I. WHAT TO PRAY:
A. Give thanks
Teaching:
*2 Cor. 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
*Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
*Col. 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
*Col. 4:2–4 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert to it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us [Paul & Timothy] as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
*1 Thess. 5:16–18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
*1 Tim. 2:1–2 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made of behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
1 Tim. 4:4–5 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected; if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
*Heb. 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
Examples:
*Luke 2:37–38 And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God.
*John 6:11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.
John 11:41b–42 And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank Thee that Thou heardest Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me always; but because of the people standing around I said it, that they may believe that Thou didst send Me.”
Romans 14:6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord does not eat, and gives thanks to God.
1 Cor. 1:4–8 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Cor. 1:10b–11 And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.
2 Cor. 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.
2 Cor. 8:16 But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus.
*2 Cor. 9:10–15 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
*Phil. 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.
*Eph. 1:15–17 For this reason I too...do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
*Col. 1:3 We give thanks to God...praying always for you since we heard of your faith.
*Col. 1:9–12 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with all the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
*1 Thess. 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
*1 Thess. 3:9–10 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and not complete what is lacking in your faith?
2 Thess. 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.
*2 Thess. 1:11 To this end we also pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.
*Philemon 4–6 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.
*2 Tim. 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.
*Rev. 7:12 “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever, Amen.”
B. Praise and glorify God
Teaching:
*2 Cor. 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
*Heb. 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
*Mat. 6:9–13 “Pray then in this way: ’Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen]’”
*Luke 11:1–4 And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ’Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Examples:
Mark 2:12 And he rose and immediately took up the pallet and went out in the sight of all, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Luke 18:35–43 And it came about that as He was approaching Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting by the road, begging. Now hearing a multitude going by, he began to inquire what this might be. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he called out saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to him; and when he had come near, he questioned him. “What do you want me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to receive my sight!” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.
*Acts 10:44–46a While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God.
*Acts 16:25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Romans 16:25–27 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but is now manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.
Eph. 3:20–21 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Jude 24–25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now forever. Amen.
*Rev. 1:4–6 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne; and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood, and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Rev. 5:12–14 “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
*Rev. 7:12 “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever, Amen.”
Rev. 19:1–4 After these things I heard, as it were, a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; because His judgements are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her.” And a second time they said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!”
C. Pray for people
• Pray for leaders
Teaching:
*Romans 15:30–32 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me [Paul] in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.
*Eph. 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 [Paul’s] 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.
*1 Tim. 2:1–2 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made of behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
*Col. 4:2–4 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert to it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us [Paul & Timothy] as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
Examples:
*Acts 13:3 Then, when they [those gathered at the church in Antioch] had fasted and prayed and laid hands on them [Saul and Barnabas], they sent them away.
*Acts 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord.
*Acts 20:36 And when he [Paul] had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all [the elders of the church at Ephesus].
Philemon 22 And at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayer I [Paul] shall be given to you.
*Heb. 13:18–19 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. And I urge you all the more to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner.
• Pray for one another
Teaching:
*Eph. 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 [Paul’s] 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.
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
*1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.
Examples:
Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
*Rev. 1:4–6 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne; and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood, and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
*Rev. 22:20–21 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen, Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
• Pray for workers
Teaching:
Mat. 9:37–39 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:2 And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
• Pray for enemies
Teaching:
Mat. 5:43–45 “You have heard that it was said, ’You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
• Pray for the salvation of non-believers
Examples:
Acts 27:29 And Paul said, “I would pray to God; that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am except for these chains.”
Romans 9:3–5 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, who are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them [Israel] is for their salvation.
• Intercede for non-believers
Examples:
*Acts 7:59–60 And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.
*Acts 8:22–24 [Peter rebuking Simon the sorcerer] “Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
D. Pray for personal needs
• Needs in general
Teaching:
*1 Tim. 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.
*Heb. 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
• Daily physical needs
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:9–13 “Pray then in this way: ’Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen]’”
*Luke 11:1–4 And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ’Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
• Anxieties
Teaching:
*Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
*1 Peter 5:6–7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you.
E. Pray for boldness and clarity in communicating the gospel
Teaching:
*Eph. 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 [Paul’s] 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.
*Col. 4:2–4 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert to it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us [Paul & Timothy] as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
Example:
Acts 4:29–30 “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all confidence, while Thou dost extend Thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Thy holy servant Jesus.”
