A Course on Prayer

Essential Communication with Our Lord JesusA course of

MATTHEW 25:34-40 Ministries1060 Alexandria Drive, San Diego CA 92107 USA

http://www.mt25v34-orgmt25v34@gmail.com

2011 Prayer 1

Certified for use in the Church@Work

Pray!Prayer is communication with God through

Christ Jesus.Prayer is the life-giving sap from the vine to the branches — most of prayer is listening

rather than talking. (Refer to John 14:13-14; John 15:7; John 15:16.)

Everything Jesus did was initiated in prayer.

How much more so should we cover everything we do in PRAYER?

2011 Prayer 2

Course Outline• What is prayer

– Types, attitudes, practices, & principles• Prayer discipleship• Prayer in support of spiritual services

– Worship– Works of service– Prayer supporting personal spiritual growth– Leadership development– Making decisions– Teaching

• Prayer listening• Prayer & spiritual warfare

2011 Prayer 3

Prayer• All things must begin, consist, and end in

prayer (focus on our need for Christ as in John 15:5)

• Prayer is essential for fighting the spiritual warfare in which we are all engaged (whether we like it or not). Congregational prayer is massing firepower against the enemy.

2011 Prayer 4

Personal Prayer

• Personal prayer should be continuous and habitual among the saints and obviously practiced among their families (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

2011 Prayer 5

Congregational Prayer• Congregational prayer should be offered frequently

throughout the week.– Regular prayer services are more important than regular

Bible studies (which are essential)– Congregational prayer should be purposeful & worshipful– Prayer should be focused specifically– It is often useful to have a listener to hear what God is

saying– Prayer should offer all participants equal opportunities– The congregation should offer special times of prayer for

special purposes (e.g. commissioning missionaries, ordaining leaders, governmental elections, crises within the congregation, etc.)

2011 Prayer 6Does your congregation have healthy group prayer?

2011 Prayer 7

Prayer• Offering thanksgiving & praise• Communication with our Beloved Lord Jesus• For Church leadership—boldness, wisdom, health, &

righteousness + specific needs• For the needs of Church members (even self)• For the Church as a Body—unity & boldness• For the nation & governmental leaders—Godly wisdom,

fairness, & righteousness• For Israel & the peace of Jerusalem• For the community• For those to whom we are ministering, especially for the

salvation of the unsaved• For unsaved friends & family• For each service of worship

Prayer Practice Principles• Prayer is communication with God (this is

especially well communicated in John 14 & 15)– Communications are 2-way– Communications should be in proportion to the

information we hold (God is omniscient, implying we should be mostly listening)

– Models and attitudes are provided by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount and His prayer of John 17

• There are many different practices that are acceptable

• Knowledge of God’s Word, especially His character, His promises, & His desires for us help us focus prayer more precisely.

2011 Prayer 8

Prayer Attitudes• The attitude of prayer is more important than

the substance (the Spirit intercedes for us)– (Since we often do not know how we should pray) – In humility– Willing to obey God– With quietness of heart– With readiness to hear what God has to say

(direct/command) – Believing that He hears us (& cares for us)

2011 Prayer 9

Prayer Discipleship• Most people learn to pray by watching others– They learn form rather than substance– They practice religiously rather than communicating

with Christ– They do not know Biblical prayer principles

• Teach prayer, especially to youth and in confirmation classes– The principles from the various prayer models in the

Bible– How to tie Scripture to Prayer– Conforming our prayers to Scriptural principle– How to “be still” and listen to the Spirit

2011 Prayer 10

Prayer Discipleship (2)• Ensure that everybody gets opportunities to

develop their prayer life• It is essential to provide feedback about answered

prayers• It is also important to teach about how to

maintain faith in prayer even when the results are unreported, delayed, or perceived to be adverse– (a person was sick, the congregation prayed for their

healing and they died: for a Christian, death is the ultimate healing.)

