LOGOS BIBLE STUDY
LESSON 206B: PRAYER Part 2 - TYPES OF PRAYER
I. ADORATION AND WORSHIP
A. Acknowledge God for Who He is - Matthew 6:9
1. Recognition of his sovereignty & your dependence on him
a. Call for much needed humility & meekness in us.
i. We are as dust of the earth.
2. Adore Him in admiration of who He is and what He has done.
a. Focus on his majesty & dominion.
B. Worship - Psalm 34:1-3 (Magnify Him - make large you view of Him to clearly recognize).
1. As looking through a magnifying glass to see more detail.
a. Result - Psalm 34:4 and 6-10.
2. Pay homage – to revere Him.
C. Recognize that your condition or situation does not change who or what He is.
1. No matter if your are in great pain and suffering, or if you are in a moment of great blessing.
a. The truth is that He is still the Almighty and worthy of worship, praise and thanksgiving,
regardless of how you feel - John 4:24.
2. Worship, thanking and praising Him when you are hurting or suffering gets your focus of attention
off yourself and your situation and onto Him.
a. This relieves you greatly.
II. THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE
A. Thanking God for what he has done (and does) - I Thessalonians 5:18.
1. In all situations and for everything (as in worship) - Romans 8:23.
a. It helps to make a list of things to thank Him for, such as:
i. Family
ii. Friends
iii. Provision
iv. Protection
v. Health
vi. Salvation
vii. Deliverance
viii. Answers to Prayer
ix. His promises
x. And so much more…..
2. By this you acknowledge him as you protector and provider.
B. Praise - expressing of a happy and rejoicing heart.
1. Lightens and exhilarates the soul, expressing delight in Him –Psalm 37: 4 .
2. This is how to approach God — Psalm 100:2 & 4.
3. Praising him gets his undivided and immediate attention - Psalm 22:3.
C. Read from the Psalms (selected praise passages) out loud.
1. Meditate on what is said & why praise is offered.
a. Examples: Psalm Chapters 86, 95-100, 103 - 107, 111 - 113, 117 & 118, and 145 – 150.
III. PRAYERS OF CONFESSION & REPENTANCE
A. Communication with God about your short comings, failures and sins.
1. To establish or renew fellowship with God in - Isaiah 59:1-2.
a. Rigtheousness means being in right standing - James 5; 16.
2. Confession is agreeing with God about your sin.
a. That you are wrong and He is right.
i. The need for confession and forgiveness - Psalm 66:18
B. You need to be forgiven; follow these steps.
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal EVERY sin - Psalm 133:23
a. Hidden ones (deliberate hiding or those you are ignorant of).
2.. Confess each sin individually to the Lord.
a. Sins of word ... thought... and deed.
i. Include secret sins you hide from others, He knows - Proverbs 28:13.
b. Sins of omission, what you neglected to do that you should have done - James 4:17.
C. There is assurance of forgiveness - 1 .John 1:3, Psalm 103:3.
1. Appeal to his mercy and grace, (which is primarily for pardoning sin - Hebrews 4:15-16.
D. You must forgive others — Mark 11:24-25.
1. Many people's problems are the result of not forgiving others – Matthew 18:34-35.
a. Forgiving others is an act of love that God commands.
i. See A1so - Matthew 6:12, 18:21-22, & Ephesians 4:32.
E. Repent - change (covered in lesson 101).
1. Ask the Holy Spirit for help.
2. Confession without repentance changes nothing.
a. Confession only acknowledges, it does not change behavior.
IV. PRAYER OF PETITION
A. Asking God for things, needs, desires or personal requests - John 16:23.
1. Transcends your needs - Matthew 6:8.
2. Your desires after your will aligns with his - John 15:7.
a. Not according to carnal will or lusts - James 413.
B. God delights in blessing his childran, just as you like to bless yours, (when they behave) - Romans 8:32.
1. Make your requests or supplications (not lusts) known - Philippians 4:6.
a. Anxiousness (worry) impIies you have a concerning a need since you are under stress
and not just a desire.
i. Most desires are selfish lusts and not for the glory of God –1 Corinthians 10:31.
aa. This sometimes inc1udes what we pray for.
