Tony E. Denton, 5/07.ASiteForTheLord.com

When combined, the meanings of all the Greek words trans-lated as prayer, prayers, pray, praying, or prayed (especially in regard to our Heavenly Father) provide this basic meaning: to pray means to express to God the fulfillment of a desire.

Let’s discuss the when, where, why, who, & how of prayer.

When combined, the meanings of all the Greek words trans-lated as prayer, prayers, pray, praying, or prayed (especially in regard to our Heavenly Father) provide this basic meaning: to pray means to express to God the fulfillment of a desire.

Let’s discuss the when, where, why, who, & how of prayer.

Continually (Not Continuously)

Continuous describes a waterfall; con- tinual describes a busy signal.

Jesus (in Luke 18:1) & Paul (in 1 The. 5:17) both encouraged Christians to pray continually.

David (Psa. 55:16-17) & Daniel (Dan. 6:10), both of whom prayed 3 times a day, are good examples for us, teach- ing us that there is such a thing as a God-pleasing habit.

Continually (Not Continuously)

Continuous describes a waterfall; con- tinual describes a busy signal.

Jesus (in Luke 18:1) & Paul (in 1 The. 5:17) both encouraged Christians to pray continually.

David (Psa. 55:16-17) & Daniel (Dan. 6:10), both of whom prayed 3 times a day, are good examples for us, teach- ing us that there is such a thing as a God-pleasing habit.

When the Need Is Felt To Praise God (e.g. for Peter & John’s re- lease from the authorities, Acts 4:23-24)

When Others Are in Need (e.g. for Peter when he was in prison, Acts 12:5)

At Crucial Moments; e.g. Jesus…

At His Baptism (Luke 3:21)

B4 Choosing His Apostles (Luke 6:12)

B4 Leaving His Apostles (John 17)

B4 Dying for Man (Mat. 26:36-44)

At His Death for Man (Luke 23:34).

When the Need Is Felt To Praise God (e.g. for Peter & John’s re- lease from the authorities, Acts 4:23-24)

When Others Are in Need (e.g. for Peter when he was in prison, Acts 12:5)

At Crucial Moments; e.g. Jesus…

At His Baptism (Luke 3:21)

B4 Choosing His Apostles (Luke 6:12)

B4 Leaving His Apostles (John 17)

B4 Dying for Man (Mat. 26:36-44)

At His Death for Man (Luke 23:34).

When Should We Not Pray?When Should We Not Pray?

If we don’t love anyone and don’t want anyone to love us … don’t pray.

If we are completely and utterly sinless and can handle the world all by ourselves … don’t pray.

If we need no guidance in the world of darkness or in times of trouble and trial … don’t pray.

If we have all the wisdom we need to meet each of life’s many changes, and if we have the power to direct our own steps … don’t pray.

If we don’t love anyone and don’t want anyone to love us … don’t pray.

If we are completely and utterly sinless and can handle the world all by ourselves … don’t pray.

If we need no guidance in the world of darkness or in times of trouble and trial … don’t pray.

If we have all the wisdom we need to meet each of life’s many changes, and if we have the power to direct our own steps … don’t pray.

If we don’t need any help keeping our families safe, sound, well, fed, clothed, sheltered, and provided for in all the ways God expects folks to provide for their own … don’t pray.

If we can rely on our own strength to control our futures and can make the forces of nature work to our advantage and can manufacture the air we breathe and the keep the earth spinning and the sun shining … don’t pray. Otherwise…

WE OUGHT TO PRAY!

If we don’t need any help keeping our families safe, sound, well, fed, clothed, sheltered, and provided for in all the ways God expects folks to provide for their own … don’t pray.

If we can rely on our own strength to control our futures and can make the forces of nature work to our advantage and can manufacture the air we breathe and the keep the earth spinning and the sun shining … don’t pray. Otherwise…

WE OUGHT TO PRAY!

In Private This was Jesus’ directive: When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Fath- er (Mat. 6:6).

This was Jesus’ example:

Jesus went … to a solitary place and … prayed (Mark 1:35, cf. Luke 5:16).

When Jesus had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray (Mat. 14:23).

This was Peter’s example: Peter went up on the housetop to pray (Acts 10:9).

In Private This was Jesus’ directive: When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Fath- er (Mat. 6:6).

This was Jesus’ example:

Jesus went … to a solitary place and … prayed (Mark 1:35, cf. Luke 5:16).