– It is important to always maintain ties to the Biblical principles

2011 Prayer 11

Prayer in Support of Other Parts of Spiritual Life (Individual & Congregational)

• Worship• Serving the needs of others• Teaching• For personal spiritual growth• For leadership development

2011 Prayer 12

Prayer & Worship• Prayer is intricately & intimately connected with

Worship (wherein ultimate worship is honoring God as God & obeying His will)

• Worship is often facilitated by acknowledging the awesome attributes & works of God– This may be done in reading appropriate Bible

passages or– In songs of praise, thanksgiving, & testimony

• True worship tunes the heart to the right attitudes

• True prayer is 2-way communication with God in submission to the Spirit of Christ

2011 Prayer 13

Prayer & Worship (2)• There are a variety of processes for effecting effective

corporate prayer & worship– Choose the process or technique prayerfully for the venue– Consider the participants & their spiritual maturity

• Some prior instruction may be necessary• Some strong leadership or guidance may be needed

– God provides the resources for each venue according to His will

• Small groups have different needs from large ones• Seek to use processes that will provide the most

intimate experience with God for each participant• Seek to provide sufficient instruction so that each

person will be able to practice prayer & worship in their own personal prayer life

2011 Prayer 14

Prayer in Support of Service• Works of service almost always encounter

spiritual warfare– Distractions from hearing/doing God’s will– Discouragement from service & obedience– Opposition to services– Circumstances that seem to take away good fruit– Events that try to take your joy away after good

service• Spiritual warfare is won ‘on our knees’ – Christ

has already obtained the victory if we trust Him

2011 Prayer 15

Prayer Points Supporting Service• Prayer to receive specific calling to service (what kind of

service(s) am I/we to perform?)• Prayer in preparation– Who is to be involved?– Prayer for unity in Christ among those serving (John 17:21-23)– Who are we to serve?– What resources do we need (skills, passions, gifts)?

• Prayer over the sites of service• Prayer for the people being served• Prayer covering the acts of service (effectiveness, order,

honoring the Name of the Lord, etc.)• Prayer for follow-up or future opportunities

2011 Prayer 16

Surround all (works of) service in prayer

Suggested Prayer Points for Teaching• Pray – that you can glorify the Lord in your service.• Pray – for the people you are ministering to.• Pray – that you may be used by God to be a blessing to the people you are

called to minister to.• Pray to know the needs of the people in detail.• Pray for God’s wisdom as you outline your service and select Scriptures to

address the needs.• Meditate on God’s Word as you pray for the people – especially to see

how the Gospel is to be revealed in the application of Grace to life circumstances. (Every work of service should declare the Gospel of Christ and demonstrate the application of His grace – in word and/or in work.)

• Pray for the Lord to show you the application of the Scripture to the people’s situations – consider how the love and grace that is in Christ Jesus is depicted in the selected texts.

• Pray that you may be an instrument in the hands of the Lord.

• Pray that the Lord take all control.

2011 Prayer 17

Prayer Supporting Personal GrowthWhat needs to grow?

• Our gifts, talents, skills, abilities, & wisdom…development• Our personal relationships/ability to relate well with others• Our intimacy in marriage & with God• Our joy, peace, & satisfaction in life• Self-control• Our righteousness & knowledge of God’s Word• Our capability to show grace, compassion, & mercy to others• Our obedience to God…doing His will• ?...& much more• We cannot succeed in any of these areas by our own

strength or wisdom! We need the work of the Spirit!

2011 Prayer 18

What Do We Need to Grow?

• The power, strength, & wisdom of God…the Spirit at work in our lives to transform us.

• Knowledge of the truth (& wisdom to apply it well)• People skilled to counsel & instruct us accurately & to

hold us accountable…how do we know who to trust?• People to encourage us in truth• Correct attitudes in the different parts of our life• Ways in which we can make mistakes & be corrected

in & with grace

2011 Prayer 19

The Growth Process

2011 Prayer 20

Nourishment

Training (& instruction/discipline)

Exercise in applying training

Rest

Learning (from successes& failures)

Resolve &encouragement

Strengthening Opportunity

GrowthCycle

Pray Without Ceasing (in the Growth Cycle)1 Thessalonians 5:17

• Resting – pray: – To lay all your burdens upon the Lord that your rest may be

sweet.– Upon awakening, to dedicate your day, your strength, & your

intents to the Lord that you may be guided by His wisdom• Study Bible principles & examples where God has worked

to bring about growth in the past. (Bible study is your nourishment.)

• Pray in meditating on His Word, the Bible, especially in areas where you need to grow. This will build resolve & encourage you to endure what you need to go through

2011 Prayer 21

Pray Without Ceasing (in the Growth Cycle)

• Pray for the goals you have set & apply the Word to strengthen your heart

• Pray for your humble submission to the instruction you need

• Pray in your training success• Pray for your wisdom to receive your opportunity to

use your training in the right way• Pray for grace to use your training properly in its

application to bring about your goal result• Pray for grace & wisdom to learn from both your

successes & failures, especially to know the areas you need to train in next.