2. Be specific, not general (all encompassing).
a. You may get a general answer and not be able to recognize it.
C. When your priorities are right you have assurance of his answer to prayer - Matthew 7:7-11.
1. No hindrances, answers are assured - 1 John 5-15.
V. PRAYER OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY - John 14:12-14
A. "Ask" means to make demand on; to require something due, to make claim on a promise that Jesus
made to His followers.
1. Use the name of -Jesus as authority delegated to you.
a. To command demons out - Mark 16:17 and Acts 16:16-18.
b. This is used for claiming healing, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, etc.
i. Dealing with Satan and demons (unclean spirits) - Luke 10:19 and Matthew 16:13.
ii. Also dealing with problems (mountains) - Mark 11:22-24.
c. Anything promised, bought and paid for by Jesus and offered to those who believe what He said.
2. This requires knowledge of God's word; only what is promised applies to this kind of authority in prayer .
a. What is not specifically promised we have to ask the Father for –John 16:23.
VI. PRAYER OF INTERCESSION - Praying for others - 1 Timothy 2:1
A. God wants intercession - "First of all" - 1 Timothy 2:3.
1. To intercede means to stand in the gap; to form a hedge of protection about another – Ezekiel 12:4-5.
2. An intercessor identifies with the one interceded for.
a. So as to bear or carry the burdens of the other.
B. Jesus Christ is our intercessor - Hebrews 7:25.
1. He identified with us and still does.
2. We are to be followers (imitators) of him.
C . When praying/interceding for others, pray as though their situation was yours - Galatians 6:2.
1. Be specific in names and requests.
2. Use authority to come against enemy in their situation.
D. Intercession is an offensive weapon in spiritual warfare - Ephesians 6:18.
(Note: best defense is a strong offense).
1. When enemy tempts you in an area of your weakness, then begin to intercede for someone
who would be a powerful witness when your prayer is answered to turn your attention away
from your weakness. This drives the enemy mad and he will leave tempting you.
a. Pray for a specific unbeliever for salvation.
b. A Specific carnal Christian for renewal & dedication.
c. A Specific leader for boldness and power.
2. Have a specific target to intercede for - for each area of weakness in which you are tempted.
a. Let the temptation be a signal to start interceding
i. By this means you begin pulling down strongholds elsewhere - so the devil stops tempting.
ii. He then stops his further attacks on you because you are now a threat to him each time he tempts.
aa. He loses groung each time he tries.
iii. Don't quit - keep him on the run - be offensive.
E. Use Prayer as protective armor to cover yourself and others – Ephesians 6:18.
1. For the saints (other believers).
a. Pray a hedge of protection – Ezekiel 13:5.
2. For family, children and relatives.
3. For those in ministry – Ephesians 6:19.
a. Like giving covering fire to pin down the enemy as a fellow soldier advances or moves to
a more strategic position.
VII. PRAYER OF COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP - James 4:8
A. Intimate time spent in His presence does not always require you to speak to Him.
1. Getting to know Him better by meditating on His Word.
a. What it means to you.
b. How does reveal His nature and desires for you.
c. What you can learn about Him from His Word.
2. Ask Him about what is in His Word and He will reveal it to you.
a. Discuss His Word, His plans with Him in private.
i. Asking questions and getting answers is spiritual learning.
3. Intimate prayer is for that secret place – Psalm 91:1.
a. Referred to as the “prayer closet” – Matthew 6:6 and Luke 5:16.
b. This more personal that group or public prayer with other believers.
i. Matthew 18:19, Acts 1:14, Acts 4:24 and Acts 12:12.
aa. Group prayers are frequently used for intercession on behalf of others.
B. Growing and developing a relationship of reverential love – closer and more intimate with Him.
1. Casual prayer, at any time, in any place, or in any situation.
a. Become comfortable with God as with a good friend.
ii. Although still reverencing Him as sovereign.
C. You desire to spend time with one you love.
1. Even small talk is maintaining fellowship.
a. Recognizing that He is always with you.
2. Deeper spiritual insight and revelations result as God reveals more of Himself to those who draw close.
3. This prayer is not coming to express a need, but coming for fellowship.
a. Seeking Him for who He is, not for what He can do.
i. Motive is to know Him better and just being with Him.
