Prayer

Prayer is our connection to God. Every great prophet, apostle, minister, and person of faith in the Bible was also a person of prayer. Jesus, our perfect example, made a regular practice of prayer. The gospels repeatedly record him praying before notable moments of ministry. His prayer life was so dynamic that His disciples asked him to teach them to pray. (Luke 11:1)

1. How to Pray

A. Jesus’ teachings about prayer – Matthew 6:5-13, Luke 11:5-13, Luke 18:1-14

B. Keys to effective prayer

a. Belief – Matthew 21:22

b. Obedience – 1 John 3:21-22

c. Asking according to His will- 1 John 5:14-15

d. Praying in the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2:11, Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Jude 20

C. Hindrances to prayer

a. Failure to ask – James 4:2

b. Asking selfishly – James 4:3

c. Interpersonal relationships – 1 Peter 3:7

d. Sin – Psalm 66:18-19, Isaiah 1:15-20

2. When to Pray

A. Continually – Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2

3. Who to Pray For

A. Yourself

a. For salvation – Romans 10:10-13

b. For forgiveness – 1 John 1:9

c. For strength – Matthew 26:41

d. For boldness – Acts 4:29-31

e. For peace – Philippians 4:6-7

B. One another - Ephesians 1:15-19, 3:14-19, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-12

C. Ministry – Luke 10:2, Romans 15:30

D. Leaders – 1 Timothy 2:1-3

4. Why Pray

A. It is powerful and effective. - 2 Chronicles 7:14, Mark 9:29, James 5:13-16

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.