Prayer - Stanford University · Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer . 11 . One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach

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Prayer Fall 2014 Bible Study Lesson

As we begin to explore this topic of prayer, this study will reference the following sources: Suggested Books: It Happens After Prayer: Biblical Motivation by H.B. Charles Jr. Answered Prayer Guaranteed!: The power of praying with faith by Fred Price The Power of Praying® Together: Where Two or More Are Gathered by Stormie Omartian and Jack Hayford Articles: What is Prayer? http://carm.org/christianity/prayer-ministry/what-prayer Why We Pray https://www.wycliffe.org/prayer/why-pray-details/why-we-pray Prayer and the Difference It Makes http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/faith_in_life/prayer.aspx Most Cited Prayers (OT/NT) http://bunyanministries.org/expositions/great_prayers.pdf

Are we praying to God or just mentioning things to him in passing? When we pray are we pressing into the cross. Are we going to God because we know he can solve our problems, give us direction, grant us peace, or are we going to him thinking that “he can” but are unsure.

Jesus was a man of prayer. He spent time with God. God sent him to earth on an assignment. Throughout the assignment Jesus consulted with one person for guidance, direction, and approval—GOD. All throughout scripture Jesus was moving around. He was healing, delivering, teaching, and most of all praying. He ALWAYS made time to CHECK in with the one that sent him. (For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:38)

Think about it-- Checking in with God. Moving one step at a time, making sure that 1) you are accomplishing what God wants to accomplish, and 2) that you are in the right place at the right time. Asking the question, “ God, are you hear, is this right, should I go left or right, what is it that your people need, what do you want ME to do? Questions that suggest God is important and that he is the HEAD of your life. Do we pause to actually ask questions that put God in the driver seat or do we treat him merely as a passenger that we have invited along for the ride? Why do you prayer?

Definitions: pray verb \ˈprā\ to speak to God especially in order to give thanks or to ask for something b) to hope for something to happen c) to seriously ask to do something

1prayer noun, often attributive \ˈprer\ an address (as a petition) to God in word or thought <said a prayer for the success of the voyage> (2) : a set order of words used in praying b : an earnest request

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Coming to God requires one thing—faith. Prayer is most effective when you have confidence in who it is that you are praying to. Who is God to you? Hebrews 11:6 New King James Version (NKJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Luke 11 New International Version (NIV) Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer 11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:“‘Father,[a]hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.[b] 3 Give us each day our daily bread.4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.[c]And lead us not into temptation.[d]’” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity[e] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Article: What is prayer? by Matt Slick http://carm.org/christianity/prayer-ministry/what-prayer Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord. The Bible speaks much of prayer. But, sometimes, too often, we ignore prayer and seek to accomplish in the strength of our own wills those things that we desire to have or happen. For those of us who are too often guilty of this, we need to bow our knees, confess our sin, receive God's forgiveness, and beg that the will of the Lord be done above our own. God is sovereign and loving, and He knows what is best for us and others even if it doesn't always seem to make the most sense.

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We so often come to the Lord with legitimate requests for healing, conversions, and needs; and yet the answers we hope for often do not come. We wonder and sometimes doubt. Yet, we persevere and praise God. We pray because we know that God hears us and because we desire to see results. We should pray by faith--trusting God. We should pray consistently--trusting God. We should pray for healing--trusting God. We should pray for others--trusting God. We should pray; and when our prayers are answered or are not answered, remember this: If we knew what the Lord knew, we wouldn't change a thing. Prayer changes the one praying because in prayer, you are in the presence of God as you lay before Him your complete self in confession and dependence. There is nothing to hide when in quiet supplication, we are reaching into the deepest part of ourselves and admitting our needs and failures. In so doing, our hearts are quieted and pride is stripped, and we enjoy the presence of God. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." There is another benefit of prayer: peace. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7). I suppose that we can test our prayer life and dependence upon God by the peace or lack of peace in our hearts. In all things we are to seek the Lord and in His continued presence. Peace will surely be our gain. Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.

Source: http://carm.org/christianity/prayer-ministry/what-prayer

Israel prayed to God and it reveal their fundamental belief that they were actually talking to God, who was able to HEAR and ANSWER their prayer. They trusted God. They believed God. They relied on His input in making decisions and for direction. Moses prayed to God and God put him in a position that unless he checked in with Him he would not know how to LEAD the children of I Israel out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, through the wilderness, and to the steps of promise land. Sometimes God will only give you one step at a time so that he can teach you how to TRUST him and how to LISTEN. Jesus prayed to God and did not move until God instructed him.

