LOGOS BIBLE STUDY
LESSON 206A: PRAYER - Part 1 - "...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" -
James 5:16b
I. WHAT IS PRAYER?
A. Definition: to supplicate; numb1y & earnes11y imp1ore God.
1. To make your wish, desire or need known to God.
a. To entreat - to ask earnestly; pleading your case; urgently.
b. To petition - a formal request of a superior.
c. To inquire - seeking counsel, direction or answers.
2. To worship.
a. Make adoration and acknowledgement of Him.
B. Prayer is a means of communicating with God.
1. Expressing yourself to God.
a. Expecting & anticipating answers.
i. Communication is two-way.
2. Communicating in & strengthening your spirit being.
a. Fellowshipi with God by communion (communicating) with Him.
i. Develop a spiritual ear to hear.
ii. Note the significance of having a spiritual ear in the last days – Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29;
and 3:6, 13, & 20
iii. Some people cannot, or won’t, hear – John 12:27-30.
C. Inviting God to intervene in the affairs of man & the world.
1. God placed earth and placed its affairs in man's hands — Genesis 1:23.
a. God did not take it- back; He does not do it that way.
b. He took his hands off when he gave it to man – Psalm 115:16.
i. Man is responsible for the mess it is in.
aa. Man can't blame God as they try to do.
2. God, therefore, cannot (1ega1ly) intervene in the affairs of man and the world unless man
invites him to do so.
a. Prayer is man inviting God to aid, guide, provide, heal, or do what man is incapable
of doing himself.
b. Prayer is for the miraculous - asking God to do what is not humanly possible.
i. To ask God to do what man can do is demeaning to Him, bringing his divine sovereignty
down to the level of man's limited humanity.
ii. If you don't believe in miracles (the supernatural intervention of God) then there is no
sense in praying.
aa. Prayers are then rituals, not faith communion with God – Hebrews 11 16.
3. God has always worked through man - those who have prayed communed and sought Him.
a. His Holy Spirit encourages (woos) man to seek Him.
i. Those who respond, He works through & with.
4. Therefore, our prayers shou1d not be only for our selves, but others –Ephesians 6:8.
a. Including the affairs of our nation, the world, the church, etc. – 1 Timothy 2:1-3.
II. THE PLACE OF PRAYER
A. The temple of God – called the House of Prayer - Matthew 21:12-14.
1. The assembled body of Christ is the temple of God, a house of prayer – 1 Corinthians 3:16.
a. Corporate united prayer is greatly overlooked in church today – Matthew 18:13.
i. It is treated as a ritualistic formality.
b. It is an opportunity for real power by virtue of unity and agreement – Acts 4:23-24, 31.
(One can put 1000 to flight; two can put 10,000 to flight)
2. Each individual believer is a temple of God, a place of prayer – 1 Corinthians 6:13.
a. An open opportunity to personally commune & fellowship with God.
3. Prayer is a form of worship.
a. Acknowledging your dependence on Him.
i. Also your desire for him.
b. Your fellowship & communion with Him.
B. A prayer life (a communion & fellowship life) - Acts 3:1.
1. The disciples did this three times a day.
a. The third hour = 9:00 am; the sixth hour = 12:00 noon; and the ninth hour = 3:00 pm.
2. Consistent prayer - 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Acts 6:4.
a. Always ready to pray as well frequently praying –Romans 12:12.
3. Persistent prayer - Luke 18:1-7.
a. Refusing to give or be denied; tenacious & enduring.
b. Not just a one-time shot.
c. In spite of opposition - Romans 4:17-18.
4. Insistent prayer - Luke 11:5-8.
a. Importunity = to press on with the matter; to annoy or bother and be troublesome;
shamelessly asking with boldness, even to making demand.
b. Results are - Luke 11:9-I3.
i. See also Luke 18:1-8 about being pursistant in prayer and not giving up.
C. Prayers of novice Christians vs those allegedly mature.
1. Extra grace is given new believers who have not yet 1earned to pray as they should.
a. They seem to get answers so quickly & easily.
i. This is grace (provision) for the immature.
2. The mature should have learned and grown in faith.
a. More is required of them.
i. Holding back answers should cause one to re-examine himself, search scripture, and
to seek God more fervently.
3. Grace & mercy is always available when needed and asked for – Hebrews 4:15-16.
a. Come without hesitation, reservation, restraint or fear.
D. Learn to pray - Luke 11:1-4.
1. Part of spiritual growth (maturity) is to learn to pray.
a. It is not automatic -it requires discipline to learn.
i. Even more discipline to do and maintain.
III. AIDS TO PRAYER
A. Helpful hints.
1. Pray out loud whenever possible - 1 Samuel 1:12-15.
a. Silent, prayer works because God looks upon the heart.
i. Be honest, speak what is on your heart to him.
b. Speaking out loud helps you to focus your attention.
i. It helps eliminate distractive thoughts & mind wandering tendencies.
ii. It helps you pray more intently, fervently, earnestly.
c. If you believe it then speak it - Romans 10! 8-10, 2 Corinthians 4:13 and Mark 11:23-24.
i. Speaking out loud does not help God hear or to get an answer, it helps you to hear your prayer.
