Prayer

Lesson Five

Prayer

Prayer and Meditation (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:1-2)

The biblical practice of meditation goes back to the book of Genesis where the word is first used. Isaac, at eventide, went out into the field to meditate. It was on this occasion that he met his wife Rebekah

(Genesis 24:63-64).

Webster defines the verb "to meditate" accordingly:

		1.	To contemplate; to keep the mind fixed upon; to study
		2.	To purpose; to intend; to design; to plan by revolving the mind.
		3.	Synonyms are: consider, ponder, weigh or study

Biblically, meditation is associated with prayer (Psalms 5:1); singing praises to the Lord (Psalms 104:33-34); witnessing and testifying for the Lord (Psalms 77:12); the Word of God (Psalms 119:15, 23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148), Meditation is to be done with understanding (Psalms 49:3), and is to be acceptable unto the Lord (Psalms 19:14).

What are some of the hindrances we face in prayer and meditation?

		1.	Spiritual opposition
		2.	Over scheduling
		3.	Failure to designate a quiet time and place
		4.	Imagination burn out
		5.	Failure to recognize its importance to our peace of mind and spiritual well being
		6.	Laziness

One of the synonyms for "to meditate" under Webster's definition was "to consider."

Our King James Bible list numerous things we are to meditate upon or consider:

		1.	Consider the wondrous works of God (Isaiah 5:12, Job 37:14; Psalms 8;3; 143:5; Ecclesiastes 7:13).
		2.	Consider how great things God hath done for you (1 Samuel 12:24; Psalms 64:9; Matthew 6:28; Luke 12:24, 27; Deuteronomy 4:39).
		3.	Consider your ways (Haggai 1:5,7; Deuteronomy 8:5).
		4.	Consider the fruit of slothfulness and laziness (Proverbs 6:6; 24:30-32).
		5.	Consider the end of the wicked (Proverbs 21:12).
		6.	Consider Him (Hebrews 3:1; 12:3).

Prayer and Fasting (Mark 9:29)

A.			The biblical practice of fasting is seen throughout the Scriptures. Unfortunately, it is something often overlooked in Christianity today.
B.			To fast is to abstain from food voluntarily for a particular time. the idea is to deny your flesh and show God how serious your are about your prayer.

In the Bible, we see different reasons people fasted with their prayers.

	1.	David for his child's healing (2 Samuel 12:15-23)
	2.	Jehoshaphat for victory over his enemies (2 Chronicles 20:1-12)
	3.	Ezra for God's direction and protection (Ezra 8:21-23)
	4.	Nehemiah for the remnant of Israel (Nehemiah 1:1-11)
	5.	Israel for their sin (Isaiah 58:6)
	6.	Jesus for spiritual strength and preparation (Matthew 4:1-2)
	7.	Church prophets and teachers for missionaries (Acts 13:1-3)
	8.	Paul and Barnabas for ordaining church elders (Acts 14:23)
	9.	Paul and his shipmates for safety (Acts 27:33)
	10.	Jesus for serious spiritual problems of others (Mark 9:25-29)
C.		Prayer with fasting is still beneficial for us today and will move the hand of god on our behalf.

Why Is Prayer the True Mark of Spirituality? (Acts 4:31)

There are many spiritual exercises in which every true born again, blood bought, child of God ought to be involved. Bible reading, soul winning, Christian service and ministry all designate or mark the zealous, responsible Christian individual. Yet, important as each of these are, none can be properly motivated or empowered without prayer. D. L. Moody declared, "Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure." One writer stated, "The only footprints in the sand of time that will be kept are the ones made after the knee prints."

With Acts 4:31 as our example, "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness," we see that prayer is the true mark of spirituality as follows:

A.		Through prayer we lay hold of spiritual power-"...place was shaken..."
	1.	Prayer gives us power against sin and brings forth acknowledgement, humiliation, confession, repentance, cleansing and spiritual sensitivity.
	2.	Prayer gives us power against "backsliding" with reaffirmation of commitment and purpose, godly communication and laying hold of God's resources.
	3.	"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of God's willingness."
	4.	Prayer gives us power against slackening of service, it lightens the duties and responsibilities of Christian service. "Prayer is the spiritual lubricant that makes the machinery run smoothly and efficiently."
B.		Through prayer spiritual life is increased and enhanced-"...they were all filled..."
	1.	Prayer is the means by which one maintains and expresses a right attitude toward God-gratitude, thanksgiving, submission, trust, dependence, worship.
	2.	Prayer leads to constant God-consciousness-Christ in you, the temple of the Holy Ghost.
	3.	Prayer makes clear the will of God-through word, circumstance, assurance and balance, perceptions of the soul are clarified, determinations of the will are strengthened.
C.		Through prayer we are motivated to do the work of Christ-"...they spake the word of God with boldness."
	1.	George Mueller said, "The most important part of prayer is the15 minutes that follow it."
	2.	Martin Luther said, "I am so busy now that I find if I did not spend two or three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day."
	3.	Prayer brings power and authority and credibility to our work.
	4.	Prayer makes the Word of God real to us, it unlocks the promises and blessings of God.
	5.	Prayer sensitizes us to the heartbeat of God-souls, evangelism, missions and the needs of others. It proves our sincerity of purpose.
	6.	Prayer teaches us that man's extremities are God's opportunities.
	7.	Prayer is the slender nerve that activates the muscle of the omnipotence of God.

Key Memory Verses

			"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

			"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalms 66:18).

			"And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" (mark 9:29).

Additional Thoughts

In many churches today, some popular teachings on prayer are:

1.			Man should pray to idols, saints or other men.
2.			If you pray long enough or hard enough, God will change His mind and do what you want.
3.			The best prayers are those which have been written by others and are just "said" by you.
4.			Prayer must be at a set time in a set format.

From the Bible principles taught in this lesson, you should understand that these teachings are false, and why.