When Jesus had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray (Mat. 14:23).

This was Peter’s example: Peter went up on the housetop to pray (Acts 10:9).

In Public In Corporate Worship: If you bless with the Spirit [only], how will he who occu- pies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? (1 Cor. 14:16). (We’ll come back to this verse.)

In Restaurants: Every creature of God is good [for food] and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiv- ing; for it is sanctified by … prayer (1 Tim. 4:4-5). (Consult Christ’s feeding of the

thousands as well.)

In Public In Corporate Worship: If you bless with the Spirit [only], how will he who occu- pies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? (1 Cor. 14:16). (We’ll come back to this verse.)

In Restaurants: Every creature of God is good [for food] and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiv- ing; for it is sanctified by … prayer (1 Tim. 4:4-5). (Consult Christ’s feeding of the

thousands as well.)

Speaking of silent (private) prayer, we should all pray everywhere. But…

Speaking of audible (public) prayer, Paul said for men to pray everywhere (1 Tim. 2:8)—in private and public, while of the women he went on to say that they’re not permitted to teach(v. 12)—a word for public discourse; in other words, what’s allowed of the man is not allowed of the woman (cf. 1 Cor. 14:34-35).

Speaking of silent (private) prayer, we should all pray everywhere. But…

Speaking of audible (public) prayer, Paul said for men to pray everywhere (1 Tim. 2:8)—in private and public, while of the women he went on to say that they’re not permitted to teach(v. 12)—a word for public discourse; in other words, what’s allowed of the man is not allowed of the woman (cf. 1 Cor. 14:34-35).

We’re Commanded To: Continue earn-estly in prayer… (Col. 4:2).

It Rewards: Your Father will reward you (Mat. 6:6b).

It Can Change God’s Mind: (Exo. 32:9ff).

It Can Relieve Anxiety: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer … let your requests be made known to God (Php. 4:6, cf. 1 Pet. 5:7).

It Strengthens: We … pray for you … that … you may be strengthened with all might (Col. 1:9a & 11a).

We’re Commanded To: Continue earn-estly in prayer… (Col. 4:2).

It Rewards: Your Father will reward you (Mat. 6:6b).

It Can Change God’s Mind: (Exo. 32:9ff).

It Can Relieve Anxiety: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer … let your requests be made known to God (Php. 4:6, cf. 1 Pet. 5:7).

It Strengthens: We … pray for you … that … you may be strengthened with all might (Col. 1:9a & 11a).

It’s said that a little boy was once trying very hard to lift a heavy stone, and his father, happening by, noticed his son’s failure and asked him, Are you using all your strength?

Yes, I am! he exclaimed impatiently.

No, the father replied, you’re not: you haven’t asked me for help.

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Some once wrote, Prayer is always profit-able: At night it’s our covering, and in the morning it’s our armor. Prayer should be the key of the day & the lock of the night.

It’s said that a little boy was once trying very hard to lift a heavy stone, and his father, happening by, noticed his son’s failure and asked him, Are you using all your strength?

Yes, I am! he exclaimed impatiently.

No, the father replied, you’re not: you haven’t asked me for help.

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Some once wrote, Prayer is always profit-able: At night it’s our covering, and in the morning it’s our armor. Prayer should be the key of the day & the lock of the night.

Everyone of the World

Every Alien Sinner: My … prayer … is that they may be saved (Rom. 10:1).

The Sick of the World: The father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysen- tery. Paul went in to him and prayed (Acts 28:8). After all, the longer the lost live, the more opportunities they’ll

have of being saved.

Rulers: Prayers … [should] be made … for kings and all who are in authority… (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Everyone of the World

Every Alien Sinner: My … prayer … is that they may be saved (Rom. 10:1).

The Sick of the World: The father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysen- tery. Paul went in to him and prayed (Acts 28:8). After all, the longer the lost live, the more opportunities they’ll

have of being saved.

Rulers: Prayers … [should] be made … for kings and all who are in authority… (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Everyone of the Church

The Sick: Is anyone among you sick? Let him call the elders of the church [to] pray over him… (James 5:14).

The Erring: Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another…

(James 5:16).

Wisdom, Knowledge, & Understanding to Increase: We … pray for you … that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9).

Everyone of the Church

The Sick: Is anyone among you sick? Let him call the elders of the church [to] pray over him… (James 5:14).