2. Pray from a position of advantage, not from a point of disadvantage.
a. Don't pray from the viewpoint of being as a beggar - Matthew 7:11.
i. Pray from the viewpoint of a child of God, your Father who cares for you - l Peter 5:7
and Romans 8:32.
aa. Develop a confidence that He will answer, all you have to do is ask him - Matthew 7:11.
b. The position of advantage is "know you will receive when you ask because God is on your side"-
John 5:14.
i. Focus on the answer not the need or the problem.
aa. Seeing the need causes more fear.
bb. Seeing the answer causes joy, hope, confidence and helps you to press on.
NOTE: What about the physical position in prayer? Much tradition focuses on being on your knees to pray, but is that really required? In Scripture we see the following physical positions used: Bowed down – Genesis 24:26 & 2 Chronicles 20:18; Standing – Mark 11:25 & Luke 18:10-14; Sitting - 1 Kings 18:42; Kneeling – Luke 22:42 & Acts 21:5; Laying (face down or in bed) – Numbers 20:6, Deuteronomy 9:25 & 2 Kings 20:2. Consider that there are people who cannot physically get on their knees, bow down, or stand. Therefore your physical position or posture in prayer is not what God looks at; it is what is in your heart that God is looking at.
c. He knows your need before you ask - Matthew 6:8.
i . So why ask?
aa. God only intervenes upon invitation.
bb. He wants your fellowship and communion
cc. He wants to show you he cares by giving you direct answers to specific requests.
3. Know that God wants to answer your prayers - Matt. 7:7-8 and 7:11.
a. See scriptures on "ask" - Matthew 6:8 and 21:22; John 14:13, John 15:7, John 15:16,
James 4:2, 1 John 3;22, 1 John 5:14-15.
i. Note: There are conditions; obey Him & His will.
4. Focus on Him and His ability (Ephesians 3:20), not on your need and its seriousness.
a. Gaze toward God and only glance at your need - FOCUS.
5. Let your prayer be filled with praise & thanksgiving - Phi1ippians 4:6.
a. This is easy when your mind is fixed on His provision rather than fixed on your need - Isaiah 26:3.
i. When you know He cares for you & wants to answer.
b. Recognize that He has everything under control - He is sovereign.
i. This will cause you to rejoice - James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 4:12-13.
6. Be specific in your requests, not vague or general.
a. You might get a vague or general answer that you may not even recognize as your answer.
i. Don't tell God how to do His work; just tell Him your need or request.
ii. Just give Him the invitation to act on your request.
aa. He knows what to do and how to handle it.
7. Get someone to pray & agree with you - Matthew 18:13.
a. Unity of spirit is needed so both are mutually seeking and earnestly making the same
request for the same reason.
8. Pray from conviction and not from crisis.
a. Develop a prayer discipline - Thessalonians 5:17, and Ephesians 6:18.
i. Prayer should be a way of life – a common practice, but not a ritual that has lost
its meaning and purpose.
aa. Thus you may avoid many crisis because a covering of prayer has prevented situations
from developing.
ii. Like praying for your children, their future, marriage partner, education and health.
(NOTE: Strength comes as your spirit is built up from fellowship with God in prayer and His Word.)
B. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray - Romans 8:27.
1. He is the divine teacher, guide & comforter - John 14:26.
a. He helps you pray according to God's will.
i. He teaches you His word which is His Will.
2.. He testifies of Christ - John 15:26
a. Christ is the reve1ation of God's love, provision and care for you – Luke 4:18, John 5:19 & 14:10.
3. Pray in the Holy Ghost (in the spirit) - Jude 20.
a. Praying in the spirit (tongues) by-passes the limited, sometimes confused and oppressed
mind -1 Corinthians 14:14-15.
i. When in anguish or distraught, we fail to pray as we ought, so we can pray in the spirit.
C. Know the will of God - 1 John 5:14.
1. His word is His WILL - if you know His Word you can confidently pray according to His will.
a. If you don't know His word, you will not know His will or be able to pray with confidence (faith).
i. “If it be thy will”, shows that His will is not really known, it is a prayer with doubt – James 1:6. 2.
2. Your “will” must die before you can pray God’s “will” be done.
a. Your “will” represents “self” interests, lusts and selfish desires - James 4:1-3.
i. You will pray for your “will”, its lusts and desires unless your “will” is put to death,
(ref. lesson on Discipleship).
ii. You cannot pray according to God’s “will” until your “will” is completely out of the situation.
b. Prayer motive will either be your “will” or His.
i. Check your motive – it will show whose “will” is being expressed – yours or His.
3. Knowing the Word builds faith – Romans 10:7.
a. You develop confidence on God because you now know how He works and how He responds.
b. You read what He has done for others and you are strengthened with knowledge and faith
that He will do it for you too.
4. The Word is soul (mind) food as well as spirit food.
a. It equips the mind with a spiritual perspective to generate hope when the natural/physical
perspective offer no hope.
i. Nourish the spirit to strengthen the soul to move in the spirit direction rather than in fleshly, physical, sensual, carnal (natural) direction.
5. Read and meditate on the Word before you pray.
a. Pray using the portion you read which specifically applies to your need.
i. The Holy Spirit will motivate you to pray when you read certain passages.
