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The Disciplines of a Godly Life: SUPPLICATION-4 Roadblocks to Answered Prayers

 

Jesus is the final word on praying. He lived it, He taught it, He commended it. No one can more deeply influence us in the realm of prayer than our Lord Jesus.

And this morning, one person has more to say about Christ’s praying than any other. One person, more than any other in God’s Word, was an eyewitness to Christ’s praying – his name is Peter. Peter was the leader of the disciples, the chief of the Apostles, and the man out front at all times. He was one of the inner circle given exclusive access to Jesus as He prayed in the Garden and earlier at the Transfiguration.

I spent this week in close touch with that inspired, eyewitness reporter who had followed Jesus for 3 ½ years. His name – Peter. His insights were priceless. I am going to interview him this morning as we look at our final installment of what hinders our prayers. Peter actually lists the final New Testament passage dealing with the last roadblock to answered prayer.

Peter – next to our Lord Jesus Christ perhaps the most well known New Testament person. In fact the gospels are full of Peter:

So Peter’s gospel is our gospel – etched on our hearts as are some of His most memorable words! No disciple speaks so often as Peter. “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” / “Lo, we have left all and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?” / “Be it far from Thee, Lord; this shall never be to Thee.” / “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water” / “Lord, save me” / “The crowd press Thee, and how sayest Thou, Who touched me?” / “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” / “To whom can we go but unto Thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life” / “Lord, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for Thee, and one for

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Moses, and one for Elias” / “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” / “Thou shalt never wash my feet” / “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” / “Though all men deny Thee, yet will not I” / “I know not the man” / “Lord, Thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love Thee.” / And, to crown all his impertinent and unthoughtful speeches, “Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”

So how about asking this man who was at the front of every line leading to Jesus for 3 ½ years –what can you share with us about Christ’s prayers and warnings we should heed to protect our prayers?

1. Peter, how well do you know Jesus? o Peter is always 1st in every Gospel list of the Apostles. a. Matthew 10:2-4 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. b. Mark 3:13-19 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: 16 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house. c. Luke 6:12-16 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor. o Peter was first of the inner circle of three that went to the most strategic places with Jesus. Mark 1:16-19 And as He

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walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. o Peter always spoke “FOR THE TWELVE” he was their spokesman even after the Cross. Acts 1:9-14 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: PETER, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. o In summary: Peter is mentioned 160 times by name in the New Testament (NKJV citations). And in the Gospels we find 93 of those references (Matthew 24; Mark and Luke 19 each; and John 31). Other than Jesus, no one is called by name so often as Peter in the Four Gospels. Peter speaks more often than any of the 12, more than the other eleven combined, and has more words recorded than anyone but Jesus.

2. Peter, have you seen Jesus pray? o Peter led the search party that tried to find Christ’s secret place of early morning prayers: Mark 1:35-36 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. o Peter was at the head of the line when Jesus was Transfigured and pulled back the veil of His flesh and let His Divinity flow out in all His Glory:

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a. Matthew 17:1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; b. Mark 9:2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. o Peter was right at Christ’s heels in the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed intensely for hours: a. Matthew 26:36-37 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. b. Mark 14:32-33 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.

3. Peter, what would you say that you learned about the role of prayer from Jesus? o As the voice of the Twelve, the leader of the pack that found Christ’s secret place of prayer, as the first in line at the Mount of Transfiguration, and as the one closest to Jesus as He knelt and cried out in agonizing prayer in Gethsemane – what are your observations on the role that prayer should have in your personal life? Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

4. And finally, at the end of your earthly life and ministry, what priority would you exhort us to have? o As the leader of the Twelve, the one who always pushed and nudged in to get nearest to Jesus, and as the voice of the Apostles – what last words do you have before you leave us who have never seen Jesus in the flesh and walking here on earth? What would be your parting words to us Peter?