Why do we pray? Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[a] your paths.

We pray to communicate with God and for God to communicate to us. Praying is an act of acknowledging God and trust that he can and will direct your path. Why do you pray? Consider this article below.

Article: WHY WE PRAY https://www.wycliffe.org/prayer/why-pray-details/why-we-pray

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God has called us into a relationship with Himself. Relationships require communication. Prayer is communication between a holy God and a beloved you and me. Throughout God's Word we're taught the significance and role of prayer. God commands us to pray. “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me in earnest, you will find Me when you seek Me” (Jeremiah 29:12,13, NLT). God wants to be in relationship with us. And He knows we need what He can give. Through prayer, we experience life-transforming, life-renewing intimacy with the Creator of the universe. God reveals Himself to us through prayer. “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing” (Psalm 143:10, NLT). We learn more and more about His character and how His perfect will is working itself out in our own life. Deepening our understanding of God also deepens our faith and desire to worship. God invites us to bring our burdens and needs to Him in prayer. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NLT). We have a Heavenly Father who is more than able to bring victory to any challenge we face. God is a spiritual and physical healer. Like any healthy relationship, we must keep a line of communication open. God responds to the prayers of His people. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16b, NLT). It is through prayer, that His work is accomplished on earth. The apostle Paul continually asked for prayer in his missionary endeavors and saw prayer as vital to his success. God imparts wisdom and understanding through prayer. “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking” (James 1:5, NLT). As we become increasingly aware of our limitations, we can rest in the knowledge that our God is omniscient. Availing ourselves of God’s counsel is a blessing of prayer. God exercises His authority and ability to do the impossible through the prayers of His people. “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22, NLT). Our hearts pound with great confidence as we take mighty tasks to our exceedingly mighty Lord.

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God extends His power to us through prayer so that we may resist temptation. “Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41, NLT) With prayer, you always have a proven shield of protection available. Just say the word. Source: https://www.wycliffe.org/prayer/why-pray-details/why-we-pray

We pray knowing that God is the only one that can answer, remember 2 Chronicles 20:12:

12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Be Persistent in Prayer… coming boldly before God knowing that there is NO other OPTION. He is the only way!

Luke 18:1-8King James Version (KJV)

18 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?

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Article: Prayer and the Difference It Makes by Robert Velarde http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/faith_in_life/prayer.aspx

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help." –Psalm 39:12 (NIV)[i] "Lord, teach us to pray." –Luke 11:1 "After Jesus said this, He looked toward heaven and prayed." –John 17:1 "They all joined together constantly in prayer." –Acts 1:14 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." –Ephesians 6:18 "Pray continually." -1 Thessalonians 5:17

Throughout the Bible, believers are called to pray. But what is prayer? What does it mean to "pray without ceasing?" And does prayer really make a difference? Before delving too deeply into the topic of prayer, it will be beneficial to first define the term, as well as the focus of our prayers—God.

Prayer and God's Nature

Let's start with the second part. In order to develop a clear idea of prayer, we must first have a clear idea of God. Biblically speaking, God is a personal being. This is critical to prayer because it means that God is a person we can interact with, that He has a will and that we are able to relate to Him on a meaningful level. If He were impersonal, then prayer would not be meaningful. If He were personal, but uncaring and distant, prayer wouldn't serve a purpose.

Not only is God personal, He is also loving (1 John 4:8, 16; John 3:16). This is also important in relation to prayer. If God were personal, but uncaring or unkind, then prayer might do us more harm than good! But God is not only loving, He is all loving (omnibenevolent). In relation to prayer, this means that God always desires the best for us because He loves us.

God is also all powerful (omnipotent), meaning that no prayer is beyond His ability to answer, "For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). If God were less than all powerful, then we would have no assurance that He could answer or even hear our prayers.

The fact that God is all-knowing (omniscient) is also significant to the concept of prayer. If God were limited, then He would not know all that is happening in His creation. If this were the case, He might overlook our prayers because they might be beyond His knowledge. Fortunately, the Bible is clear that God knows everything (see, for instance, Psalm 139:2-4; 147: 4-5; Isaiah 46:10). In relation to God's omniscience, Jesus said, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:8).