6. Get the Word in your mind and spirit – John 6:63 & John 15:7.
D. Use Scripture when praying.
1. Quote appropriate scriptures in your prayers.
a. Stand firm on what God said and promised.
i. His Word is more real, powerful and eternal than your need which is temporal – Matthew 24:35.
b. Use His promises, they were given for you to use – (see Promise Sheet at the end of this lesson).
i. Speak them out loud to your situations.
aa. This may seem silly to do, but the Word of God is a mighty spiritual force.
2. The Word is a force that operates in the spirit realm – Ephesians 6:17.
a. Use it to pray your answers through the spirit realm where the enemy (Satan) tries to hinder –
2 Corinthians 10:3-4.
i. As in the case of Daniel’s 21 days of prayer and fasting – Daniel 10:12-14; (more on “praying through” later).
IV. USE THE POWER OF ATTORNEY - the Name of JESUS.
A. His name is the key, the authority and power that operates in the spirit realm of both heaven and
earth – Matthew 28:20.
1. His name is the believer’s I.D. for access to the Father – John 14:6 and John 16:23-24.
B. As adopted sons of God, we acquire His name, a new family name that has with it all the rights and
privileges – John 1:12.
1. Your old natural name does not carry any influence because it reflects your old carnal nature.
a. His name reflects His righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30 and 2 Corinthians 5:21.
C. His name is our authority to act and transact spiritual business which He stands behind and endorses
when done according to His “will”.
1. Act on what Jesus promised – John 14:13.
a. He will see to it that it is done.
2. Ask your spiritual Father (God) for things not specifically promised – John 16:23-24.
a. The Father will give it.
3. It’s like your heavenly checkbook from God, freely given to all His adopted children through
Christ – Romans 8:32.
a. You must ask (sign) in His name because your name will not suffice – Mark 16:15-18 and John 14:14.
4. Only His name has all authority – Matthew 28:20.
a. Because only He fulfilled the law and was found worthy to exercise dominion (authority)
over the earth, Satan, sickness and disease, etc.
b. Beings in the spirit realm are all subject to Him.
i. They are also subject to us by the power of attorney in His name – Mark 16:17, Acts 16:18
and Acts 13:19.
D. The power of attorney is also for healing – Acts 3:6, 16.
1. All this in addition to salvation – Acts 4:12.
E. Prayer is properly addressed to the Father as demonstrated and taught by Jesus – Matthew 6:6
and John 11:41-42.
1. Don’t pray to angels, saints, Mary idols or any other source.
V. PRAYING IN FAITH – Hebrews 11:6.
A. Faith is the recognition of, and the committal of ourselves and our maters to the loving care and
faithfulness of God.
1. Asking must be in faith (trust) – James 1:6-7 and James 5:16-17.
2. You must know the Word of God to have faith in Him to boldly come to Him for help or answers – Romans 10:17.
B. Have faith in Him because He does is the one who answers – Mark 11:22-24.
1. You don’t make things happen by your faith.
a. He alone makes things happen in response to your faith in Him to do so – Hebrews 11:6.
2. He alone makes it happen in response to your faith in Him ~ Hebrew 11:6.
a. Don't follow the error that you are to have the faith OF God, (which is not possible anyhow).
i. That teaching presumes that man is as God or a mini God.
aa. This is humanism; man taking God's role, decision making matters.
bb. Man isn't ready for that yet even though he has regenerated in - his flesh is still a real
and present weakness of imperfection.
3. Confidence, trust in God that He will do what He promised – Romans 4:21 and Hebrews 10:23.
a. People of the world say, "I'll believe it when I see it".
b. People of the Word say, "because I believe it (believe God), I'll see it."
C. Faith is having confidence in God and His promises as well being faithful to Him in meeting
His conditions for getting answers to prayers.
1. Faith, trust, be1ieving (continua1ly) - Mathew 21:22
2. Not doubting - Mark 11:23, James 1:6
3. Obey His commands - 1 John 3:22, John 15:16-17
4. Abide in Him (faithfulness) - John 15:7
5. Have His Word in you - John 15:10
6. According to His will (Word) - 1 John 5:14.
7. Not for your selfish lusts - James 4:3
8. Forgive others - Mark 11!25-26
9. Humble yourself & be submissive - 1 Peter 5:5-6
10. In His name - John 14:13 and 16:23
VI. PRAYING THROUGH - Battling and Prevailing in Prayer
A. Prevail through persistence - Luke 18:15
1. A necessary quality of faith - vs 6-8.
a. When He returns will He find those who persevere and persist in adversity, remaining faithful?
i. What if we quit? - Galatians 6:9.
B. Christ taught His disciples to use persistence – Luke 11:5-8.
1. And importunity – Luke 18:1-8.
2. Come boldly, impudent, shameless, holding nothing back, without reservation or hesitation -
Hebrews 4:16.
C. Example of persistence and impudence - Matthew 15:22-27.
1. She refused to be denied even though he first ignored her – verse 23.
a. He encouraged and tested her persistence this way.
2. He responded in apparent denial - verse 26.
a. He encouraged her insistence (impudence).
3. She hangs in there with a challenge on his mercy, even as an animal - verse 27.
a. Her impudence was not in arrogance, but humble, and she prevailed - verse 28.
4. Jesus called this "great faith" and rewarded her - verse 28.
a. Such an experience was needed & recorded to teach us how to press in and prevail in prayer.