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Peter mentions prayer two other times in this letter: o 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

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1581 ekkopto { ek-kop’-to} from 1537 and 2875; TDNT – 3:857,453; v AV – cut off 4, hewn down 3, cut down 2, cut out 1, be hindered 1; 11 GK – 1716 { ejkkovptw } to cut out, cut off of a tree; metaph. to cut off occasion o 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

The gifted author and pastor Warren Wiersbe has some very helpful words to encourage us in this area:

As Peter wrote to the Christian husbands, he reminded them of four areas of responsibility in their relationship with their mates. o 1st Physical—“dwell with them.” This implies much more than sharing the same address. Marriage is fundamentally a physical relationship: “They two shall be one flesh” (Eph. 5:31). A truly spiritual husband will fulfill his marital duties and love his wife. The husband must make time to be home with his wife. One survey revealed that the average husband and wife had thirty-seven minutes a week together in actual communication! Is it any wonder that marriages fall apart after the children grow up and leave home? The husband and wife are left alone—to live with strangers! “Dwell with them” also suggests that the husband provide for the physical and material needs of the home. While it is not wrong for a wife to have a job or career, her first responsibility is to care for the home (Titus 2:4–5). It is the husband who should provide (1 Tim. 5:8). o 2nd Intellectual—“according to knowledge.” Somebody asked Mrs. Albert Einstein if she understood Dr. Einstein’s theory of relativity, and she replied, “No, but I understand the Doctor.” In my premarital counseling as a pastor, I often gave the couple pads of paper and asked them to write down the three things each one thinks the other enjoys doing the most. How can a husband show consideration for his wife if he does not understand her needs or problems? To say, “I never knew you felt that way!” is to confess that, at some point, one mate excommunicated the other. When either mate is afraid to be open and honest about a matter, then he or she is building walls and not bridges. o 3rd Emotional—“giving honor unto the wife.” Chivalry may be dead, but every husband must be a “knight in shining armor” who treats his wife like a princess. The husband should treat his wife like an expensive, beautiful, fragile vase, in which is a precious treasure. When a young couple starts dating, the boy is courteous and thoughtful. After they get engaged, he shows even more courtesy and always acts like a gentleman. Sad to say, soon after they get married, many a husband forgets to be kind and gentlemanly and starts taking his wife for granted. He forgets that happiness in a home is made up of many little things, including the small courtesies of life. Big resentments often grow out of small hurts. “Giving honor” means that the husband respects his wife’s feelings, thinking, and desires. He may not agree with her ideas, but he respects them. The husband must be the “thermostat” in the home, setting the emotional and spiritual temperature. The wife often is the “thermometer,” letting him know what that temperature is! Both are necessary. The husband who is sensitive to his wife’s feelings will not only make her happy, but will also grow himself and help his children live in a home that honors God. o 4th Spiritual—“that your prayers be not hindered.” Peter assumed that husbands and wives would pray together. Often, they do not; and this is the reason

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for much failure and unhappiness. If unconverted people can have happy homes without prayer (and they do), how much happier Christian homes would be with prayer! In fact, it is the prayer life of a couple that indicates how things are going in the home. If something is wrong, their prayers will be hindered. A husband and wife need to have their own private, individual prayer time each day. They also need to pray together and to have a time of “family devotion.” How this is organized will change from home to home, and even from time to time as the children grow up and schedules change. The Word of God and prayer are basic to a happy, holy home. A husband and wife are “heirs together.” If the wife shows submission and the husband consideration, and if both submit to Christ and follow His example, then they will have an enriching experience in their marriage. If not, they will miss God’s best and rob each other of blessing and growth. It might be good if husbands and wives occasionally took inventory of their marriages. Here are some questions, based on what Peter wrote. 1. Are we partners or competitors? 2. Are we helping each other become more spiritual? 3. Are we depending on the externals or the eternals? The artificial or the real? 4. Do we understand each other better? 5. Are we sensitive to each other’s feelings and ideas, or taking each other for granted? 6. Are we seeing God answer our prayers? 7. Are we enriched because of our marriage, or robbing each other of God’s blessing?
Honest answers to these questions might make a difference! 1

This morning we are at our last lesson from Jesus in the School of Prayer. This morning’s session is: “What stops my prayers?”

When you and I pray we always go through the One and ONLY OPERATOR. He always answers the call, but doesn’t always put that call through for us. This morning we need to consider why our Operator Jesus Christ the Son of God would ever have to say — “I am sorry, I can’t put that call through for you.” And if you listen carefully to Him speak through His word, you will never have to get those dreadful words again. The rules for placing a call, and being put through are VERY CLEAR, right here in the COMMUNICATIONS GUIDE that Jesus our OPERATOR left us.

What stops or hinders my prayers? Here are the dozen plus areas God says fouls the lines, breaks the connection, stops the flow, hinders the reception of our prayers!

1Wiersbe, Warren W., The Bible Exposition Commentary, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books) 1997.