4. This is a greatly neglected area of prayer of believers.
a. God made man so He could fellowship beings that He made in His image and that He
can relate to personally.
b. He desires that close personal communion.
i. That is why His command to LOVE Him and one another –Matthew 22:36-40 and 1 John 4:7-12.
VIII. DON’T RUN OFF AFTER PRAYER – wait and listen
A. Prayer is communication and communication is two-way.
1. Wait on the Lord (patiently) for an answer or direction.
a. Some situations He allows to encourage you to spend time with Him or draw you closer.
i. Granted there are times you cannot wait but that should be an exception.
ii. Allow time to spend in His presence.
aa. Don’t rush off in haste.
B. Expect an answer and wait for it – Psalm 25:5 and 21.
1. This is how He strengthens you – Psalm 27:14.
a. See also Psalm 37:7-9, 34 and Psalm 62:5-6.
2. You need to develop a spiritual ear to hear – Revelation 3:22.
a. God speaks by His spirit into your spirit, not your physical ear.
b. The spiritual ear is developed by spending time in His presence seeking to hear from Him.
C. Why wait? He has things to tell you if you really want to know more.
1. Waiting is a display of faithfulness – impatience displays selfishness.
IX. PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT – TONGUES
A. Prayer in a language that is unknown and unlearned by the one praying –1 Corinthians 14:14-15.
1. Languages used on earth and in heaven – 1 Corinthians 13:1.
B. Prayer that is motivated from the spirit; the mind and intellect are not involved.
1. Often you don’t know how to pray about a situation.
a. There are times your mind or understanding gets in the way and limits your faith –
1 Corinthians 2:11-14.
i. The natural mind hinders your efforts to pray the will of God.
2. The Spirit knows the will of God and intercedes on your behalf in response to the yieldedness
of your spirit.
a. The Spirit of God within you intercedes for your burden –Romans 8:26-27.
C. Praying, or speaking in tongues is speaking to God, not man –1 Corinthians 14:2.
1. Speaking to God is prayer and tongues is a prayer language.
a. Such prayer in public needs interpretation so all can receive the benefit –
1 Corinthians 14:16-17 and 27-28.
i. Churches need prayer by the Spirit with interpretation –1 Corinthians 14:39.
X. PRAYER AND FASTING – Matthew 6:16-18
A. Seeking communion with God with your whole being: spirit soul and body – Matthew 22:37.
1. A time of earnest prayer in which your seeking and fellowship with God is more important than eating.
a. A time when you deny the body/flesh of its wants in order to feed your spirit and soul.
2. God rewards such earnest devoted prayer – Matthew 6:18.
B. Fasting and prayer allows you to focus your entire being on the object of prayer.
1. Fasting reflects a more sincere, earnest and dedicated self-sacrificing, intense level of seeking God.
C. Fasting with prayer build and strengthens you spiritually and allows you to flow in more of God’s
power than you own ability – Matthew 17:20-21.
1. The demons know how close your (and the disciples) are to God and the level of your faith and
confidence in God/Christ and His promises.
a. Fasting and the self-discipline it requires shows the quality of spirit you have.
b. Fasting also increases you faith.
i. Note Jesus’ response to the disciples as to the reason they had no ability to cast out those
unclean spirits – Matthew 17:20.
D. Fasting shows your consecration to God in seeking answers.
1. You are denying self (flesh) of its lusts (needs) to secure a greater spiritual need.
E. Much is gained in fasting and prayer.
1. That gain is in the spirit realm which has an effect on what happens in the physical realm.
(Numerous books on Fasting are available.)
APPENDIX: A FEW OF GOD’S PROMISES FOR ANSWERS TO PRAYER
From the Book of Psalms:
3:4 – I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.
4:3 – But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I
call unto him.
34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
57:2 – I will cry unto God most high;unto God that performeth all things for me.
66:19-20 – but verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
69-:13 –But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
120:1 – In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
138:3 – In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
145:18-19 – The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will
fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
From the Gospel of Matthew:
6:8 – Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before
ye ask him.
7:7 – Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
7:8 – for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
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?
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.
21:22 – And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
From the Gospel of John:
14:13 – And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14:14 – If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
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.
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.
From Ephesians:
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,
From 1 John:
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.
