Prayer
Introduction: One of the things that we need to do from time to
time is to check to see if the things that we practice in religion
is authorized. And, if we are practicing it in the proper way.
Today, I would like to do this with the subject of prayer.
Body:
I. Are we to pray?
A. We are to pray.
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
2. Luke 18:1
B. This includes our public assemblies. 1 Corinthians
14:15
II. What are some of the conditions for prayer to be
acceptable?
A. Be righteous. 1 Peter 3:12
B. Keep God’s commandments. 1 John 3:22
C. Pray in faith. James 1:6-7
D. Pray in the name of Jesus. John 14:13-14
E. Have a forgiving spirit. Matthew 6:14-15
F. Have the right motive in mind. James 4:3
H. Humility. Luke 18:10-14
III. What are some of the things that we should pray for.
A. Preachers.
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:25
2. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
3. Ephesians 6:19-20
B. Forgiveness of sins.
1. Ours. Matthew 6:12
2. Others. Acts 8:24
C. For our daily needs. Matthew 6:11
D. For help when faced with temptation. Matthew 6:13
E. For our enemies. Matthew 5:44
F. For laborers to enter the Lord’s harvest. Matthew
9:38
G. For the rulers of the land. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
H. The sick. James 5:14
I. We, also, ought to express our thanks to God.
Colossians 1:3
IV. What are some of the things that prayer is not?
A. It is not an emergency device.
B. It is not to inform God, nor scorn men.
1. example of the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14.
C. It is not an eloquent speech to impress an
audience. Matthew 6:5-6
D. It does not nullify the law of God.
1. Mourner’s bench.
2. Sinner’s prayer
E. It must not be an ultimatum to God.
1. Moses. Exodus 32:32-33
Conclusion: Prayer is not only the expression of gratitude
and need but is a high and beautiful expression of trust,
submission, and union with God. Let us all strive to be more
prayerful people in the future.
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