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1. PRAYING WITHOUT COMPASSION IS NOT PUT THROUGH: Proverbs 21:13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. o Jesus expressed one emotion more than any other. Do you remember what they emotion was? COMPASSION. Note the record of the Gospels: Matthew 9.36; 14.14; 15.32; 18.27 & 33; 20.34; Mark 1.41 and on we could go through the life of Jesus. o So what if we have been lacking compassion, how do we get it? God’s Word says “ Colossians 3:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; That is an imperative, that is one of the “commandments” we are to teach. Remember Jesus said in the Great Commission that we are to be teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you? Probably Paul wrote Colossians (c. AD 60) at the same time or even before Matthew was written! So Colossians is certainly part of what Jesus commanded through the inspiration of God’s Word to us today!

2. PRAYING WITHOUT CONFESSION IS NOT PUT THROUGH: Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. o God’s Word says James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. o 1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. PRAYING WITH UNTOPPLED IDOLS IN OUR HEARTS IS NOT PUT THROUGH: Ezekiel 14:3 “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity. Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by them? o James 4:1-8 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss,

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that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

4. PRAYING WITHOUT HUMILITY IS NOT PUT THROUGH: When prayer is hypocritical there is no response from the Lord. Matthew 6:5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

5. PRAYING HEARTLESSLY IS NOT PUT THROUGH: When prayer is mechanical there is no response from the Lord. Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

6. PRAYING WITHOUT FASTING IS NOT PUT THROUGH: Mark 9:29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”; Acts 13:2-3 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. o Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. o Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. o Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

7. PRAYING WITH BITTERNESS IS NOT PUT THROUGH: Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also

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forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” o Matthew 18:33-35 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” o Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

8. PRAYING WITH SELFISHNESS IS NOT PUT THROUGH: John 5:30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

9. PRAYING WITHOUT HIS NAME IS NOT PUT THROUGH: John 14:13-14 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. o Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

10. PRAYING WITHOUT ABIDING IS NOT PUT THROUGH: John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

11. PRAYING WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT PUT THROUGH: Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

12. THANKLESSLY PRAYING IS NOT PUT THROUGH: Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; If you can’t thank the Lord for what is happening in your life – be it chastening for sin, refining for greater good, or blessing from above – then you can’t really pray!

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13. FLESHLY PRAYING IS NOT PUT THROUGH: When prayer is fleshly there is no response from the Lord. James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

14. FAITHLESSLY PRAYING IS NOT PUT THROUGH: When prayer is offered in unbelief there is no response from the Lord. James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him

15. UNHARMONIOUSLY PRAYING: 1 Peter 3:1, 7 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

What are some of the ways we should do this Peter? How can we be serious and watchful as you say? Well just by Peter’s tone we get the key ‘sober and watchful’ are both imperatives, or commands. What else does Peter elevate to this level of importance? To be exact 29 times in 8 chapters Peter issues commands (imperatives). Let me read them all and then focus on only one short verse!

Aorist Imperatives: 18 in these two short letters.

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Present Imperatives: six in these two short letters.

2ND Aorist Passive Imperatives: three

Aorist Middle Deponent: 2

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So to Exercise the Discipline of Supplication we should Pray like Jesus taught us by His life and words. The posture, place, time or circumstance is not the issue of prayer. Prayer is to be a total way of life – an open communication with God, which goes on all the time. And if prayer is a way of life, then we need to understand how to pray. This is precisely why Jesus teaches us this model prayer.

How did Jesus pray? He doesn’t teach us about the circumstances of prayer – because any circumstance will do. In the bible, people prayed in all kinds of circumstances: o While Standing Matthew 14:19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes; John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. o On His face Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

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o Kneeling Luke 22:41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, o Even when sweating blood Luke 22:44 and being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. o Walking with Uplifted eyes John 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, o With loud crying Hebrews 5:7 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, o Always from the Scriptures Hebrews 10:7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me— To do Your will, O God.’ ”

Where did Jesus teach us to Pray? Everywhere! He doesn’t teach us about the place of prayer – because we are to pray everywhere. In the Bible, people prayed in all different places: o In a closet Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. o In a garden Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” o On a mountain Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. o In solitude Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. o In the wilderness Luke 5:16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. o On a cross Luke 23:33, 34, 46 and when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.