2011 Prayer 22

Pray Without Ceasing (in the Growth Cycle)

• In each step, rejoice & pray with thanksgiving to God for His wisdom, guidance, provision, & discipline– 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18

• Appreciate your instructors – 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13

• Pray to develop & build an attitude of being willing to obey the Lord immediately. Do not quench the Spirit!– 1 Thessalonians 5:19

2011 Prayer 23

Prayer Supporting Growth Summary• Pray at every point– For humility– For readiness to do His will– Seeking His guidance about who & what you need– For His providence through the Growth Cycle– That you might grow to give Him greater glory & to be

more effective as a part of the Body of Christ– In thankfulness & joyful expression– For endurance through the inevitable trials– For God to do the work in you to bring about the

growth

2011 Prayer 24

Prayer Supporting Leadership Development

• Prayer is essential in every phase of leadership• Prayer is an integral part of every step of the

leadership processes• Prayer is critical in making all decisions• Prayer must be a central part of the leader’s

life• The leader must lead people under him to

become strong in prayer

2011 Prayer 25

Steps to Being an Effective Leader• PRAY Fervently• Study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15) with prayer• Take a truthful & prayerful inventory of your life in Christ (especially

your following of Christ)• Exercise your leadership in areas you have leadership responsibilities

already with humility, grace, & prayer• Seek to extend your leadership responsibilities (“Try it, you’ll like it”)

under solid supervision, especially teaching others• Accept rebuke, correction, & discipline humbly & gratefully (we are

always far short of the glory of Christ & subject to improvement)• Follow Colossians 3:17 closely • Follow paths of your calling (Galatians 5 principle), i.e., things you find

you like to do.• Be accountable to those over you (be humble) & to those you serve

(Listen) & to the Lord in prayer• Remember John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches;… apart from

the ME you can do nothing”

2011 Prayer 26

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Suggested Prayer Points for Leaders • Pray – to know how you can follow Christ better.• Pray – for love, discernment, wisdom, &

patience in dealing with the people you are called to lead.

• Pray – to know the will of God in how you should lead (by example, by illustration, by teaching).

• Pray – to know God’s will in where to lead.• Pray – to know God’s calling on your group

(what are you to accomplish collectively in serving Him)

2011 Prayer

Prayer Points for Leaders (2)

• Pray – to see how you need to stir up and develop the individual and collective gifts of the people.

• Pray – for the revelation of Scripture for each step.

• Pray – to see how each person needs Christ’s grace in order to receive His love.

• Pray – to see each person’s needs to be discipled.

• Pray – to glorify Christ in all your service.

2011 Prayer 28

Suggested Prayer Points for Decision Making• Pray – that God will confirm (or redirect) the goals

& vision that you are pursuing.• Confess that you do not have the wisdom of God,

nor the knowledge & understanding. (Fasting may be indicated as well.)

• Pray for Godly counsel in helping to find the Mind of God – both to make & to implement the decision.

• Pray – for God will reveal His wisdom for the decision.

• Pray – for God to provide in the implementation of the decision:– The skills & materials needed.– Direction for the right time & place.

2011 Prayer 29

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Suggested Prayer Points for Teaching• Pray – that you can glorify the Lord in your service.• Pray – for the people you are ministering to.• Pray – that you may be used by God to be a blessing

to the people you are called to minister to.• Pray to know the needs of the people in detail.• Pray for God’s wisdom as you outline your service

and select Scriptures to address the needs.

2011 Prayer

Prayer Points for Teaching (2)• Meditate on God’s Word as you pray for the people –

especially to see how the Gospel is to be revealed in the application of Grace to life circumstances. (Every work of service should declare the Gospel of Christ and demonstrate the application of His grace – in word and/or in work.)

• Pray for the Lord to show you the application of the Scripture to the people’s situations – consider how the love and grace that is in Christ Jesus is depicted in the selected texts.

• Pray that you may be an instrument in the hands of the Lord.

• Pray that the Lord take all control.

2011 Prayer 31

Prayer Listening• God is speaking, are you listening?• I don’t hear God speaking…why not?• Prayer is communication. Communications are

best when the one who has the information is speaking & the one who does not is listening.

