has many Meanings .

Ge is our High priest (Responsibility for bringing people’s petitions before God
Humans have never been able to go to God on our own.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

He is Mediator between God and Man.

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

By His death & resurrection opens the way for us to Go to God (not Mother Mary)

His Name is above all Names

Only Jesus who can save us. Acts 4:12

Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

What Does it Mean to Pray in another’s Name.

To go with the power and authority of that person as his representative and substitute.
To go to God in the Name of Jesus means to go with power and authority of

The Lord Jesus Christ as His representative and substitute

Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Joh 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

We pray for others constantly in His Name

Phm 1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and .toward all saints;

6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the .. , . . ... , .acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

We pray for Empowerment in His Name

Ac 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: .and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in .Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Thy Kingdom Come

Matt.6:9 ( The Lord’s Prayer)

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

After this manner , Pray Ye, Our Father, Heaven, Hallowed, Thy Name,

Now we come to “They Kingdom Come” what does this mean in the Prayer outline.

{The kingdom of God is the reign of God. }

The Kingdom of God is Divine

The word (kingdom) is the word for Basileia- KING
The King is God- His territory includes the whole cosmos!

“the whole universe” –

The kingdom of God did not start with appearance of Jesus
The kingdom of God has always been God on the Throne

The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Wherever God is, there is His rule & reign

-if you resist His rule & reign-He still exist

-God works everything to His goodRom.8:28

F. When one prays ‘Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done’

-the person who prays this is surrendering to His will &reign!

G. God ruled through creation(heavens ,beast,winds,waves and

Heavenly bodies obeyed Him)

H. This prayer changes the world through a conviction that God must

be Glorified in your heart & the hearts of others.

The Kingdom of God is Messianic

The kingdom of God is disclosed to man through Jesus Christ

-in Jesus, God’s plan is disclosed to us personally

-in Jesus our King has come(He is here)

B. The advancement of the Kingdom (every Word spoken for God)

C. When you pray”Your Kingdom Come” you are inviting Jesus Christ

To move in your life & the lives of others.

-the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of others also !

The Kingdom of God is Divine

The Kingdom of God is Messianic

The Kingdom of God is Revolutionary

The kingdom of God comes from inside out
People have always misunderstood His Kingdom

Lu 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is within you.

-the world was in darkness but thru the death,burial,resurrection of Jesus Christ His Kingdom , )God Reigns)

IV. The Kingdom of God is Opposed

There are two Kingdoms at work in the World

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Satan is said to rule this world
The Kingdom of God is greater than the Kingdom of Satan
The struggles we have are in the heart
The Kingdom of God comes to destroy the kingdom of Satan

V. The Kingdom of God is Progressing

Re 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Rev.21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. and he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Paul wrote about that day….1 Corinthians 15:24

1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

VI. The Kingdom of God is Responsive

The kingdom of God comes through Prayer

When we pray Thy Kingdom Come, we are praying that we can see His Kingdom

Through Faith in seeing what is not yet !

VII. The Kingdom of God is Personal

Jos 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Thank God He Hears and He answers our prayers !

THY WILL BE DONE

Matt. 6:9,10

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

In this manner- outline to pray, like this, when you pray
Prayer- prayer aligns us with God’s Will, develops our relationship with God

-provides answer in life, gives us strength, helps us accept His Will

- for miracles

Teach us to pray- must be teachable, a desire for God
When you pray- don’t pray like Hypocrites, Gentiles pray,
Our Father- relationship (family-child) a Father responsibility to a child,

-provide, protect, prepare

- a child to a Father

-reflection of my Father

-respect my Father, His Word, His Will

my Father

Heaven- Spiritual Home, prepared place,
Hallowed Be Thy Name- Treat Him as Holy-when we reverence Him

-in our relationship & our reflection

The meaning of Thy Will Be Done

Look at other places in scripture-

Mt 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Mt 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

His will above our will- I want to do this ! but Your will be done
Submission lovely to His Will

Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. {laid...: Heb. made the iniquity of us all to meet on him}

Pr 14:12 ¶ There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

His Will is to be Done

We are asking God’s direction & His Will for our lives
He lives His life through us ! (allowing God to do just that)
We want His Will (just like in Heaven, done here on earth)
We want to understand His plan for our lives)

(My Call to Preach)

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Praying for God’s Will to be done

In Big Decisions- things we face in life

What does God’s Word say about it ?
Pray about it (His leadership)
Look at the arrangement you are in

Has He opened or closed the door !

Ask Godly council-

Your daily schedule- guide me this day etc.

George Muller- orphans in Englandprayed about everything.

Thy Will Be Done !
Praying for you, children, friend ,political elections, our country etc…

Joh 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Jesus said that if anyone is willing to do my will, He shall know of my teaching, weather it is of God or not.

You have to be willing to do His will, before He will show you His truth —

Most people do not want to do God’s Will anyway ! until facing a crises !

Thy Will Be Done On Earth as it is in Heaven-8

Matt. 6:9-14

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The world that God made is a world of Sovereigns and subjects.

It has realms & rulers, kings and kingdoms

It is a world of submission and headship.
C.S.Lewis put out a book about Narnia (witch sets up her own

Kingdom but Aslan is the real King ! One day He’ll set it right!

His will ,will be done, right now we see this world lead by evil.
One day this world will be returned to it’s rightful owner

Thy will be done in earth

What does this prayer mean to us ?

1. It means that this world is not as it ought to be.

-His will is being done in Heaven without sin, carried out daily

2. It means that another world is invading and colonizing this one.

- Jesus said in John 18,His kingdom is not of this world

-His ways are not native to the fallen world

- our jobs is to serve Him reaching people for Christ 3. The reign of sin and death will be ended.