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When did Jesus Pray? He doesn’t teach us about the times of prayer – because we are to pray at all times. In the Bible, people prayed at all different times: o EARLY MORNING: Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. o DAY AND NIGHT : Luke 2:37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 18:7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? o OFTEN: Luke 5:33 Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” o BEFORE MEALS: Matthew 14:19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. o ALWAYS: Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, o AS HE DIED Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.

What did Jesus ask for as He Prayed? Luke records the record of nine occasions when Jesus prayed: 1. At His baptism HE PRAYED FOR CONSECRATION FOR MINISTRY Luke 3:21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. 2. After a day of miracles HE PRAYED FOR DAILY STRENGTH Luke 5:15-16 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. 3. Before choosing His disciples HE PRAYED FOR SPECIFIC GUIDANCE Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. JESUS PRAYERFULLY SOUGHT GOD’S DIRECTION for facing the stresses of life was found in prayer: o Multitudes Luke 5:15-16 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

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o Sick folks Mark 1:33-35 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. o Ministry needs Luke 4:42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; 4. Before the first prediction of His death HE PRAYED FOR PERSONAL ENCOURAGEMENT o Luke 9:18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” JESUS PRAYERFULLY SOUGHT GOD’S COMFORT. o His Emotions were sheltered by resorting to prayer even in the presence of uncaring friends (Matt. 26:36-46) o Discouragement at misguided disciples was prevented by prayer. John 6:15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. o He was protected from the unbecoming attitudes and words of friends; and the pain of His calling — the cross John 12:28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 5. On the Mount of Transfiguration HE PRAYED FOR AWESOME WORSHIP Luke 9:29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 6. Before teaching the disciples to pray HE PRAYED FOR WISDOM IN MINISTRY Luke 11:1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” 7. When the seventy returned with their report HE PRAYED FOR INSIGHT FOR MINISTRY Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 8. In the garden of Gethsemane HE PRAYED FOR PERSONAL VICTORY Luke 22:39-46 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43

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Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” 9. On the cross HE PRAYED FOR STEADFAST OBEDIENCE Luke 23:34,46 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.

1. JESUS PRAYERFULLY SOUGHT GOD’S PROTECTION while facing the great crises of His life was found during prayer: A. His baptism (Lk. 3:21-22) B. Choosing the twelve (Lk. 6:12-13) C. Preparing for the cross (Lk. 9:18, 21-22) D. His transfiguration (Lk. 9:28-36) II. JESUS PRAYERFULLY SOUGHT GOD’S PREPARATION for the great events – challenges – of His ministry A. Feeding the 4,000 (Matt. 15:36) B. Feeding of the 5,000 (Jn. 6:11) C. Walking on the water (Matt. 14:23-33) D. Healing the insane boy (Mk. 9:14-29) III. JESUS PRAYERFULLY SOUGHT GOD’S HELP IN MAINTAINING a proper focus in success was strengthened by prayer: A. After feeding 5,000 (Matt. 14:23) B. After raising Lazarus (John 11:41) IV. JESUS PRAYERFULLY SOUGHT GOD’S WILL IN The consumation of His life. It was met in prayer: A. His last breath on the cross (Lk. 23:46) V. JESUS PRAYERFULLY SOUGHT GOD’S GOALS. His earthly prayer life may be seen as: A. Harmony with God’s plan was His passion John 17:4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. B. Thankfulness was a part of all His life Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. C. God’s glory, not His personal needs, was primary (Jn.

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D. Confidence: He always had a confidence in God’s hearing and answering John 11:42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Submission: Every part of His life demonstrated submission (Lk. 22:

Is prayer a priority? Talking to God. Is the word a priority? Doing God’s will

A LIFE LONG HABIT OF PRAYER

One of the 10 Old Testament words used for praying is the word, PAHLAL. Young of the analytical Concordance defines this word as, “To pray habitually. This type of prayer life describes a whole host of dear Old Testament saints, among them Hannah, Daniel, Samuel, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Abraham, Ezra, Nehemiah, Job and Jonah. All of them had two special traits in common: They lived for the Lord daily and they prayed habitually. In other words, their lives were open before God, and He could cleanse them and commune with them at all times. This quality is vital in making us ever able to be in touch with our God.

