Biblical Teaching on Prayer
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
On the heels of the teaching us to put on the “whole armor of God,” for our battle with the enemy, we find a call to pray. This is how we battle: With prayer. We are to use not-of-this-world weapons (see 2 Corinthians 10:4). Its because of our relationship with Jesus that “no weapon formed against us can prosper” to quote Isaiah 54:17.
Our prayers are not just in the name of Jesus as some tag-line, but are powered by the authority of Jesus who is sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Are you anxious about a situation? Are you fearful over something? Are you wrestling with temptations or facing trying times? Don’t let your enemy use these things against you. Bring it to the Lord in prayer. These song lyrics may be old, but they’re still good:
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
thou wilt find a solace there
Prayer
What a friend we have in You Jesus! Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear because we don’t carry everything to you in prayer. Well, no more. I am here to pray. I want help with… [use any current prayer notes, add today thoughts, then finish…]
in your name Jesus I pray. Amen.
Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 18
Spirit
Until this time in my life God had never let me be involved in such a huge opportunity to witness in such a short period of time. Yet it turned out to be what I believe was the fastest and most successful experience I had ever had seeing the Holy Spirit work in peoples’ lives. Much had to do with God answering the thousands of prayers from supporters we had across Michigan and other states. Prior to leaving we did two major things: 1) Our group made a combination of over fifty live presentations to churches, schools, organizations, and also to the community through TV programs. 2) We put together a thirteen-day prayer calendar that was distributed throughout Michigan and beyond. Prayer was very much the key to our successful mission trip. Prayer support was phenomenal.
[Got His book? Read pages 93-96]
~ Keep Me and Keep All, Smith
Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #24 on page 265: “When can we pray?”