D. Why do we have to persist and prevail in prayer?
1. Can't God hear & answer when we first pray? YES!
2. Then who or what do we have to prevail over? a. Is it God? NO! - Romans 8:31-33.
b. Then it's Satan - Ephesians 6:12.
VII. HOW DOES THE ENEMY HINDER OUR PRAYERS? - Daniel 10:12-14.
A. Old fashioned "praying through" is needed.
1. Not so God will hear, but to pray the answer back from God to you.
a. You battle spiritual forces that oppose you and try to hold back your answers/provisions
in the spirit realm – Ephesians 6:12.
B. There are three heavens: the visible, the invisible (spirit realm), and God’s abode and throne –
2 Corinthians 13:2.
1. Daniel's answer was hindered in the second heaven by one of Satan's angels - Daniel 10:1:3.
a. The “high places” referred to in Ephesians 6:12 means “heavenly place”, or second heaven.
i. The spirit realm, or second heaven, is the realm of the unseen that co-exists with the
natural visible realm.
b. Daniel’s continuance (insistence & persistence) was responsible for Michael to come to assist
so the answer from Gabriel could stop being impeded and get through.
i. Daniel “prayed through”.
aa. This type of praying is sometimes needed for getting answers desperately needed quickly.
2. You have to persevere and pray your answer through the second heaven, past Satan’s thieving
forces when they oppose what you are praying for.
a. Most spiritual warfare praying is battling in this realm.
C. Your battle is not with God; He loves you and provides for you.
1. Your battle is with the thief – John 10:10.
a. So be persistent and insistant – James 5:16-18.
i. Even Elijah had to persist – 1 Kings 18:41-46.
b. The demonic opposition does not stop or rest! Why should you?
D. Don’t give up or give in, but pray through until you have peace about the situation you are praying for.
1. Bind the prince of the air, the powers of Ephesians 6:1 that were spoken of in Daniel 10:12-13.
a. Keep praying & insisting, making demand on God's Word & Work.
i. God’s angels, who are your ministering spirits, join in the battle in the spirit realm to help you
get your answer through to meet your need – Hebrews 1:11.
E. A special weapon in prayer is praying in the spirit, in tongues – 1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-15.
1. No one knows what you are praying about except God.
a. The Spirit prays for you, through you - Romans 8:26-27.
2. Satan and his demons don't know what you are praying about, so they are circumvented and thus
don't know what YOUR answer is, so they don't know enough to stop it.
a. This is why Satan opposes tongues so greatly; it is a key to getting one over on him and
his gang of thieves.
F. Two things God expects in prayer - Isaiah 64:7.
1. "Stir up" - to awake; arouse oneself to take action.
a. Take effort to rise up out of a situation.
2. "Take hold" - to seize upon; to be obstinate; constant and to prevai1.
a. To not give up and let go!.
G. Let us have a new fervency and zeal in prayer as Christ teaches .
1. He wants us to win; He made provision for us to win.
VIII. THE MODEL PRAYER – Matthew 6:9-13
A. The pattern (manner) to follow, elements that prayers should contain.
1. Acknowledge and recognize God, His Fatherhood – Isaiah 37:16.
a. His loving care – 1 Peter 5:7.
2. Worship and reverence Him – John 4:23-24.
3. Have intense desire for Him and His Kingdom – Matthew 6:33.
4. Yield your will to His; desire His control and guidance – Luke 22:42.
5. Your relationship with Him; His sovereignty – 1 Peter 5:6.
6. Your dependence on Him; recognize Him as the source – Matthew 6:24thru 33, and Psalm 55:22.
7. Forgive and be forgiven; (confess and repent) – Matthew 6:14-15 and Psalm 66:18, and Psalm 51.
a. Forgiveness is an act of love toward another.
8. Seek Him for deliverance and protection from Satan and other enemies – Psalm 34:6-10, & 15-19,
and Psalm 37:39-40.
9. Acknowledge His Lordship, humble yourself before His Kingdom, power and glory.
B. Do not pray this as a prayer, it is a pattern or form to use; a manner which reveals the elements
that prayers should contain.
IX. TO WHOM DO YOU PRAY?
A. Who did Jesus pray to? – Mathew 6:9
1. Example – John 11:41-42.
B. Who did Jesus instruct us to pray to? – Matthew 6:6-8.
1. When Jesus was asked by his disciples how to pray, He showed them the manner and also
who to address in prayer.
a. He directed them to seek the Father, especially after his ascension – John 16:23-27.
i. Before the ascension the disciples depended on Jesus.
C. Jesus came to give mankind direct access and fellowship with the Father through what Jesus
provided – Ephesians 2:13-16.
1. The veil was rent and access given to us – Hebrews 4:14-16.
a. We come to the Father through Jesus Christ (His name).
i. Jesus is the Way, the Door and the High Priest of the New Covenant.
D. As we acknowledge Christ, His Son, the Father will acknowledge us as adopted sons.
1. Our acknowledgement is the belief in and on His name.
a. This is how we address God, not in our name or ability, but His!
E. There is no other name that we can use to approach God in prayer.
1. Some churches pray to Mary, to patron saints, or use trinkets or tokens as items for prayer.
2. All such is a waste of time and affront to God the Father and a defiance of who Jesus is and
what He has done for us.