Let’s study this special prayer portrait in some biographies of Old Testament Prayer Saints: o HANNAH prayed even when she was completely overwhelmed and discouraged in I Samuel 1:10, 12, 26-27; 2:1. She was in a time of bitterness of should that drove her to prayer. o SOLOMON prayed at the height of his career as he dedicated the Temple in I Kings 8:28, 30, 33, 42, 44, 48. In these prayers he refers to conscious needs of is people that were God’s people and how they pleaded for help. He directed prayer toward the great name of God. o HEZEKIAH prayed when he was mortally ill? In danger? in II Chronicles 30:18-20. There was sin in the nation that he dealt with as king and them prayed and God answered. o NEHEMIAH prayed when his heart and life were troubled in 1:4,6 and 2:1 after the report about the condition of Jerusalem came to him. It was always a part of his daily life to pray. o JOB prayed after a lifetime of pain and sorrow and loss in 42:10 for his friends and God heard him. Note how he first came to a proper view of himself before he interceded for others.

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o DANIEL prayer one of the great prayers of the Bible in 9:4-20. he first identified with the sin problems of the people as an intercessor.

Fourthly, we need to Exercise the Discipline of Supplication to Pray with your family.

It is good to introduce a note of variety2 into family prayer. For instance, each day of the week you can concentrate on a different prayer project. At one time our prayer-week ran something like this- o Monday: The prayer of faith. Each member of the family picks out a prayer project with the objective of obtaining an answer before the week is out. It is important to distinguish between the different kinds of prayer because each prayer has a different objective, and a different approach. If we come to prayer in a vague way, we may pray well enough, but we may pray the wrong kind of prayer for that particular situation. A prayer of faith has as its objective getting a job done. A more detailed description of the prayer of faith follows in the next section. It is a basic prayer. You will incorporate many of its principles into the other prayers that come up during the week. o Tuesday: Prayer for family, far or near. Each one picks a relative or a member of the immediate family, and prays for some specific need which that person may have. o Wednesday: The Lord’s Prayer. Here you can introduce interesting variations. The Father can pray the Prayer a sentence at a time. Then the members of the family can offer petitions which make specific each thing the Lord’s Prayer deals with. Under “Thy Kingdom come” may come a prayer for the peace of His Kingdom to come in our own home, or in our nation. Under “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” may come the confession of a resentful and unforgiving attitude toward a playmate. o Thursday: Prayer for missionaries. Each one picks a missionary and prays for him. This helps project the family’s concern for Christ’s Kingdom ‘to the ends of the earth.’ Sometimes it is fun to introduce a note of variety by first praying silently for one’s particular prayer project. Afterwards, each one can act out his missionary or family member or prayer of faith as a charade, while the others try to guess who or what he prayed for. o Friday: Prayers of confession. Each member openly confesses one sin which has disturbed the peace and harmony of the family. To begin with, this may well be more difficult for the parents than for the children. Children are used to being corrected and chastened within 2 Larry Christenson, The Christian Family. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Bethany Fellowship, Inc., 1974, pp. 174-176.

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the family, but not the parents. Yet parents, too, stand in need of forgiveness. Here is a setting in which irritations and resentments can be dealt with, not in the context of anger and recrimination, but in the healing light of forgiveness. One Friday one of our children seemed at a loss to recall anything to confess, and said, “Well, I’m open for bombardment. ..” Brothers and sisters make fine auxiliary consciences! Parents, too, can both give and receive suggestions, in order that genuine sins and hurts are brought out. Of course the parents must watch closely the way in which this kind of thing is done, that no spirit of impudence or bitter accusation enter in. Where it is done in love, it can beget genuine and even deep repentance. o Saturday: Prayers for our church. Each one picks out some aspect of the Sunday services to pray about-Choir, Sunday School, Sermon, Holy Communion, particular individuals in the congregation-whatever has to do with our common life and worship in the Body of Christ. o Sundays: Prayers for our worship. Because so much time is invested by our family within the congregation, this worship as a Body usually takes the place of our regular family devotions, unless it be a special time of song and praise around the dinner table, or by the fireplace in the evening.

17 recorded prayers of Christ’s

Spirit of Prayer in LP with 55 words and 6 petitions

1. Our – reflects an attitude of unselfishness 2. Father – reflects an attitude of closeness/familiar 3. hallowed – reflects an attitude of reverence 4. kingdom – reflects an attitude of expectancy 5. Thy will – reflects an attitude of submissiveness 6. Give us – reflects an attitude of trustingness 7. Forgive us – reflects an attitude of penitence 8. Lead us – reflects an attitude of vigilance