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A Study Of Prayer
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A Study Of Prayer 1. Prayer In The Bible 2. Prayer: The Prophet Samuel |
3. Prayer And
King Saul 4. Prayer: David To Nehemiah 5. Prayer: Job To Proverbs |
6. Prayer
& The Prophets 7. Prayer In The Gospels 8. New Testament Prayer |
A Study of Prayer: Chapter 7
Prayer in the Gospels Prayer in the gospels starts right in the beginning, with the father of John the Baptist, Zechariah praying in the temple. (Luke 1:8-10 NIV) Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. (Luke 1:11-17 NIV) Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Anna The Prophetess Fasted And Prayer
Continually
(Luke 2:36-38 NIV) There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna the prophetess spent her life after the death of her husband in fasting and prayer. God gave her a revelation concerning the child Jesus. Anna was 84 years old. This verse should be a blessing to all who might feel they have nothing to offer in service to the church because they are too old or in some other way hindered, perhaps due to health problems. Anna was a blessing to the people of Israel because of her prayer and communication with God, eve at 84. The Holy Spirit Comes Upon Jesus As He
Was
Praying
(Luke 3:21-22 NIV) When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Notice that the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus as he prayed. If we wish to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, following Jesus’ example of prayer is the way to get things started. Jesus had much to say about prayer in the gospels. We need to pay very close attention to every word he spoke on this subject, because, now that he is risen and sits at the right hand of God the Father, it is through Jesus that our prayers are asked, in his name. In effect, we are praying to God the Father through Jesus Christ, so we need to pray our prayers in the manner that Jesus told us to. Since we are praying through him, who better than himself to tell us how he wants them packaged. It is like going to UPS or Fedex and using their packaging materials to send our packages. They have a program, and when we follow it everything works better and the transactions run more smoothly. It is the same with prayer and Jesus. If we do it like he tells us to, everything will go so much better than trying to do it our own way. Jesus Often Prayed In Deserted Areas
(Luke 5:16 NIV) But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Jesus gave us an example of how to be able to concentrate on prayer, and that is to be away from everyone else. (Mark 1:32-34 NIV) That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. (Mark 1:35-38 NIV) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." Jesus prayed early in the morning, before he went out to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Some demons could only be cast out when accompanied by prayer and sometimes also fasting. (Mark 9:29 NIV) He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." (Mat 17:21 NKJV) "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Luke 9:18 NIV) Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" Jesus’ Disciples Did Not Spend A Lot Of
Time In Prayer While He Was On Earth
(Luke 5:33-35 NIV) They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking." Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast." Jesus explained that there was no need to fast and pray often while he was with the disciples. They had the creator of the universe right along side them every day. Jesus is the physical embodiment of the Word of God. (John 1:1-3 NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Why fast and pray when they could talk to him directly? But Jesus said the time would come when they would need to fast and pray, when he was taken from them. That time began when he was taken prisoner by the chief priests and continues today for us as he has ascended to heaven and no longer walks with us on earth. (Acts 1:11 NIV) "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Jesus Prayed Before Choosing The 12
Disciples And Delivering The Sermon On The Mount
(Luke 6:12 NIV) One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. (Mark 6:46 NIV) After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Jesus was about to set great events in motion by choosing his inner circle of disciples and delivering the greatest sermon of all time. He spent the night in prayer before doing so. (Luke 6:13-16 NIV) When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Jesus is our example. Before we make great decisions that will affect our lives and the lives of those around us, we should always pray for guidance. Pastors should pray before giving their sermons. If Jesus, the Creator prayed to God the Father before embarking on a great work, how much more should us lowly humans ask for divine assistance for every task? The Sermon On The Mount
Although the “Sermon on the Mount” is not just about prayer, I’m including it here because it shows the attitude we should have when we come before God in prayer. This great sermon probably only lasted 20 minutes to a half an hour. Some preachers talk two hours and never say anything worthwhile. Those who preach should consider this. Jesus tells what type of people we should be if we hope to have our prayers heard and answered by God. If we don’t meet the requirements we will receive nothing from the Lord. We have to pray with a clear conscience or we are praying without faith. If our conscience bothers us then we cannot expect to receive anything from God, and we won’t. In other words, we have reverse faith, faith not to receive and answer to our prayers. (James 1:6-7 KJV) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. The Holy Spirit will not let us live in sin without reminding us of it, if indeed we are Christians. What is sin? Many things, but one sin is failure to follow Jesus instructions in the sermon on the Mount. If your prayers are never answered, or very infrequently, read the sermon on the mount carefully for instructions how to get your life in order before God and begin receiving answers to your requests. (Luke 6:17-19 NIV) He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. When Jesus prayed the night before choosing the disciples, and delivering the Sermon on the Mount, he also received the power from God to heal everyone who came to him. Even the demons had to flee after Jesus night in prayer. After the Sermon on the mount was finished Jesus went to Capernaum and healed a centurions servant. One night in prayer and Jesus The Blessings