The Erring: Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another…

(James 5:16).

Wisdom, Knowledge, & Understanding to Increase: We … pray for you … that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9).

Faithfulness in Brethren: I pray to God that you do no evil … that you should do what is honorable (2 Cor. 13:7).

Laborers in the Field: Pray the Lord … to send out laborers… (Mat. 9:38).

Success of Preachers: Pray for us that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified (2 The. 3:1).

Faithfulness in Brethren: I pray to God that you do no evil … that you should do what is honorable (2 Cor. 13:7).

Laborers in the Field: Pray the Lord … to send out laborers… (Mat. 9:38).

Success of Preachers: Pray for us that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified (2 The. 3:1).

Ourselves

Physical Needs: Give us this day our daily bread (Mat. 6:11).

Spiritual Needs; e.g….

Forgiveness: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Wisdom: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it

will be given to him (James 1:5).

Ourselves

Physical Needs: Give us this day our daily bread (Mat. 6:11).

Spiritual Needs; e.g….

Forgiveness: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Wisdom: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it

will be given to him (James 1:5).

Summary of Whom to Pray For

Pray for Everyone: Prayers … [should] be made for all men (1 Tim. 2:1).

One Exception: There is a sin leading to

death. I do not say that you should pray

about that (1 John 5:16b).

Summary of Whom to Pray For

Pray for Everyone: Prayers … [should] be made for all men (1 Tim. 2:1).

One Exception: There is a sin leading to

death. I do not say that you should pray

about that (1 John 5:16b).

Humility

Physical Humility; e.g….

Bowed Heads: The tax collector … would not so much as raise his eyes to Heaven (Luke 18:13).

Bent Knees: Paul knelt down and prayed (Acts 20:36b; cf. 21:5b).

Mental & Spiritual Humility: Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you…, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for

you (1 Pet. 5:6-7).

Humility

Physical Humility; e.g….

Bowed Heads: The tax collector … would not so much as raise his eyes to Heaven (Luke 18:13).

Bent Knees: Paul knelt down and prayed (Acts 20:36b; cf. 21:5b).

Mental & Spiritual Humility: Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you…, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for

you (1 Pet. 5:6-7).

Faith: Let him ask in faith, with no doubting…. Let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7).

Gratitude & Praise: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name (Psa. 100: 4, cf. Dan. 2:19-23 & Rom. 1:21-28).

Faith: Let him ask in faith, with no doubting…. Let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7).

Gratitude & Praise: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name (Psa. 100: 4, cf. Dan. 2:19-23 & Rom. 1:21-28).

It’s said that in a sea-coast town where great ships sail the mighty ocean stood a small church building. The preacher was accustomed to printing an annual statis-tical report for the congregation. One year the members noticed an unusual entry: among the records indicating facts & fig-ures about the attendees and their family members was the notation, Missing at Sea: 9. Since they didn’t know of anyone who had been lost at sea that year, they asked the preacher what he meant.

It’s said that in a sea-coast town where great ships sail the mighty ocean stood a small church building. The preacher was accustomed to printing an annual statis-tical report for the congregation. One year the members noticed an unusual entry: among the records indicating facts & fig-ures about the attendees and their family members was the notation, Missing at Sea: 9. Since they didn’t know of anyone who had been lost at sea that year, they asked the preacher what he meant.

Well, he said, during the year eleven of you either prayed in church or had the church pray for family members who were going out to sea, and since I only heard two of you thank God for their safe return, I assumed the others drowned at sea.

Well, he said, during the year eleven of you either prayed in church or had the church pray for family members who were going out to sea, and since I only heard two of you thank God for their safe return, I assumed the others drowned at sea.

Acceptance of God’s Will: Your will be done (Mat. 6:10, cf. 26:39).Acceptance of God’s Will: Your will be done (Mat. 6:10, cf. 26:39).

The story is told of a man whose son had a deadly disease. He continually prayed that his son be healed, adding that God’s will be done as he learned. But, alas, his son died, and the father quit the church. When a brother asked him why he quit, he said that it was because God let his son die. When he was then asked if he prayed that God’s will be done, he replied, Yes, I did.

Well, he was wisely asked, didn’t you mean what you said?

The story is told of a man whose son had a deadly disease. He continually prayed that his son be healed, adding that God’s will be done as he learned. But, alas, his son died, and the father quit the church. When a brother asked him why he quit, he said that it was because God let his son die. When he was then asked if he prayed that God’s will be done, he replied, Yes, I did.