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:
LESSON 206B: PRAYER Part 2 - TYPES OF PRAYER
I. ADORATION AND WORSHIP
A. Acknowledge God for Who He is - Matthew 6:9
1. Recognition of his sovereignty & your dependence on him
a. Call for much needed humility & meekness in us.
i. We are as dust of the earth.
2. Adore Him in admiration of who He is and what He has done.
a. Focus on his majesty & dominion.
B. Worship - Psalm 34:1-3 (Magnify Him - make large you view of Him to clearly recognize).
1. As looking through a magnifying glass to see more detail.
a. Result - Psalm 34:4 and 6-10.
2. Pay homage – to revere Him.
C. Recognize that your condition or situation does not change who or what He is.
1. No matter if your are in great pain and suffering, or if you are in a moment of great blessing.
a. The truth is that He is still the Almighty and worthy of worship, praise and thanksgiving,
regardless of how you feel - John 4:24.
2. Worship, thanking and praising Him when you are hurting or suffering gets your focus of attention
off yourself and your situation and onto Him.
a. This relieves you greatly.
II. THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE
A. Thanking God for what he has done (and does) - I Thessalonians 5:18.
1. In all situations and for everything (as in worship) - Romans 8:23.
a. It helps to make a list of things to thank Him for, such as:
i. Family
ii. Friends
iii. Provision
iv. Protection
v. Health
vi. Salvation
vii. Deliverance
viii. Answers to Prayer
ix. His promises
x. And so much more…..
2. By this you acknowledge him as you protector and provider.
B. Praise - expressing of a happy and rejoicing heart.
1. Lightens and exhilarates the soul, expressing delight in Him –Psalm 37: 4 .
2. This is how to approach God — Psalm 100:2 & 4.
3. Praising him gets his undivided and immediate attention - Psalm 22:3.
C. Read from the Psalms (selected praise passages) out loud.
1. Meditate on what is said & why praise is offered.
a. Examples: Psalm Chapters 86, 95-100, 103 - 107, 111 - 113, 117 & 118, and 145 – 150.
III. PRAYERS OF CONFESSION & REPENTANCE
A. Communication with God about your short comings, failures and sins.
1. To establish or renew fellowship with God in - Isaiah 59:1-2.
a. Rigtheousness means being in right standing - James 5; 16.
2. Confession is agreeing with God about your sin.
a. That you are wrong and He is right.
i. The need for confession and forgiveness - Psalm 66:18
B. You need to be forgiven; follow these steps.
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal EVERY sin - Psalm 133:23
a. Hidden ones (deliberate hiding or those you are ignorant of).
2.. Confess each sin individually to the Lord.
a. Sins of word ... thought... and deed.
i. Include secret sins you hide from others, He knows - Proverbs 28:13.
b. Sins of omission, what you neglected to do that you should have done - James 4:17.
C. There is assurance of forgiveness - 1 .John 1:3, Psalm 103:3.
1. Appeal to his mercy and grace, (which is primarily for pardoning sin - Hebrews 4:15-16.
D. You must forgive others — Mark 11:24-25.
1. Many people's problems are the result of not forgiving others – Matthew 18:34-35.
a. Forgiving others is an act of love that God commands.
i. See A1so - Matthew 6:12, 18:21-22, & Ephesians 4:32.
E. Repent - change (covered in lesson 101).
1. Ask the Holy Spirit for help.
2. Confession without repentance changes nothing.
a. Confession only acknowledges, it does not change behavior.
IV. PRAYER OF PETITION
A. Asking God for things, needs, desires or personal requests - John 16:23.
1. Transcends your needs - Matthew 6:8.
2. Your desires after your will aligns with his - John 15:7.
a. Not according to carnal will or lusts - James 413.
B. God delights in blessing his childran, just as you like to bless yours, (when they behave) - Romans 8:32.
1. Make your requests or supplications (not lusts) known - Philippians 4:6.
a. Anxiousness (worry) impIies you have a concerning a need since you are under stress
and not just a desire.
i. Most desires are selfish lusts and not for the glory of God –1 Corinthians 10:31.
aa. This sometimes inc1udes what we pray for.
2. Be specific, not general (all encompassing).
a. You may get a general answer and not be able to recognize it.