F. Pray for gifts
Teaching:
*1 Cor. 14:13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
*James 1:5–8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all ways.
Example:
*Eph. 1:15–19 For this reason I too...do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
G. Pray for protection from temptation & evil
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:9–13 “Pray then in this way: ’Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen]’”
*Luke 11:1–4 And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ’Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Examples:
Mat. 26:41 “Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:38 “Keep watching and praying, that you may not come into temptation, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
*Luke 22:40–46 And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.” Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
H. Pray for spiritual growth
Teaching:
*James 1:5–8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all ways.
Examples:
2 Cor. 13:9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you may be made complete.
Phil. 1:9 ...and this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge of all discernment.
*Eph. 1:15–19 For this reason I too...do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
*Eph. 3:14–19 For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
*Col. 1:9–12 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with all the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
*Col. 4:12 Epaphras...always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
*1 Thess. 3:9–10 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and not complete what is lacking in your faith?
*2 Thess. 1:11 To this end we also pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.
*Philemon 4–6 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.
*Heb. 13:18–19 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. And I urge you all the more to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner.
*3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health just as your soul prospers.
I. Pray for healing
Teaching:
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Examples:
Acts 9:40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
*Acts 28:8 And it came about that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.
J. Pray for God’s will
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:9–13 “Pray then in this way: ’Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen]’”
Examples:
*Mat. 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, yet not as I will but as Thou wilt.”
Mat. 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Thy will be done.”
Mat. 26:44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
*Luke 22:40–46 And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.” Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
K. Pray for forgiveness (Non-believers)
Examples:
*Acts 8:22–24 [Peter rebuking Simon the sorcerer] “Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
1 Peter 3:21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
L. Pray about the second coming of Christ
Examples:
Rev. 1:7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen.
*Rev. 22:20–21 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen, Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
M. Pray about the end times
Teaching:
Mat. 24:20 “But pray that your flight may not be in winter, or on a Sabbath.” (Re: the abomination of desolation...)
Mark 13:18 “But pray that it may not happen in the winter.” (Re: the abomination of desolation...)
N. Pray to receive the Holy Spirit
Example:
*Acts 8:14–17 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.
O. Pray for good health
Example:
*3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health just as your soul prospers.
II. HOW TO PRAY (YOUR WORDS AND PHYSICAL MANNER):
A. Pray in Jesus’ name
Teaching:
*John 14:13–14 “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
*John 15:16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, and whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.”
*John 16:23–24 “And in that day you will ask Me no question. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”
*John 16:26–27 “And in that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”
*Col. 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
B. Pray to the Father
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:6, 9–13 “But you, when you pray, go in you inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret will repay you.... Pray then in this way: ’Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen]’”
*Luke 11:1–4 And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ’Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
*John 16:23–24 “And in that day you will ask Me no question. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”
Examples:
*Mat. 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, yet not as I will but as Thou wilt.”
*Luke 22:41–42 And he withdrew from them about a stone‘s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.”
John 11:41b–42 And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank Thee that Thou heardest Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me always; but because of the people standing around I said it, that they may believe that Thou didst send Me.”
Romans 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
C. Pray in the spirit
Teaching:
*Eph. 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 [Paul’s] 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.
Examples:
*Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
*1 Cor. 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.
*1 Cor. 14:14–19 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall sing with the spirit and I shall sing with the mind also. Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
D. Pray with raised hands
Teaching:
*1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath or dissension.
E. Pray simply and clearly
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:5–13 “And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go in you inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret will repay you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Pray then in this way: ’Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen]’”
F. Pray by laying on hands
Examples:
Mat. 19:13–14 Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the children alone and do not hinder then from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:16 And He took them [children] in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them.
Acts 6:6 And these [those who would be responsible for feeding the widows] they brought before the apostles, and after praying, they laid hands on them.
*Acts 8:14–17 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and john, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.
*Acts 13:3 Then, when they [those gathered at the church in Antioch] had fasted and prayed and laid hands on them [Saul and Barnabas], they sent them away.
*Acts 28:8 And it came about that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.
G. Pray with fasting
Examples:
*Mat. 17:21 [“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”] (Casting out demons.)
*Luke 2:37–38 And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God.
Luke 5:33 And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers; the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same; but yours eat and drink.”
*Acts 13:3 Then, when they [those gathered at the church in Antioch] had fasted and prayed and laid hands on them [Saul and Barnabas], they sent them away.