Well, he was wisely asked, didn’t you mean what you said?

Unity among Brethren

Jesus said, If two of you agree on

Earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them (Mat. 18:19).

Luke wrote, These all continued in one accord in prayer… (Acts 1:14).

Honor for Spouses: that your pray-ers may not be hindered (1

Pet. 3:7).

Unity among Brethren

Jesus said, If two of you agree on

Earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them (Mat. 18:19).

Luke wrote, These all continued in one accord in prayer… (Acts 1:14).

Honor for Spouses: that your pray-ers may not be hindered (1

Pet. 3:7).

Specified Sign of Station: Every

man praying … [with] his head

covered, dis-honors his head. But

every woman who prays … with her head uncovered dis-honors her head, for that’s … the same as if her head were shaved…. Judge among yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? Doesn’t even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it’s a dis-honor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it’s a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering (1 Cor. 11: 4-5 & 13-15).

Specified Sign of Station: Every

man praying … [with] his head

covered, dis-honors his head. But

every woman who prays … with her head uncovered dis-honors her head, for that’s … the same as if her head were shaved…. Judge among yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? Doesn’t even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it’s a dis-honor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it’s a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering (1 Cor. 11: 4-5 & 13-15).

Cautions Prayer isn’t a time for teaching and re- buking others; it’s an address to God, not people.

Words from the heart are far more im- portant to God than eloquence.

Pray so as to be clear & understandable (1 Cor. 14:16-17).

Jesus said, Do not use vain repetitions (Mat. 6:7), implying that a few seconds of silence between sentences to think is far better than slipping in a vain re- petition as a filler.

Cautions Prayer isn’t a time for teaching and re- buking others; it’s an address to God, not people.

Words from the heart are far more im- portant to God than eloquence.

Pray so as to be clear & understandable (1 Cor. 14:16-17).

Jesus said, Do not use vain repetitions (Mat. 6:7), implying that a few seconds of silence between sentences to think is far better than slipping in a vain re- petition as a filler.

Every Christian should speak to God everyday, any and every-where (if silent in nature), for everyone (except the incorrigible) and at any time, for such is com-manded by God.

This will humble us, change the mind of God, relieve us of worry, give us strength, and reward us.

Every Christian should speak to God everyday, any and every-where (if silent in nature), for everyone (except the incorrigible) and at any time, for such is com-manded by God.

This will humble us, change the mind of God, relieve us of worry, give us strength, and reward us.

We should pray with humility, in

belief, in gratitude, in an attitude of acceptance of God’s will, in unity, with loudness and clarity, with the specified sign of our stations, and (if we’re married) by giving honor to our spouses that our prayers may

not be hindered.

We should pray with humility, in

belief, in gratitude, in an attitude of acceptance of God’s will, in unity, with loudness and clarity, with the specified sign of our stations, and (if we’re married) by giving honor to our spouses that our prayers may

not be hindered.

We shouldn’t teach and/or re-buke in prayer, and we

shouldn’t pray with vain repetitions or try to be eloquent to receive praise.

Keeping all this in mind when we pray helps our prayers to be in harmony with God’s will; after all, This is the confidence that we have in Him: if we ask any- thing according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).

We shouldn’t teach and/or re-buke in prayer, and we

shouldn’t pray with vain repetitions or try to be eloquent to receive praise.

Keeping all this in mind when we pray helps our prayers to be in harmony with God’s will; after all, This is the confidence that we have in Him: if we ask any- thing according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).

The Difference by Grace L. NaessensI got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t take time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task.“Why doesn’t He help me?” I wondered; He said, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy & beauty, but the day toiled on gray & bleak.I wondered why God didn’t show me; He said, “You didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock.God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;I had so much to accomplish that I HAD to take time to pray!

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A Bumper Sticker Rightly Reads:Life Is Fragile; Handle With Prayer.

The Difference by Grace L. NaessensI got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t take time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task.“Why doesn’t He help me?” I wondered; He said, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy & beauty, but the day toiled on gray & bleak.I wondered why God didn’t show me; He said, “You didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock.God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;I had so much to accomplish that I HAD to take time to pray!

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A Bumper Sticker Rightly Reads:Life Is Fragile; Handle With Prayer.