God is also wise and holy. He knows what is best for us, as well as what will lead us to holiness rather than sin. He is also immanent, meaning that God is active in His creation in a personal way, not only directing greater matters of history, but also involved in the life of everyone. This means that no prayer is too great for Him, but also that no prayer is too small for Him.

While we cannot explore all of God's attributes here, one final one to note, of utmost importance to prayer is God's sovereignty. God is supremely in charge of everything that happens in His universe. Nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing happens in our lives without

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the knowledge of God, even though we may not always understand His actions: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

In hearing and responding to our prayers, then, we are assured that God will do so on the basis of His many attributes. His personal nature, love, power, knowledge, wisdom, holiness, immanence and sovereignty all play a role in how we relate to God in prayer and how He relates to us.

What Prayer Is Not

Now that we have a clearer understanding of God's nature, it may be tempting to delve right into a definition of prayer. But first let's take a brief look at what prayer is not (this is by no means an exhaustive list):

• Prayer is not magic. We cannot summon God as though He were a genie, waiting to grant our wishes without regard for our circumstances or the consequences.

• Prayer does not make demands. While we can make requests of God in prayer, we dare not make demands. God is the Creator of the universe and does not take orders from us.

• Prayer is for our benefit, not God's. We need a relationship with God, available to us through Jesus Christ and engaged primarily through prayer, because we were made to function best when we are in a proper relationship with our Creator.

• Prayer is not a guarantee against suffering. "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33); "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13).

• Prayer is not an opportunity for us to show off. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men" (Matthew 6:5). What is Prayer?

So what is prayer? Prayer is a relationship, wherein we humbly communicate, worship, and sincerely seek God's face, knowing that He hears us, loves us and will respond, though not always in a manner we may expect or desire. Prayer can encompass confession, praise, adoration, supplication, intercession and more.

In addition, our attitude in prayer is important. We must not be haughty, but humble (Ephesians 4:2; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6, etc.). Seen in this light, to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) means, in one sense, that we must always strive to have a prayerful attitude. Our prayers must come often and regularly, not from legalistic duty, but from a humble heart, realizing our dependence on God in every aspect of our lives.

Source: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/faith_in_life/prayer.aspx

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Excerpts from Answered Prayers Guaranteed Frederick K.C. Price, Author

Claims are made that God isn’t answering prayers. Well, these claims beg the question, what are you praying?

Six Different Types of Prayer 1. The Prayer of Agreement (p.8) Matthew 18:19 For the prayer of agreement to work, people involved in the prayer have to…agree! You cannot know what someone else wants- what someone is believing for—and God cannot answer your prayer for someone else against his or her will. To use the prayer of agreement, you must be sure that the person with whom you are agreeing is in line with what you are asking. K.C. Price shares this story: “One time, after I had just started out in faith as a minister, a young woman who was sick seemed to be getting worse and worse. Finally I asked this woman, “What are you praying for? I am praying for your healing.” She replied that she wanted to die—that she’d been in an abusive marriage and that she was just as happy to go and be with the Lord as to continue living with her husband. So here I was, praying for her to live, and she was praying to die! 2. The Prayer of Faith (p.10) The prayer of faith, also known as petition prayer. Petition prayer is between you and God. If you asked God for something once, you must have faith enough to believe that He heard your and that He has answered your prayer. God answers prayers, and He will answer your specific prayer in line with His Word (more on that later), but it is your faith that brings that answer out of the spiritual world and into the physical world. How many times in Scripture does Jesus say to someone, “According to your faith…,” or “Daughter, your faith has made me whole”? He referred to peoples’ faith constantly, and even though it was His power that healed them, He always credited their faith with being the catalyst. In fact, when Jesus went to His hometown, we are told: “Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief” ( Matt.13:58). Don’t think your request is an affront to God. If He has provided for it and promised it, you are fully within the rights He has given you to ask for it. 3. The Prayer of Consecration & Dedication (p.16) In Luke 22:41-42, we see outlined the prayer of consecration and dedication:

41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Jesus knew that God was the Creator and Ruler of the universe. If there was any way man’s salvation could be accomplished, God would know how to do it. Jesus was looking at separation from the Father for the first time ever-not just in His earthly life but through all eternity. He was praying, in essence, “If there is any other way to do this, let’s do it that way.” But the key for Jesus, and for us, is, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” You pray that God’s will be done only when you don’t know that will or do not know if an alternative path that appears is equally “correct” or godly. Sometimes we want our Jordans to be cut off before we get there, but that’s not faith.