This Lesson on Prayer is continued in Part 2 - Lesson 206B
LESSON 206A: PRAYER - Part 1 - "...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" -
James 5:16b
I. WHAT IS PRAYER?
A. Definition: to supplicate; numb1y & earnes11y imp1ore God.
1. To make your wish, desire or need known to God.
a. To entreat - to ask earnestly; pleading your case; urgently.
b. To petition - a formal request of a superior.
c. To inquire - seeking counsel, direction or answers.
2. To worship.
a. Make adoration and acknowledgement of Him.
B. Prayer is a means of communicating with God.
1. Expressing yourself to God.
a. Expecting & anticipating answers.
i. Communication is two-way.
2. Communicating in & strengthening your spirit being.
a. Fellowshipi with God by communion (communicating) with Him.
i. Develop a spiritual ear to hear.
ii. Note the significance of having a spiritual ear in the last days – Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29;
and 3:6, 13, & 20
iii. Some people cannot, or won’t, hear – John 12:27-30.
C. Inviting God to intervene in the affairs of man & the world.
1. God placed earth and placed its affairs in man's hands — Genesis 1:23.
a. God did not take it- back; He does not do it that way.
b. He took his hands off when he gave it to man – Psalm 115:16.
i. Man is responsible for the mess it is in.
aa. Man can't blame God as they try to do.
2. God, therefore, cannot (1ega1ly) intervene in the affairs of man and the world unless man
invites him to do so.
a. Prayer is man inviting God to aid, guide, provide, heal, or do what man is incapable
of doing himself.
b. Prayer is for the miraculous - asking God to do what is not humanly possible.
i. To ask God to do what man can do is demeaning to Him, bringing his divine sovereignty
down to the level of man's limited humanity.
ii. If you don't believe in miracles (the supernatural intervention of God) then there is no
sense in praying.
aa. Prayers are then rituals, not faith communion with God – Hebrews 11 16.
3. God has always worked through man - those who have prayed communed and sought Him.
a. His Holy Spirit encourages (woos) man to seek Him.
i. Those who respond, He works through & with.
4. Therefore, our prayers shou1d not be only for our selves, but others –Ephesians 6:8.
a. Including the affairs of our nation, the world, the church, etc. – 1 Timothy 2:1-3.
II. THE PLACE OF PRAYER
A. The temple of God – called the House of Prayer - Matthew 21:12-14.
1. The assembled body of Christ is the temple of God, a house of prayer – 1 Corinthians 3:16.
a. Corporate united prayer is greatly overlooked in church today – Matthew 18:13.
i. It is treated as a ritualistic formality.
b. It is an opportunity for real power by virtue of unity and agreement – Acts 4:23-24, 31.
(One can put 1000 to flight; two can put 10,000 to flight)
2. Each individual believer is a temple of God, a place of prayer – 1 Corinthians 6:13.
a. An open opportunity to personally commune & fellowship with God.
3. Prayer is a form of worship.
a. Acknowledging your dependence on Him.
i. Also your desire for him.
b. Your fellowship & communion with Him.
B. A prayer life (a communion & fellowship life) - Acts 3:1.
1. The disciples did this three times a day.
a. The third hour = 9:00 am; the sixth hour = 12:00 noon; and the ninth hour = 3:00 pm.
2. Consistent prayer - 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Acts 6:4.
a. Always ready to pray as well frequently praying –Romans 12:12.
3. Persistent prayer - Luke 18:1-7.
a. Refusing to give or be denied; tenacious & enduring.
b. Not just a one-time shot.
c. In spite of opposition - Romans 4:17-18.
4. Insistent prayer - Luke 11:5-8.
a. Importunity = to press on with the matter; to annoy or bother and be troublesome;
shamelessly asking with boldness, even to making demand.
b. Results are - Luke 11:9-I3.
i. See also Luke 18:1-8 about being pursistant in prayer and not giving up.
C. Prayers of novice Christians vs those allegedly mature.
1. Extra grace is given new believers who have not yet 1earned to pray as they should.
a. They seem to get answers so quickly & easily.
i. This is grace (provision) for the immature.
2. The mature should have learned and grown in faith.
a. More is required of them.
i. Holding back answers should cause one to re-examine himself, search scripture, and
to seek God more fervently.
3. Grace & mercy is always available when needed and asked for – Hebrews 4:15-16.
a. Come without hesitation, reservation, restraint or fear.
D. Learn to pray - Luke 11:1-4.
1. Part of spiritual growth (maturity) is to learn to pray.
a. It is not automatic -it requires discipline to learn.
i. Even more discipline to do and maintain.
III. AIDS TO PRAYER
A. Helpful hints.
1. Pray out loud whenever possible - 1 Samuel 1:12-15.
a. Silent, prayer works because God looks upon the heart.
i. Be honest, speak what is on your heart to him.
b. Speaking out loud helps you to focus your attention.
i. It helps eliminate distractive thoughts & mind wandering tendencies.
ii. It helps you pray more intently, fervently, earnestly.
c. If you believe it then speak it - Romans 10! 8-10, 2 Corinthians 4:13 and Mark 11:23-24.
i. Speaking out loud does not help God hear or to get an answer, it helps you to hear your prayer.