C. When your priorities are right you have assurance of his answer to prayer - Matthew 7:7-11.
1. No hindrances, answers are assured - 1 John 5-15.
V. PRAYER OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY - John 14:12-14
A. "Ask" means to make demand on; to require something due, to make claim on a promise that Jesus
made to His followers.
1. Use the name of -Jesus as authority delegated to you.
a. To command demons out - Mark 16:17 and Acts 16:16-18.
b. This is used for claiming healing, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, etc.
i. Dealing with Satan and demons (unclean spirits) - Luke 10:19 and Matthew 16:13.
ii. Also dealing with problems (mountains) - Mark 11:22-24.
c. Anything promised, bought and paid for by Jesus and offered to those who believe what He said.
2. This requires knowledge of God's word; only what is promised applies to this kind of authority in prayer .
a. What is not specifically promised we have to ask the Father for –John 16:23.
VI. PRAYER OF INTERCESSION - Praying for others - 1 Timothy 2:1
A. God wants intercession - "First of all" - 1 Timothy 2:3.
1. To intercede means to stand in the gap; to form a hedge of protection about another – Ezekiel 12:4-5.
2. An intercessor identifies with the one interceded for.
a. So as to bear or carry the burdens of the other.
B. Jesus Christ is our intercessor - Hebrews 7:25.
1. He identified with us and still does.
2. We are to be followers (imitators) of him.
C . When praying/interceding for others, pray as though their situation was yours - Galatians 6:2.
1. Be specific in names and requests.
2. Use authority to come against enemy in their situation.
D. Intercession is an offensive weapon in spiritual warfare - Ephesians 6:18.
(Note: best defense is a strong offense).
1. When enemy tempts you in an area of your weakness, then begin to intercede for someone
who would be a powerful witness when your prayer is answered to turn your attention away
from your weakness. This drives the enemy mad and he will leave tempting you.
a. Pray for a specific unbeliever for salvation.
b. A Specific carnal Christian for renewal & dedication.
c. A Specific leader for boldness and power.
2. Have a specific target to intercede for - for each area of weakness in which you are tempted.
a. Let the temptation be a signal to start interceding
i. By this means you begin pulling down strongholds elsewhere - so the devil stops tempting.
ii. He then stops his further attacks on you because you are now a threat to him each time he tempts.
aa. He loses groung each time he tries.
iii. Don't quit - keep him on the run - be offensive.
E. Use Prayer as protective armor to cover yourself and others – Ephesians 6:18.
1. For the saints (other believers).
a. Pray a hedge of protection – Ezekiel 13:5.
2. For family, children and relatives.
3. For those in ministry – Ephesians 6:19.
a. Like giving covering fire to pin down the enemy as a fellow soldier advances or moves to
a more strategic position.
VII. PRAYER OF COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP - James 4:8
A. Intimate time spent in His presence does not always require you to speak to Him.
1. Getting to know Him better by meditating on His Word.
a. What it means to you.
b. How does reveal His nature and desires for you.
c. What you can learn about Him from His Word.
2. Ask Him about what is in His Word and He will reveal it to you.
a. Discuss His Word, His plans with Him in private.
i. Asking questions and getting answers is spiritual learning.
3. Intimate prayer is for that secret place – Psalm 91:1.
a. Referred to as the “prayer closet” – Matthew 6:6 and Luke 5:16.
b. This more personal that group or public prayer with other believers.
i. Matthew 18:19, Acts 1:14, Acts 4:24 and Acts 12:12.
aa. Group prayers are frequently used for intercession on behalf of others.
B. Growing and developing a relationship of reverential love – closer and more intimate with Him.
1. Casual prayer, at any time, in any place, or in any situation.
a. Become comfortable with God as with a good friend.
ii. Although still reverencing Him as sovereign.
C. You desire to spend time with one you love.
1. Even small talk is maintaining fellowship.
a. Recognizing that He is always with you.
2. Deeper spiritual insight and revelations result as God reveals more of Himself to those who draw close.
3. This prayer is not coming to express a need, but coming for fellowship.
a. Seeking Him for who He is, not for what He can do.
i. Motive is to know Him better and just being with Him.