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4. The Prayer of Praise and Worship (p.19) In this prayer, you are not asking God to do something for you or to give you something. You are not even asking for direction and dedicating your life to whatever it is God has called you to do. Rather, you just want to praise the Lord, to thank Him for His many blessing and mercy. You want to tell Him how much you love Him. A good example of this type of prayer appears in Luke 2:20, discussing the reaction of the shepherds who had seen the baby Jesus:

20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

5. The Prayer of Intercession (p.21) Intercession means you are interceding—acting in prayer—on behalf of someone else. This person may be incapable of praying for himself or herself. Perhaps the person is on drugs and mentally confused by demonic doctrines. Perhaps the person is so sick he or she can’t muster the energy to stay awake, let alone pray. On a general level, intercession involves praying in a general sense for others. For example: “Father, bless and protect our troops overseas in the war zone that they would return home to their families.” You aren’t identifying a particular individual or even a particular unit. In general intercessory prayer, you pray for someone else. For example:

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[a] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints...

This goes on, but Paul is making it plain that he prays for the church at Ephesus and for the individual there to receive these blessings. He does not set himself in agreement with anyone, so this seems to be a good example of intercessory prayer. When a burden of intercession is placed on you, you need to pray right then. The Holy Spirit has plans for you to be a conduit to help or bless someone else.

Romans 8:26: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[a] with groanings which cannot be uttered.

6. The Prayer of Binding and Losing (p.33) This prayer is found in Matthew 18:18-19, where Jesus says:

18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

There are several important nuggets in Jesus’s statements here, with the first being that we have authority here on this earth by virtue of our covenant rights through Jesus. The second thing we notice is the direction of the action. Things do not begin in heaven and come to earth, but rather the action starts here on earth. Notice that it says, “ Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Like all thinks in God’s system, this prayer only works in line with God’s word and His laws. You cannot bind things willy-nilly. Binding a team to lose in the Super Bowl won’t work any more than looing someone to love you will work. You can bind foul spirits that are at work in people’s lives or loose angelic spirits to work on your behalf in those areas where God has already promised you results. When you pray in the manner, God affirms it in heaven and puts His seal of approval on your prayer. Binding and loosing have to be based on the authority that God has granted you in Scripture, not on some desire you have.

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Key scripture to remember: Philippians 4:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Luke 12:30 New King James Version (NKJV) 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.

Mark 11:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV) 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

The Model Prayer

Matthew 6:5-15 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the

corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you

pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father

who sees in secret will reward you openly.[b] 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they

think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner,

therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On 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 do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.[c]

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The Hour That Changes The World by Dick Eastman Dick Eastman is president of Every Home for Christ (formerly World Literature Crusade), headquartered in Chatsworth, California, and is originator of the Change the World School of Prayer. Eastman's previous books include No Easy Road (over 600,000 copies in print) and A Celebration of Praise. He has also co-authored another prayer book, In Jesus Name , with hyper-charismatic Jack Hayford. The Hour That Changes The World comes highly recommended by many pastors and church leaders.

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Most Cited Prayers of the Old and New Testaments http://bunyanministries.org/expositions/great_prayers.pdf When men first began to pray – Genesis 4:1-26 Prayer in the life of Eliezer – Genesis 24:1-67 Prayer in the life of Jacob – Genesis v32:1-32 Prayer in the life of Moses – Exodus 32:11-14; Psalm 90:1-17 Prayer in the life of Hannah – I Samuel 1:9-18; 2:1-10 Prayer in the life of David – II Samuel 7 and Select Psalms (51; 141, 142, 143, etc) Prayer in the life of Solomon – I Kings 8:22-66 Prayer in the life of Hezekiah – II Kings 19:14-19 Prayer in the life of Jehoshophat – II Chronicles 20:1-30 Prayer in the life of Ezra – Ezra 9:1-10:17 Prayer in the life of Daniel – Daniel 9:1-27 Prayer in the life of Habakkuk – Habakkuk 3:1-19 Prayer in the life of Jesus Christ A. Christ’s pattern prayer for His disciples – Matthew 6:5-18 B. Christ’s pattern prayer for His disciples – Luke 11:1-13 C. Christ’s glorification prayer – John 17:1-26 Prayer in the life of the early church – Acts 4:23-31 Prayer in the life of the Apostle Paul A. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians’ greater knowledge of God – Ephesians 1:15-23 B. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians’ greater love of Christ – Ephesians 3:14-21