*Acts 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord.
III. HOW TO PRAY (YOUR ATTITUDE):
A. Pray in faith
• Confidence that we can talk to God
Teaching:
*Heb. 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
*Heb. 10:19–22 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart and in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
• Faith that God will answer
Teaching:
*Mat. 21:22 “And all things ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
*Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.”
Heb. 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
*James 1:5–8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all ways.
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
B. Pray with forgiveness
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:9–13 “Pray then in this way: ’Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen]’”
Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions.”
*Luke 11:1–4 And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ’Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Example:
*Acts 7:59–60 And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.
C. Pray sincerely
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:5–7 “And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go in you inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret will repay you.”
*Heb. 10:19–22 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart and in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Examples:
Mat. 23:14 [“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, even while for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you shall receive greater condemnation.”]
Mark 12:38–40 And in His teaching He was saying, “Beware of the scribes...who devour widow’s houses, and for appearance.s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.”
D. Persevere in prayer
Teaching:
Luke 18:1 Now he was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart....
*Eph. 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 [Paul’s] 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.
E. Pray humbly
Teaching:
*1 Peter 5:6–7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you.
Example:
*Luke 18:10–14 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, ’God I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ’God be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”
F. Pray with a proper attitude toward others
Teaching:
*1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath or dissension.
G. Pray wisely and seriously
Teaching:
*1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
H. Pray in propriety to glorify God
Teaching:
1 Cor. 11:3–16 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying, disgraces his head. But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying, disgraces her head; for she is one and the same with her whose head is shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; for indeed man was not created for woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake. Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.
I. Pray with proper motives
Teaching:
James 4:2–3 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
IV. WHEN TO PRAY:
A. Pray continually
Teaching:
Luke 18:1 Now he was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart....
*1 Thess. 5:16–18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
*1 Tim. 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.
Examples:
*Acts 1:14 These [the disciples] all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
*Acts 2:42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 10:1–2 Now there was a certain man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually.
*Romans 1:9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.
*Phil. 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.
*Eph. 1:15–19 For this reason I too...do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
*Col. 1:3 We give thanks to God...praying always for you since we heard of your faith.
*Col. 1:9–12 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with all the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
*Col. 4:12 Epaphras...always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
*1 Thess. 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
*1 Thess. 3:9–10 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and not complete what is lacking in your faith?
2 Thess. 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.
*2 Thess. 1:11 To this end we also pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.
*Philemon 4–6 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.
*2 Tim. 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.
B. Pray in times of affliction
Teaching:
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Examples:
*Mat. 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, yet not as I will but as Thou wilt.”
Mark 14:35, 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.... And again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.
*Luke 22:40–46 And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.” Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church.
*Acts 12:12 And when he [Peter] realized this [that he was free], he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
*Acts 16:25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
*Heb. 5:7 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety.
C. Pray before eating
Examples:
Mat. 14:19 And ordering the multitudes to recline on the grass, He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
Mat. 15:35–36 And He directed the multitude to sit down on the ground; and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples in turn, to the multitudes.
Mat. 26:26 And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after blessing, He broke it....
Mark 6:41 And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them, and He divided up the two fish among them all.
Mark 8:6 And He directed the multitude to sit down on the ground, and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve them, and they served them to the multitude.
Mark 8:7 They also had a few small fish, and after He had blessed them, he ordered these to be served as well.
Mark 14:22 And while they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it, this is My body.”
Mark 14:23 And when He had taken a cup, and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
*John 6:11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.
D. Pray day and night
Examples:
*1 Thess. 3:9–10 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and not complete what is lacking in your faith?
*2 Tim. 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.
E. Pray in the morning
Example:
*Mark 1:35 And in the early morning while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed into a lonely place, and was praying there.
F. Pray when making decisions [1]
Example:
Acts 1:24–26 And they prayed, and said, “Thou, Lord who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two Thou hast chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas has turned aside to go to his own place.”
V. WHERE TO PRAY:
A. Pray in groups
Teaching:
*Mat. 18:19–20 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (In the context of church discipline.)
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Examples:
*Acts 12:12 And when he [Peter] realized this [that he was free], he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
*Acts 20:36 And when he [Paul] had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all [the elders of the church at Ephesus].
B. Pray by yourself
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:5–6 “And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go in you inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret will repay you.”