2. Pray from a position of advantage, not from a point of disadvantage.
a. Don't pray from the viewpoint of being as a beggar - Matthew 7:11.
i. Pray from the viewpoint of a child of God, your Father who cares for you - l Peter 5:7
and Romans 8:32.
aa. Develop a confidence that He will answer, all you have to do is ask him - Matthew 7:11.
b. The position of advantage is "know you will receive when you ask because God is on your side"-
John 5:14.
i. Focus on the answer not the need or the problem.
aa. Seeing the need causes more fear.
bb. Seeing the answer causes joy, hope, confidence and helps you to press on.
NOTE: What about the physical position in prayer? Much tradition focuses on being on your knees to pray, but is that really required? In Scripture we see the following physical positions used: Bowed down – Genesis 24:26 & 2 Chronicles 20:18; Standing – Mark 11:25 & Luke 18:10-14; Sitting - 1 Kings 18:42; Kneeling – Luke 22:42 & Acts 21:5; Laying (face down or in bed) – Numbers 20:6, Deuteronomy 9:25 & 2 Kings 20:2. Consider that there are people who cannot physically get on their knees, bow down, or stand. Therefore your physical position or posture in prayer is not what God looks at; it is what is in your heart that God is looking at.
c. He knows your need before you ask - Matthew 6:8.
i . So why ask?
aa. God only intervenes upon invitation.
bb. He wants your fellowship and communion
cc. He wants to show you he cares by giving you direct answers to specific requests.
3. Know that God wants to answer your prayers - Matt. 7:7-8 and 7:11.
a. See scriptures on "ask" - Matthew 6:8 and 21:22; John 14:13, John 15:7, John 15:16,
James 4:2, 1 John 3;22, 1 John 5:14-15.
i. Note: There are conditions; obey Him & His will.
4. Focus on Him and His ability (Ephesians 3:20), not on your need and its seriousness.
a. Gaze toward God and only glance at your need - FOCUS.
5. Let your prayer be filled with praise & thanksgiving - Phi1ippians 4:6.
a. This is easy when your mind is fixed on His provision rather than fixed on your need - Isaiah 26:3.
i. When you know He cares for you & wants to answer.
b. Recognize that He has everything under control - He is sovereign.
i. This will cause you to rejoice - James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 4:12-13.
6. Be specific in your requests, not vague or general.
a. You might get a vague or general answer that you may not even recognize as your answer.
i. Don't tell God how to do His work; just tell Him your need or request.
ii. Just give Him the invitation to act on your request.
aa. He knows what to do and how to handle it.
7. Get someone to pray & agree with you - Matthew 18:13.
a. Unity of spirit is needed so both are mutually seeking and earnestly making the same
request for the same reason.
8. Pray from conviction and not from crisis.
a. Develop a prayer discipline - Thessalonians 5:17, and Ephesians 6:18.
i. Prayer should be a way of life – a common practice, but not a ritual that has lost
its meaning and purpose.
aa. Thus you may avoid many crisis because a covering of prayer has prevented situations
from developing.
ii. Like praying for your children, their future, marriage partner, education and health.
(NOTE: Strength comes as your spirit is built up from fellowship with God in prayer and His Word.)
B. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray - Romans 8:27.
1. He is the divine teacher, guide & comforter - John 14:26.
a. He helps you pray according to God's will.
i. He teaches you His word which is His Will.
2.. He testifies of Christ - John 15:26
a. Christ is the reve1ation of God's love, provision and care for you – Luke 4:18, John 5:19 & 14:10.
3. Pray in the Holy Ghost (in the spirit) - Jude 20.
a. Praying in the spirit (tongues) by-passes the limited, sometimes confused and oppressed
mind -1 Corinthians 14:14-15.
i. When in anguish or distraught, we fail to pray as we ought, so we can pray in the spirit.
C. Know the will of God - 1 John 5:14.
1. His word is His WILL - if you know His Word you can confidently pray according to His will.
a. If you don't know His word, you will not know His will or be able to pray with confidence (faith).
i. “If it be thy will”, shows that His will is not really known, it is a prayer with doubt – James 1:6. 2.
2. Your “will” must die before you can pray God’s “will” be done.
a. Your “will” represents “self” interests, lusts and selfish desires - James 4:1-3.
i. You will pray for your “will”, its lusts and desires unless your “will” is put to death,
(ref. lesson on Discipleship).
ii. You cannot pray according to God’s “will” until your “will” is completely out of the situation.
b. Prayer motive will either be your “will” or His.
i. Check your motive – it will show whose “will” is being expressed – yours or His.
3. Knowing the Word builds faith – Romans 10:7.
a. You develop confidence on God because you now know how He works and how He responds.
b. You read what He has done for others and you are strengthened with knowledge and faith
that He will do it for you too.
4. The Word is soul (mind) food as well as spirit food.
a. It equips the mind with a spiritual perspective to generate hope when the natural/physical
perspective offer no hope.
i. Nourish the spirit to strengthen the soul to move in the spirit direction rather than in fleshly, physical, sensual, carnal (natural) direction.
5. Read and meditate on the Word before you pray.
a. Pray using the portion you read which specifically applies to your need.
i. The Holy Spirit will motivate you to pray when you read certain passages.