(Luke 6:20-23 NIV) Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. The Curses
(Luke 6:24-26 NIV) "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. Love Your Enemies
Jesus first of all tells us to pray for people who hate us and persecute us, in other words, our enemies. We should pray that they get saved first and foremost, because that is God’s will, that all people be saved. Besides that, if they come to Christ, they will no longer be our enemies, but our brother of sister in the Lord. (Mat 5:44 NIV) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Luke 6:27-31 NIV) "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:32-35 NIV) "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Prayer
(Mat 6:5-6 NIV) "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. There are times for public prayer, especially for kings and prophets and pastors. There are also times for prayer meetings for the church and group prayer has much power for the scriptures say where two or three are gathered together in his name, there the Lord is with us. (Mat 18:19-20 KJV) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. However, as individuals, when we really need to be in communion with God and find out his will for our lives or have some important prayer answered, it is best to follow Jesus example and get alone with Go, in secret, with no one around, and then pray. Then God can show us his will without interruption and there is no chance of us ruining our prayers by having spiritual pride in the fact that people are watching us and thinking how good and holy we must be to engage in such prayer. Having people who are not participants with us in prayer watching can weaken our prayers and render them ineffective. Spiral pride can prevent prayers from being answered. (Mat 6:7 NIV) And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. The length of the prayer is not the issue, nor is repeating the same things over and over useful. Doing a hundred hail Mary’s and a hundred Our fathers, will not help us get our prayers answered. That is vain repetition. We should pray from our heard, speaking to God in sincerity and truth about the things we want or need, and then listen for his reply to our hearts and minds in the still small voice of the holy spirit. (1 Ki 19:12 KJV) And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. How To Pray
(Mat 6:9-13 NIV) "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' It is not the repeating of this prayer over and over that gives it power, it is the attitude of the heart of the petitioner. First of all we recognize God as our father. Secondly we worship his name and come into his presence. Thirdly we pray for the return of Christ (The kingdom come) and fourthly for his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Fifthly we ask for our daily sustenance, primarily food, but we can also add whatever we need here. In zero degree weather we need clothing and shelter of we would soon freeze to death. We should thank him for it here also. Sixthly we ask forgiveness for all of our sins and seventh we forgive all others for everything they have done against us. Eighth and last we pray for protection from temptation, evil, and Satan. (Luke 11:1-4 NIV) One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'" (Luke 11:5-10 NIV) Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Don’t Give Up On Prayer
(Luke 18:1 NIV) Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:2-5 NIV) He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" (Luke 18:6-8 NIV) And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" The Pharisee And The Publican
(Luke 18:9-14 NIV) To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Fasting
(Mat 6:16-18 NIV) "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Mercy Judgment and Giving
(Luke 6:36-38 NIV) Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." The Blind Leading The Blind
(Luke 6:39-40 NIV) He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. Do Not Judge Others, For Only God Can
Read
The Intentions Of The Heart
(Mat 7:1-2 NIV) "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Hypocrites
(Mat 7:3-5 NIV) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (Luke 6:41-42 NIV) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Bearing Good Fruit
(Luke 6:43-45 NIV) "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Gal 5:22-24 NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Treasure In Heaven
(Mat 6:19-21 NIV) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mat 6:22-23 NIV) "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Jesus used the human body as an example of how spiritual light and darkness functions. In the same manner that a person who is blind cannot see with any of there other appendages, such as the ears, or the nose or the fingers, none of those have the capacity for sight, so too, a person who has spiritual blindness in their heart and mind cannot attain correct thinking by use of any other bodily appendage. A person whose spiritual light (they think it is light but it is not the true light) within them is actually darkness (false religion) is in terrible darkness. You Cannot Serve God And Money
(Mat 6:24 NIV) "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Be Free From Worry about Money