Examples:
Mat. 14:23 And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
*Mark 1:35 And in the early morning while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed into a lonely place, and was praying there.
Mark 6:46 And after bidding them farewell, He departed to the mountains to pray.
Luke 5:16 But He Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
Acts 10:9 And on the next day, as they were on their way, and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.
C. Pray in church
Teaching:
Mat. 21:13 And He said to them, “It is written, ’My house shall be called a house of prayer;’ but you are making it a robbers den.”
Examples:
*Luke 2:37–38 And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God.
*Luke 18:10–14 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, ’God I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ’God be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”
Acts 3:1 Now, Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.
Acts 22:17 “And it came about when I [Paul] returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple that I fell into a trance.”
VI. COMMANDS REGARDING PRAYER:
A. Ask in prayer
Teaching:
*Mat. 7:7–11 “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him.”
*Luke 11:9–13 “And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
*John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.”
*Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
*James 4:2–3 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
*James 1:5–8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all ways.
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
*1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.
B. Be devoted to prayer
Teaching:
Romans 12:10–13 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
*Col. 4:2–4 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert to it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us [Paul & Timothy] as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
Examples:
*Acts 1:14 These [the disciples] all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
*Acts 2:42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 6:4 “But we [the disciples] will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
C. Request prayer
Teaching:
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Examples:
*Acts 8:22–24 [Peter rebuking Simon the sorcerer] “Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
D. Work at prayer
Teaching:
*Romans 15:30–32 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me [Paul] in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.
VII. GOD’S ROLE AND ATTITUDE IN PRAYER:
A. God hears and answers prayer
Teaching:
*Mat. 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go in you inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret will repay you.”
*Mat. 7:7–11 “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him.”
*Mat. 18:19–20 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (In the context of church discipline.)
*Mat. 21:22 “And all things ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
*Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.”
*Luke 11:9–13 “And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
*John 14:13–14 “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
*John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.”
*John 15:16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, and whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.”
*John 16:23–24 “And in that day you will ask Me no question. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”
*James 1:5–8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all ways.
*James 5:13–16 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
*1 John 3:21–22 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments, and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
*1 John 5:14–15 And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
*1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.
Examples:
Acts 10:30–31 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago to this hour, I was praying in my house during the ninth hour; and behold, a man stood before me in shining garments, and he said, ’Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.’”
*Heb. 5:7 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety.
B. God helps us pray
Teaching:
Romans 8:26–27 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
C. Prayers are pleasing to God
Examples:
Acts 10:4 And fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he [Cornelius] said, “What is it Lord?” And he [the angel] said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.”
Rev. 5:8 And when He had taken the Book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Rev. 8:3–4 And another angel came and stood at the alter, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden alter which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.
VIII. REGARDING SPEAKING IN TONGUES:
A. In church, tongues should edify the body
Teaching:
*1 Cor. 14:2–5 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. But on who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.
*1 Cor. 14:13–19 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall sing with the spirit and I shall sing with the mind also. Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
*1 Cor. 14:26–28 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret; but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
B. Praying in tongues edifies one’s self
Teaching:
*1 Cor. 14:4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.
C. Tongues speak to God
Teaching:
*1 Cor. 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.
D. Speak in tongues in church in an orderly manner
Teaching:
*1 Cor. 14:26–28 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret; but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
E. The Holy Spirit enables people to speak in tongues
Examples:
*Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
*Acts 10:44–46a While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God.
IX. ADDITIONAL TEACHING:
A. Prayer is a weapon in spiritual warfare
Teaching:
*Mat. 17:21 [“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”] (Casting out demons.)
Mark 9:29 And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” (Casting out demons.)
B. Married couples should have seasons of abstinence for prayer
Teaching:
1 Cor. 7:4–5 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again lest Satan tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
X. MISCELLANEOUS VERSES:
Mat. 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Mark 14:32 And they came to a place named Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.”
Luke 3:21 Now it came about when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened.
Luke 9:29–30 And some eight days after these these sayings, it came about that He took along Peter and John and James, and went up to the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah.
Acts 11:5 “I [Peter] was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners from the sky; and it came right down to me....”
Romans 11:2–4 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, they have torn down Thine alters, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
James 5:17–18 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the sky poured rain, and the earth produced fruit.
[1] There is only one example of praying before making decisions and it occurs before the Holy Spirit was given.