6. Get the Word in your mind and spirit – John 6:63 & John 15:7.
D. Use Scripture when praying.
1. Quote appropriate scriptures in your prayers.
a. Stand firm on what God said and promised.
i. His Word is more real, powerful and eternal than your need which is temporal – Matthew 24:35.
b. Use His promises, they were given for you to use – (see Promise Sheet at the end of this lesson).
i. Speak them out loud to your situations.
aa. This may seem silly to do, but the Word of God is a mighty spiritual force.
2. The Word is a force that operates in the spirit realm – Ephesians 6:17.
a. Use it to pray your answers through the spirit realm where the enemy (Satan) tries to hinder –
2 Corinthians 10:3-4.
i. As in the case of Daniel’s 21 days of prayer and fasting – Daniel 10:12-14; (more on “praying through” later).
IV. USE THE POWER OF ATTORNEY - the Name of JESUS.
A. His name is the key, the authority and power that operates in the spirit realm of both heaven and
earth – Matthew 28:20.
1. His name is the believer’s I.D. for access to the Father – John 14:6 and John 16:23-24.
B. As adopted sons of God, we acquire His name, a new family name that has with it all the rights and
privileges – John 1:12.
1. Your old natural name does not carry any influence because it reflects your old carnal nature.
a. His name reflects His righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30 and 2 Corinthians 5:21.
C. His name is our authority to act and transact spiritual business which He stands behind and endorses
when done according to His “will”.
1. Act on what Jesus promised – John 14:13.
a. He will see to it that it is done.
2. Ask your spiritual Father (God) for things not specifically promised – John 16:23-24.
a. The Father will give it.
3. It’s like your heavenly checkbook from God, freely given to all His adopted children through
Christ – Romans 8:32.
a. You must ask (sign) in His name because your name will not suffice – Mark 16:15-18 and John 14:14.
4. Only His name has all authority – Matthew 28:20.
a. Because only He fulfilled the law and was found worthy to exercise dominion (authority)
over the earth, Satan, sickness and disease, etc.
b. Beings in the spirit realm are all subject to Him.
i. They are also subject to us by the power of attorney in His name – Mark 16:17, Acts 16:18
and Acts 13:19.
D. The power of attorney is also for healing – Acts 3:6, 16.
1. All this in addition to salvation – Acts 4:12.
E. Prayer is properly addressed to the Father as demonstrated and taught by Jesus – Matthew 6:6
and John 11:41-42.
1. Don’t pray to angels, saints, Mary idols or any other source.
V. PRAYING IN FAITH – Hebrews 11:6.
A. Faith is the recognition of, and the committal of ourselves and our maters to the loving care and
faithfulness of God.
1. Asking must be in faith (trust) – James 1:6-7 and James 5:16-17.
2. You must know the Word of God to have faith in Him to boldly come to Him for help or answers – Romans 10:17.
B. Have faith in Him because He does is the one who answers – Mark 11:22-24.
1. You don’t make things happen by your faith.
a. He alone makes things happen in response to your faith in Him to do so – Hebrews 11:6.
2. He alone makes it happen in response to your faith in Him ~ Hebrew 11:6.
a. Don't follow the error that you are to have the faith OF God, (which is not possible anyhow).
i. That teaching presumes that man is as God or a mini God.
aa. This is humanism; man taking God's role, decision making matters.
bb. Man isn't ready for that yet even though he has regenerated in - his flesh is still a real
and present weakness of imperfection.
3. Confidence, trust in God that He will do what He promised – Romans 4:21 and Hebrews 10:23.
a. People of the world say, "I'll believe it when I see it".
b. People of the Word say, "because I believe it (believe God), I'll see it."
C. Faith is having confidence in God and His promises as well being faithful to Him in meeting
His conditions for getting answers to prayers.
1. Faith, trust, be1ieving (continua1ly) - Mathew 21:22
2. Not doubting - Mark 11:23, James 1:6
3. Obey His commands - 1 John 3:22, John 15:16-17
4. Abide in Him (faithfulness) - John 15:7
5. Have His Word in you - John 15:10
6. According to His will (Word) - 1 John 5:14.
7. Not for your selfish lusts - James 4:3
8. Forgive others - Mark 11!25-26
9. Humble yourself & be submissive - 1 Peter 5:5-6
10. In His name - John 14:13 and 16:23
VI. PRAYING THROUGH - Battling and Prevailing in Prayer
A. Prevail through persistence - Luke 18:15
1. A necessary quality of faith - vs 6-8.
a. When He returns will He find those who persevere and persist in adversity, remaining faithful?
i. What if we quit? - Galatians 6:9.
B. Christ taught His disciples to use persistence – Luke 11:5-8.
1. And importunity – Luke 18:1-8.
2. Come boldly, impudent, shameless, holding nothing back, without reservation or hesitation -
Hebrews 4:16.
C. Example of persistence and impudence - Matthew 15:22-27.
1. She refused to be denied even though he first ignored her – verse 23.
a. He encouraged and tested her persistence this way.
2. He responded in apparent denial - verse 26.
a. He encouraged her insistence (impudence).
3. She hangs in there with a challenge on his mercy, even as an animal - verse 27.
a. Her impudence was not in arrogance, but humble, and she prevailed - verse 28.
4. Jesus called this "great faith" and rewarded her - verse 28.
a. Such an experience was needed & recorded to teach us how to press in and prevail in prayer.