(Mat 6:25-232 NIV) "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. I have heard sermons where preachers used the verses above to teach that we should never worry about anything. That is not quite what Jesus was saying here. Jesus primary point here was not to worry about food, clothing and money. There is something that is worth worrying about, and that is our spiritual condition. The only thing that is really worth worrying about in life is that we are ready to face death, ready to meet our maker when the time comes, and be saved from hell. (Phil 2:12 KJV) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Mat 6:33-34 NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Do Not Try To Force The Gospel On People
Who Don’t Want To Hear It
(Mat 7:6 NIV) "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. (Mat 10:14-15 NIV) If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. (Acts 13:50-52 NIV) But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. If you have preached the gospel to people two or three times and they tell you that they don’t want to hear it anymore, leave them alone, unless they change their mind and ask you to tell them about Jesus. If the Holy spirit had their hearts prepared at the time you were speaking to them they would have received your words. The fact that they didn’t means not that they are rejecting you, but that they are rejecting the tugging of the Holy Spirit on their hearts. For now, move on to the next field of harvest. perhaps a more opportune time will come at a later date to reach that person with the gospel. Prayer: Asking And Receiving
(Mat 7:7-8 NIV) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Mat 7:9-11 NIV) "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! The Golden Rule
(Mat 7:12 NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. The Narrow Path To Salvation: Jesus Is
The
Door
(Mat 7:13-14 NIV) "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (John 10:7 & 9 NCV) So Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the door for the sheep. I am the door, and the person who enters through me will be saved and will be able to come in and go out and find pasture. Beware Of False Prophets
(Mat 7:15-20 NIV) "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Both in the old testament and the new there were many false prophets. The two most outwardly visible signs identifying a false prophet is a love of money and sexual sin. False prophets are into religion, not for what good they can do for people by teaching them the truth, but for what they can get out of it, usually money, sex and fame, which is a form of pride. Many, but not all, false prophets strut around making a big show with the emphasis on themselves and their ministry, not Jesus. (2 Pet 2:1-3 NCV) There used to be false prophets among God's people, just as you will have some false teachers in your group. They will secretly teach things that are wrong--teachings that will cause people to be lost. They will even refuse to accept the Master, Jesus, who bought their freedom. So they will bring quick ruin on themselves. Many will follow their evil ways and say evil things about the way of truth. Those false teachers only want your money, so they will use you by telling you lies. Their judgment spoken against them long ago is still coming, and their ruin is certain. A good example of a modern day true prophet is Billy Graham. He has been faithful to one wife all his life and has never lived in an opulent excessive lifestyle with earnings generated from preaching the gospel. His primary focus has always been in winning souls to Christ, rather than winning contributions to his ministry. Find yourself a pastor who has those good characteristics and you will have a man who can teach you deeper spiritual things. Not Everyone Who Preaches The Gospel Is
Even Saved
(Mat 7:21-23 NIV) "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Mark 12:38-40 NIV) As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." (Luke 20:47 NIV) They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." Long prayers in public is not a sure sign of godliness. Beware of people who make a big show of their supposed holiness. They might be false prophets, or perhaps just misguided Christians. Serve The Lord With Action, Not Words Only
(Luke 6:46 NIV) "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? (James 2:14-19 NCV) My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, "God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat," but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith that is alone--that does nothing--is dead. Someone might say, "You have faith, but I have deeds." Show me your faith without doing anything, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too, and they tremble with fear. There Will Be Many False Prophets In The
End Times
(2 Tim 3:1-7 NIV) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. (2 Tim 3:8-9 NIV) Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth--men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. (2 Tim 3:10-15 NIV) You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (Luke 21:36 NIV) Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." A Firm Foundation
(Luke 6:47-49 NIV) I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. (Mat 7:24-27 NIV) "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Mat 7:28-29 NIV) When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Jesus Went To Be Alone To Pray After The
Feeding Of The 5000
(Mat 14:23 NIV) After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Both before and after a great task, Jesus sought God in prayer, usually alone. This is a good example for us to follow. We should pray before embarking on a great task, and not forget to seek the Lord afterwards, to thank him, ask for lessons to be learned, and find out what to do next. This was Jesus program, and we certainly can’t go wrong following it. Many people wear bracelets saying, WWJD, what would Jesus do? One thing we know for sure he would do, and that is to pray early and often. Jesus Prayed For Children