• God is omniscient (all-understanding; all-knowing); therefore, we should be the ones listening.

2011 Prayer 32

Some Relevant Scriptures• Matthew 13:11-17 “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the

kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.’ But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Also Acts 28:25-31) [From Isaiah 6:9-10]

• Isaiah 59:1-2 “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not (seem to) hear.”

2011 Prayer 33

Why Don’t I Hear?• No (or immature) personal relationship with God? – you need the Spirit of

Christ in charge of your heart in order to have spiritual ears to hear• Pride? – what I think & say is more important than what God has to say…”I’ll

talk, You listen & do” (attitude of entitlement in prayer)• Lack of knowledge of God’s Word, the Bible?

– Unfamiliar with God’s character– Not knowing the plan or will of God as in the Bible– Unfamiliar with the expression of God’s will– Lacking faith in the truth & authority of the Bible

• Dull heart? – carried away by worldly concerns & not caring about the things of God or listening to the world in preference to listening to God

• Hardness of heart – resistance to the things of God• Dull hearing? – unwilling to obey when you do hear God speaking (not

submissive)• Disobedience? – willful disobedience to the will of God in your life (such as

disregard for God’s commandments in the Bible or failing to love your spouse)• Unconfessed sin? – unwillingness to deal with sin in your life/lack of

repentance (including abusiveness & unforgiveness toward others)• Religiousness? – rather than faith…too mechanical in your prayer (i.e., no

Spirit)• Ingratitude? – not being thankful to God for His providence2011 Prayer 34

Key Scriptures on Listening• Deuteronomy 27:9-10 “Be silent and listen (hear & carefully obey), O

Israel! This day you have become a people for the LORD your God. You shall therefore obey the LORD your God, and do His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.”

• 1 Samuel 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

• Psalm 45:10-11 Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house; then the King will desire your beauty. Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him.

• Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways.

• Isaiah 1:14-15 I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

• 1 Peter 3:7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

2011 Prayer 35

Listen = Hear & Obey• Essential attitudes:

– Silence or peace of heart (which only comes from the Spirit of Christ); an attitude of submission to & trusting in Him & His authority

– Trusting that all we receive from Him is GOOD.– Believing God has the answer/solution to our requests– Seeking the face of God/faith that He hears & answers us– Desiring to hear God’s authority & wisdom– Willing to obey whatever you hear from God

• Preparation of our heart:– Repentant of our sin– Humility– Gratitude toward God– Seeking to do His will– Seeking to obey God in our behavior toward others– Seeking to speak & act in truth with love & grace & respect– Seeking to glorify God & build the Body of Christ in our actions

2011 Prayer 36

A Prayer Listening Process(from Psalm 4)

1. Put on an attitude of listening for God2. Acknowledge the goodness & grace of God3. Honor & praise God4. Seek truth & destroy the worldliness of your heart5. Repent of your sinfulness (& those you represent)6. Be filled with gratitude that God hears you7. Be still, quiet your heart, drive out worldly distractions8. Ensure that you have fulfilled what you were called to do9. Trust in the Lord10. Acknowledge that only good & perfect gifts come from God11. Rejoice in the Lord in your heart, thankful for His blessings12. Listen with willingness to obey.

2011 Prayer 37

Each step is important, but often (4) & (7) are the most difficult to accomplish

Getting Rid of Worldliness• Reverence God with your whole being• Seek truth, sanctify the authority of the Bible in your

heart• Seek the Kingdom of God & His righteousness• Cast your cares upon Him; lay your burdens down• Put on an attitude of gratitude in everything• Rejoice that the Lord loves you • Separate yourself from distractions– Your ‘prayer closet’, mountain top, forest, cave, or quiet

waters– Do this daily & regularly; make it habitual

• Worship the Lord continually

2011 Prayer 38

Do not empty your mind; rather, drive out the worldliness with Godly thoughts

Practice Prayer Listening Persistently• First thing in the morning• Last thing at night• Find prayer partners (who are able to do this already)

to help you• Acknowledge God with gratitude & immediate

obedience when you do hear Him• Seek God’s help to purify your heart daily• Repent quickly when you become aware of sin in your

life• Do not be discouraged if you have difficulty; it is not

natural for the sin nature to give ground easily.• Tutor your prayer life with God’s Word, encouraging

verses that proclaim the nature & attributes of God2011 Prayer 39

Prayer Listening (Public & Private)• Practice listening in your own life first.