4. This is a greatly neglected area of prayer of believers.
a. God made man so He could fellowship beings that He made in His image and that He
can relate to personally.
b. He desires that close personal communion.
i. That is why His command to LOVE Him and one another –Matthew 22:36-40 and 1 John 4:7-12.
VIII. DON’T RUN OFF AFTER PRAYER – wait and listen
A. Prayer is communication and communication is two-way.
1. Wait on the Lord (patiently) for an answer or direction.
a. Some situations He allows to encourage you to spend time with Him or draw you closer.
i. Granted there are times you cannot wait but that should be an exception.
ii. Allow time to spend in His presence.
aa. Don’t rush off in haste.
B. Expect an answer and wait for it – Psalm 25:5 and 21.
1. This is how He strengthens you – Psalm 27:14.
a. See also Psalm 37:7-9, 34 and Psalm 62:5-6.
2. You need to develop a spiritual ear to hear – Revelation 3:22.
a. God speaks by His spirit into your spirit, not your physical ear.
b. The spiritual ear is developed by spending time in His presence seeking to hear from Him.
C. Why wait? He has things to tell you if you really want to know more.
1. Waiting is a display of faithfulness – impatience displays selfishness.
IX. PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT – TONGUES
A. Prayer in a language that is unknown and unlearned by the one praying –1 Corinthians 14:14-15.
1. Languages used on earth and in heaven – 1 Corinthians 13:1.
B. Prayer that is motivated from the spirit; the mind and intellect are not involved.
1. Often you don’t know how to pray about a situation.
a. There are times your mind or understanding gets in the way and limits your faith –
1 Corinthians 2:11-14.
i. The natural mind hinders your efforts to pray the will of God.
2. The Spirit knows the will of God and intercedes on your behalf in response to the yieldedness
of your spirit.
a. The Spirit of God within you intercedes for your burden –Romans 8:26-27.
C. Praying, or speaking in tongues is speaking to God, not man –1 Corinthians 14:2.
1. Speaking to God is prayer and tongues is a prayer language.
a. Such prayer in public needs interpretation so all can receive the benefit –
1 Corinthians 14:16-17 and 27-28.
i. Churches need prayer by the Spirit with interpretation –1 Corinthians 14:39.
X. PRAYER AND FASTING – Matthew 6:16-18
A. Seeking communion with God with your whole being: spirit soul and body – Matthew 22:37.
1. A time of earnest prayer in which your seeking and fellowship with God is more important than eating.
a. A time when you deny the body/flesh of its wants in order to feed your spirit and soul.
2. God rewards such earnest devoted prayer – Matthew 6:18.
B. Fasting and prayer allows you to focus your entire being on the object of prayer.
1. Fasting reflects a more sincere, earnest and dedicated self-sacrificing, intense level of seeking God.
C. Fasting with prayer build and strengthens you spiritually and allows you to flow in more of God’s
power than you own ability – Matthew 17:20-21.
1. The demons know how close your (and the disciples) are to God and the level of your faith and
confidence in God/Christ and His promises.
a. Fasting and the self-discipline it requires shows the quality of spirit you have.
b. Fasting also increases you faith.
i. Note Jesus’ response to the disciples as to the reason they had no ability to cast out those
unclean spirits – Matthew 17:20.
D. Fasting shows your consecration to God in seeking answers.
1. You are denying self (flesh) of its lusts (needs) to secure a greater spiritual need.
E. Much is gained in fasting and prayer.
1. That gain is in the spirit realm which has an effect on what happens in the physical realm.
(Numerous books on Fasting are available.)
APPENDIX: A FEW OF GOD’S PROMISES FOR ANSWERS TO PRAYER
From the Book of Psalms:
3:4 – I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.
4:3 – But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I
call unto him.
34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
57:2 – I will cry unto God most high;unto God that performeth all things for me.
66:19-20 – but verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
69-:13 –But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
120:1 – In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
138:3 – In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
145:18-19 – The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will
fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
From the Gospel of Matthew:
6:8 – Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before
ye ask him.
7:7 – Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
7:8 – for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
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?
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.
21:22 – And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
From the Gospel of John:
14:13 – And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14:14 – If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
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.
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.
From Ephesians:
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,
From 1 John:
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.
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:
