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Prayer, Why and How? Week 4

Copyright 2007 Wilma Zalabak

Faith Statement: I can pray often and with confidence.

Reasons for Christian Prayer

1. Pray in order to build a relationship.

a. Pray to the Father, Matthew 6:6-8

b. Pray in Jesus' name, John 15:16

c. Pray with Holy Spirit’s help, Romans 8:26-27

2. Jesus prayed and assumed His followers would also.

a. Prayed when popular, Mark 1:35-37

b. Prayed before choosing twelve, Luke 6:12-13

c. Said, "When you pray," Matthew 6:6

3. There’s a reward in it, Matthew 6:6

4. Prayer changes us and situations, Matthew 7:7-8

Obstacles to Christian Prayer

1. Never accepted Jesus, Isaiah 59:1-2

2. Disobedience, 1 John 3:21-22

3. Poor motives, James 4:2-3; 1 John 5:14

4. What we want is not good, Matthew 7:11

5. Not praying with other Christians, Matthew 18:19; Acts 12:5

6. Too many distractions, Matthew 6:6

Methods of Christian Prayer

1. Any time, position, environment, or activity, Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18

2. Practicing rather than perfection

a. The presence of Christ, Matthew 28:20

b. Gratitude and rejoicing, Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:4

c. Slowing down, Matthew 11:28

d. Surrender, Matthew 11:29

e. Confession, Romans 10:9; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9

3. Following a pattern might be helpful.

a. ACTS

Adoration – Give Praise

Confession – Ask Forgiveness

Thanksgiving – Give Thanks

Supplication – Ask Requests

b. "Our Father," the Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:9-11

Focus on God: Holiness, Kingdom power, Will

Focus on human needs: Daily sustenance, Forgiveness, Protection

Focus back on God in praise and thanksgiving: Kingdom, Power, Glory

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Response Questions

1. If you pray, what do you picture in your mind while you pray?

2. What thoughts have you had about the question, "Does God answer prayer?"

3. Which reason for praying, given in the lecture, is most relevant or favorite to you.

4. How do you react when you see an interesting "coincidence"?

Bible Study Suggestion: Luke 11:1-13, "How to Pray."

1. To whom is Jesus speaking in the passage, and in response to what question?

2. How do the parts of the prayer Jesus taught relate to your life now?

3. What do you understand to be the point of the story about the slow-responding friend?

4. How eager does it seem to you from this passage that God is to answer prayer?