Between the Lines

THE BLESSING OF PRAYER (We talk to God)

Romans 12:12 – praying continually.

• Hi-lite “rejoicing”, “patient” and “steadfastly.”
• Circle “hope”, “tribulation” and “prayer.”

Romans 8:26 – We have help with our prayers!

• Circle “Spirit” twice.
• Hi-lite “helps in our weaknesses” and “makes intercession for us.”
• Underline “for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought.”

The Greek word for “groanings” is a deep sigh.

To help in understanding of the phrase “with groanings which cannot be uttered” consider these two other versions:

• Easy to Read Version: “He begs God for us, speaking to Him with feelings too deep for words.”
• Contemporary English Version: “the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words.”

Prayer is a command!

Matthew 7:7 Ask, Seek, Knock!

• Hi-lite “ask”, “seek” and “knock.”
• Underline “it will be given to you;”, “you will find” and “it will be opened to you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – These are commands, not suggestions!

• Hi-lite “rejoice”, “pray” and “give thanks.”
• Hi-lite in another color “always”, “without ceasing”, “everything”
• Circle “for” (this is a reason word, answers the question why?)
• Underline “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

What do we find (get) with prayer?

Psalm 145:18-19 – Fulfill our desires.

• Circle “The Lord is”, “He will” and “He also will.”
• What does the Lord do? Hi-lite “is near”, “fulfill the desire”, “hear their cry” and “save them.”
• Who does the Lord do these things for? Underline “all who call upon Him”, “all you call upon Him in truth” and “who fear Him.”

Hebrews 4:16 – find mercy and grace.

• Circle “therefore” and draw an arrow to verse 15.
• Circle “Let us” – command words.
• Hi-lite “obtain mercy”, “find grace” and “in time of need.”
• Double underline “come boldly to the throne of grace.”

The Power of prayer

James talks about the power of Elijah’s prayer.

James 5:16-18

• Hi-lite “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.”
• Underline “he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain” and “he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain.”
• Circle “earnestly.”

Telling your friend about a problem usually makes it seem less troublesome, it somehow doesn’t seem as bad as you first thought – prayer is like that!