Principles Of Prayer
First of all I want to thank each one of you for listening to what I’m sharing concerning prayer. It is based on the Word of God. Today I want to remind us from Scripture of things we were told concerning prayer.
1. If ye shall ask any thing in the name of Jesus Christ, He will do it.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” -John 14:12-15
2. Go boldy to the throne of grace to receive help.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” -Hebrews 4:16
3. Do not doubt, have faith and believe God to answer your prayers when prayed with unselfish heart and in accordance with God’s will.
“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that you receive them, and ye shall have them.” -Mark 11:22-24
4. Rejoice always, be in prayer, and give thanks to the Lord.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
5. When you pray forgive, those that you have something against so God the Father may forgive you your sins.
“And when you stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive ye your trespasses.” -Mark 11:25-26
6. When in need, suffering affliction or sickness, go to God in prayer and ask others to pray for you.
“Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” -James 5:13-16
7. Humble yourself before God and confess your sins. Seek God’s face, turn once again to God, and He will hear you. Realize that we are all sinners that are saved by God’s grace.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Pray, Pray, Pray
Maybe God has finally gotten our attention and wants to know where we really stand when it comes to Him? Maybe we need to have a national day of prayer. I know personally God has given me plenty of time to think about Him and the way things are right now. This is why it is more important than ever to be in prayer and studying his Word daily.
Thank you for letting me share what God laid upon my heart regarding prayer. I urge the believer in Christ to continue to boldly share his faith with others (neighbors, friends, and relatives). Walk by faith, and give God all the glory. Leave the results to God. It has been my pleasure to share with you what the Bible, God’s Word, tells us about prayer.
Thanks to the OPBT church staff and my wife who have helped with their input into this study.
Love in Jesus,
Harold Alexander