(Mat 19:13-15 NIV) Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. People Who Enrich Themselves From
Religion
Make God’s House Into A Den Of Thieves
(Mat 21:12 NIV) Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. (Mat 21:13 KJV) And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Mark 11:17 NIV) And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" (Luke 19:46 NIV) "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer' ; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" (Jer 7:11 NIV) Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD. (Isa 56:7 NIV) these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." We can’t expect our prayers to be answered if we are into religion for the money, like those selling things in the temple were doing. When Christ returns God’s house will again be called “A House Of Prayer.” Faith Must Accompany Prayer
(Mat 21:22 NIV) If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Mark 11:24 NIV) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Heb 11:6 NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Forgiveness To Others Must Also Accompany
Prayer
(Mark 11:25 NIV) And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." People, Especially Israelites, Who Are
Alive During The Tribulation, Should Pray
(Mat 24:20 NIV) Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (Mark 13:14-20 NIV) "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong--let the reader understand--then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now--and never to be equaled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. The verse above pertains to those who are living in Jerusalem when Antichrist commits “The Abomination of Desolation” and then seeks to kill Gods chosen people. Even then, it is not too late for them to pray for deliverance. God will be merciful to those who will repent and seek him, even when Satan has his man, the Antichrist on the throne in Jerusalem, ruling over the earth. Read all about it in the Prophecy section of this website. The Transfiguration
(Luke 9:28 NIV) About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. (Luke 9:29-35 NIV) As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afr aid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." Jesus Prayed Before His Greatest
Sacrifice, His Own Life
(John 15:13 NIV) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (Mat 26:36 NIV) Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." (Mark 14:32 NIV) They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." (Mat 26:39 NIV) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Jesus Instructs The Disciples To Pray For
Strength To Endure Temptation
(Mat 26:41 NIV) "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Mark 14:38 NIV) Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Luke 22:40 NIV) On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." The disciples fell asleep instead of praying. That is why they did not have the spiritual strength to stand with Jesus as he went through his trial before Pilate. That is why Peter denied Jesus Three times. Peter fell asleep rather than following what Jesus said to do, to pray. (Luke 22:32 NIV) But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:45-46 NIV) When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." When we are faced with a great trial we should be sure to pray, no matter how tired we are, or we may fall into sin and cause ourselves even more problems than we had before. (Mat 26:42 NIV) He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." (Mark 14:35 NIV) Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. (Luke 22:41 NIV) He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, (Luke 22:44 NIV) And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Mat 26:44 NIV) So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. (Mark 14:39 NIV) Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. Jesus Gave us an example here, he prayed three times in earnest concerning God’s will for him in the situation he faced, which was death by crucifixion. After praying three times and not having received a word from the Father to do something different, Jesus faced the situation head on and welcomed it. (John 17:1 NIV) After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. Many times we wish for a way around our problems in the easiest possible manner. Sometimes God answers our prayers with miracle deliverance’s and changes the situation. Sometimes he doesn’t. Sometimes he wants us to go into the lions den, like Daniel did, and come out of the trial with our faith stronger after it is over. Jesus example was to entreat God mightily three times, and if things didn’t change then continue on with the present course, no matter what lie ahead. Sometimes we can avoid the storms of live, and sometimes we have to head right into the hurricane for find the peace in the eye (center) of it. (John 18:1-9 NIV) When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me." After prayer, Jesus faced his trial and death bravely. But, he made sure the disciples escaped unharmed to fulfill the scriptures. Jesus Prayed For Us, He Prayed For You
(John 16:16 NIV) "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me." (John 17:5-8 NIV) And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. Before Jesus returned to his previous glory, to God the Father in heaven he prayed for the disciples. (John 17:9 & 15-16 NIV) I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. (John 17:20 NIV) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, Jesus also prayed for us, collectively and as individuals. We if we are Christians, are those who have believed through the message of the apostles. Jesus prayed for you and me, that we would have the strength to hold fast to the end of our lives, faithful to the gospel, and that through us also others would come to believe. |
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