– Dedicate some regular time each day to be quiet & listen for the Lord

– Keeping a prayer journal is often helpful, especially noting answered prayers & specific Word from God being fulfilled

• Practice privately in public prayer at first– Listen & note what the Lord speaks through others– When you have confidence of the Lord’s word, share it with

those in authority (such as prayer leaders, pastors)• In public prayer, make known to prayer leaders that you

are a listener– When you hear God speaking, let it be known through the

prayer leaders– Do not speak out of turn or without authority– Respect others present (there may be other listeners present)

2011 Prayer 40Humble yourself at all times

41

LORD, I can’t,

but YOU can.

YOU take control.

Thank You, JESUS!

Spiritual Warfare• Ephesians 6:10-13 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His

might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

• There are a variety of forms of spiritual warfare– Deceitfulness (anti-truth)– Wickedness, pride, & hatred (anti-righteousness)– Disquietness & bad news (anti-peace)– Doubt (anti-faith)– Discouragement, despair & dismay (anti-salvation)– Accusations of inability (anti command of the Word)– Distraction, fleshliness, & worldliness (anti-prayer)

2011 Prayer 42

Note the correlation between the types of warfare against us & the provision of eachpiece of armor in Ephesians 6:14-20

The Full Armor of God• Each piece of the armor of God is a different aspect of

our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord• The armor must be put on daily & intentionally– This is best done prayerfully & with meditation on the

Word• Each piece represents an attitude of trust in our

relationship with Christ• The fullness of the armor is sufficient because Christ is

sufficient• See Ephesians 6:14-20• See the “Armor of God” study on the Ministry website

2011 Prayer 43

Personal Spiritual Warfare• Attacks of the enemy against us personally always

seek to dissuade us from:– Believing the truth & accepting the authority of the

Bible– Believing God, having hope, & trusting in His promises– Repenting of our sins, including unforgiveness– Doing the will of God– Loving others– Serving others

–Praying• Often seeks to isolate us from others, especially

the love of God through others.2011 Prayer 44See JOB, especially Chapter 1 & 2

Personal Spiritual Warfare (2)• May include physical, emotional, & spiritual attacks• May involve people & organizations we have trusted• Usually involves people, events, or things we care about

very deeply• Our response should be:–Pray– Seek Christian fellowship (the stimulation of each other to love

& good deeds, the edification of each other, & compassionate companionship [especially partners in prayer])

– Seek Scriptures of comfort (may need help from others)– Stay steadfast in doing what we know to be God’s will– Counting our trials as joyful, knowing that God’s purposes are

always good/for our good in Him– Seek to preserve your attitude of gratitude

2011 Prayer 45

Congregational Spiritual Warfare• Can be massed individual attacks (usually similar

in character, such as everybody has a tooth ache)• May be an attack focused against:– The Faith– The Truth– The Church– The specific congregation– The leadership– The works of the congregation (such as a soup kitchen

or school or other community good work)• Ultimately, its purpose is to destroy either the

work or the harmony of the congregation

2011 Prayer 46

Congregational Spiritual Warfare:Prayer in Support of Service

• Good works of service almost always encounter spiritual warfare– Distractions from hearing/doing God’s will– Discouragement from service & obedience– Opposition to services– Great difficulties in accomplishing the tasks– Circumstances that seem to take away good fruit– Events that try to take your joy away after good service

• Spiritual warfare is won ‘on our knees’ – Christ has already obtained the victory if we trust Him

2011 Prayer 47

Prayer & Spiritual Warfare

• The enemy is opposed to our Lord; we should expect opposition

• The key to standing firm in the face of opposition is keeping our focus on Jesus

• Ephesians 6:18-20 “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

2011 Prayer 48

Spiritual Warfare Prayer Focus• Pray in the Spirit (worshipfully submissive to Christ)• Prayer to stay alert to the needs of the saints• Interceding with perseverance for their needs• Interceding for strength, wisdom, & courage to do the

work of the calling• Praying for grace to endure opposition• Praying for the triumph of the truth in the

circumstances• Praying that all may behave in a manner honoring the

Name of Jesus• Praying for unity with the Mind & Heart of Christ

2011 Prayer 49

Summary

• Prayer: only in the authority (Name) of Jesus• Know Him – know victory• No Him – no victory (you don’t have a prayer)

2011 Prayer 50