D. Why do we have to persist and prevail in prayer?
1. Can't God hear & answer when we first pray? YES!
2. Then who or what do we have to prevail over? a. Is it God? NO! - Romans 8:31-33.
b. Then it's Satan - Ephesians 6:12.
VII. HOW DOES THE ENEMY HINDER OUR PRAYERS? - Daniel 10:12-14.
A. Old fashioned "praying through" is needed.
1. Not so God will hear, but to pray the answer back from God to you.
a. You battle spiritual forces that oppose you and try to hold back your answers/provisions
in the spirit realm – Ephesians 6:12.
B. There are three heavens: the visible, the invisible (spirit realm), and God’s abode and throne –
2 Corinthians 13:2.
1. Daniel's answer was hindered in the second heaven by one of Satan's angels - Daniel 10:1:3.
a. The “high places” referred to in Ephesians 6:12 means “heavenly place”, or second heaven.
i. The spirit realm, or second heaven, is the realm of the unseen that co-exists with the
natural visible realm.
b. Daniel’s continuance (insistence & persistence) was responsible for Michael to come to assist
so the answer from Gabriel could stop being impeded and get through.
i. Daniel “prayed through”.
aa. This type of praying is sometimes needed for getting answers desperately needed quickly.
2. You have to persevere and pray your answer through the second heaven, past Satan’s thieving
forces when they oppose what you are praying for.
a. Most spiritual warfare praying is battling in this realm.
C. Your battle is not with God; He loves you and provides for you.
1. Your battle is with the thief – John 10:10.
a. So be persistent and insistant – James 5:16-18.
i. Even Elijah had to persist – 1 Kings 18:41-46.
b. The demonic opposition does not stop or rest! Why should you?
D. Don’t give up or give in, but pray through until you have peace about the situation you are praying for.
1. Bind the prince of the air, the powers of Ephesians 6:1 that were spoken of in Daniel 10:12-13.
a. Keep praying & insisting, making demand on God's Word & Work.
i. God’s angels, who are your ministering spirits, join in the battle in the spirit realm to help you
get your answer through to meet your need – Hebrews 1:11.
E. A special weapon in prayer is praying in the spirit, in tongues – 1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-15.
1. No one knows what you are praying about except God.
a. The Spirit prays for you, through you - Romans 8:26-27.
2. Satan and his demons don't know what you are praying about, so they are circumvented and thus
don't know what YOUR answer is, so they don't know enough to stop it.
a. This is why Satan opposes tongues so greatly; it is a key to getting one over on him and
his gang of thieves.
F. Two things God expects in prayer - Isaiah 64:7.
1. "Stir up" - to awake; arouse oneself to take action.
a. Take effort to rise up out of a situation.
2. "Take hold" - to seize upon; to be obstinate; constant and to prevai1.
a. To not give up and let go!.
G. Let us have a new fervency and zeal in prayer as Christ teaches .
1. He wants us to win; He made provision for us to win.
VIII. THE MODEL PRAYER – Matthew 6:9-13
A. The pattern (manner) to follow, elements that prayers should contain.
1. Acknowledge and recognize God, His Fatherhood – Isaiah 37:16.
a. His loving care – 1 Peter 5:7.
2. Worship and reverence Him – John 4:23-24.
3. Have intense desire for Him and His Kingdom – Matthew 6:33.
4. Yield your will to His; desire His control and guidance – Luke 22:42.
5. Your relationship with Him; His sovereignty – 1 Peter 5:6.
6. Your dependence on Him; recognize Him as the source – Matthew 6:24thru 33, and Psalm 55:22.
7. Forgive and be forgiven; (confess and repent) – Matthew 6:14-15 and Psalm 66:18, and Psalm 51.
a. Forgiveness is an act of love toward another.
8. Seek Him for deliverance and protection from Satan and other enemies – Psalm 34:6-10, & 15-19,
and Psalm 37:39-40.
9. Acknowledge His Lordship, humble yourself before His Kingdom, power and glory.
B. Do not pray this as a prayer, it is a pattern or form to use; a manner which reveals the elements
that prayers should contain.
IX. TO WHOM DO YOU PRAY?
A. Who did Jesus pray to? – Mathew 6:9
1. Example – John 11:41-42.
B. Who did Jesus instruct us to pray to? – Matthew 6:6-8.
1. When Jesus was asked by his disciples how to pray, He showed them the manner and also
who to address in prayer.
a. He directed them to seek the Father, especially after his ascension – John 16:23-27.
i. Before the ascension the disciples depended on Jesus.
C. Jesus came to give mankind direct access and fellowship with the Father through what Jesus
provided – Ephesians 2:13-16.
1. The veil was rent and access given to us – Hebrews 4:14-16.
a. We come to the Father through Jesus Christ (His name).
i. Jesus is the Way, the Door and the High Priest of the New Covenant.
D. As we acknowledge Christ, His Son, the Father will acknowledge us as adopted sons.
1. Our acknowledgement is the belief in and on His name.
a. This is how we address God, not in our name or ability, but His!
E. There is no other name that we can use to approach God in prayer.
1. Some churches pray to Mary, to patron saints, or use trinkets or tokens as items for prayer.
2. All such is a waste of time and affront to God the Father and a defiance of who Jesus is and
what He has done for us.
This Lesson on Prayer is continued in Part 2 - Lesson 206B
