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!
Prayer will be awkward if you don’t
know the person to whom you are praying!