- we are asking God to sanctify us, use us for His Glory, We don’t want sin to over

Power us and enslave us!

4. The reign of the demonic powers will be ended.

- Satan’s Kingdom has been defeated. We should not fear Him but resist him in

In prayer/

5. All names will be restored to their proper owners.

- One day all will be restored and God will get the Glory due to His Name !

DOING GOD’S WILL

It appears that the Lord’s Prayer has 6 different Petitions to it.

Everything that we would ever ask of God belongs in one of these Petitions !

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Let us remember it all begins with a relationship. (Our Father)

We are His children ! Jn. 1:12

We have a right to ask because we are His children.

We come to Him by faith

God teaches us that we begin with God and His Glory (Hallowed)

We will look at God’s Will upon earth

We should All want God’s Will to be done.

1. The Meaning of Doing God’s Will Matt.6:10

1. God’s Secret Will Deut.29:29

De 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Eph.1:11- God works all things according to the counsel of His Will !

-nothing happens outside of His Will. (His plans always prevail!)

-at ther cross Satan thought it was all over, but His paln is to redeem the world

Eph. 1:9- It is a mystery to us.

Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his

Good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself.

2. God’s Discerned Will Romans 12:2

Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

-this will of God can be discerned –good, acceptable, perfect will of God

-marriage, work place, location, etc…

3. God’s Revealed Will Deut. 29:29

His revealed will is found in Scripture. Great Commandment (love God !)

His revealed will is found in the Great Commission Matt.28:19

Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

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His revealed Will is found in 1 Thess. 5:15-18

1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

His revealed Will is for me to live as described in the Bible.

His Reveald Will is found in my obedience to Him 1 Jn. 2:17

1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1. God’s Secret Will- we cannot know & we must seek by faith & wisdom.

2. God’s Discerned Will- discern His Will in area’s of our lives

3. God’s Revealed Will found in the Scriptures

4. The Model of Doing God’s Will Matt. 6:10

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

1. In Heaven- Ps.103:20

Ps 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

At the Tomb, announced His Resurrection
At His ascension – Why stand here gazing !
His Will is done fully

Doing God’s Will in our lives !

I’ve made some Big moves seeing the Will of God

I’ve made some big moves not seeing the Will of God, by Faith!

I’ve made many moves obeying the Will of God

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The Will of God - Poem

The will of God will never take you,

Where the grace of God cannot keep you.

Where the arms of God cannot support you,

Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,

Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,

Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,

Where the army of God cannot protect you,

Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the love of God cannot enfold you,

Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,

Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,

Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,

Where the Word of God cannot feed you,

Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,

Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Give us this Day our Daily Bread- 9

Matt.6:9-13

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Let us recap what we have taught

1. After this mannor- (pray in such a mannor, Jesus interprets our prayers)

2. Pray Ye-importance of Prayer, Prayer aligns us with God’s Will

Prayer develops our Relationship with God

Prayer provides answers in life

Prayer gives us strength & accepts God’s Will

Prayer brings Miracles in our lives

3. Teach us to pray-Lord….Master,owner, supreme

Not everyone is teachable

Not everyone has a desire for God

Not everyone has a willingness to learn

They had to have this, it was a must !

4. When you Pray…. People do pray Pat Turner & from the heart

Do not pray like the Hypocrites pray (mask)

(putting on a show)

Do not pray like the Gentiles Pray(vain reptitiond)

(much speaking)

5. Our Father….. Relationship (approach Him like a child)

Deals with endearment , intimate relationship

Responsibility- A Father to a child-child to a Father

-provides, protects, prepare-discipline

Reverence- our respect to the parent

6. Which art in Heaven… The Dwelling Place (God’s Throne) Spiritual place

God dwells with His Children & in His Children

7. Hallowed Be Thy Name….. to treat Him as HOLY !

To reverence Him that is due

It means to set apart as Holy

8. Thy Will Be Done……. Finding & doing God’s Will, greatest pleasure

The what & Where, The Secret, Discerned, Revealed Will

9. Tonight let us look at another truth Jesus taught about Prayer !

To pray and ask for our Daily Prayer means………………………..

1. It is a petition that shows our dependence solely on Him

A. Manna from heaven- Ex.16:

Ex 16:15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It . is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is . , the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

B. Bread was a symbol of God’s provisions for us

-not just bread but the things we need in this life Matt.6:33

C. This is a petition for our daily existence ( not just physical needs)

2. It is a petition that shows our need for work for our needs

2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that . .. if any would not work, neither should he eat.

3. It is a petition that shows our need of improving our spiritual being.

Matthew Henery wrote… Our natural being is necessary to our spiritual well-being in this world.” Some would disagree with this statement, but I think it is true. When I pay attention to my body to keep it healthy and in good shape I will feel better and stronger. And when I feel better I am able to get more in touch with God. I’m not saying that I need to eat a lot to make myself “feel good”, and to build my muscles up to look like superman. I think that is overdoing it and will only hinder our spiritual being. But if we are moderate in our eating and exercise, and watch to see that we get plenty of sleep, etc., then we will be more alert and have more endurance to work on our spiritual life—to read and study the Bible, to pray, and to witness.

J. Campbell Morgan said…“There is nothing omitted from that prayer. Our daily sustenance—physical, mental, spiritual—it is all there in “daily bread.”

4. It is a petition that reminds us How good and Merciful God is to us.

What is the biblical definition of mercy? Mercy appears in the Bible as it relates to forgiveness or withholding punishment. For example, God the Father showed mercy on us when he sacrificed his son, Christ Jesus, on the Cross to pay the price for our sins.

Ps 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

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Ps 136:1 ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:10 ¶ To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:23 ¶ Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ps 136:24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 136:26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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Give us this Day our Daily Bread- 9

Matt.6:9-13

Mt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Let us recap what we have taught