Prayer (Ephesians 6:18-19)

Prayer (Ephesians 6:18-19)

Collin Leong. March 21, 2016


Study Date: 18 March

Facilitator: Siew Whye Poh

And 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. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. (Eph 6:18-19)

PART A:   PRAYER

Prayer is conversing with GOD in :

WORD
THOUGHTS
GESTURES

Life with GOD.

It is acknowledging GOD and paying attention to GOD’s presence in this broken world and in us as sinners

Prayer builds relationship with GOD as we respond to His self-giving love, mercy, grace and HIS commitment to lead us into TRUTH.

Prayer is effective, accurate and brings results.  GOD watches HIS word to perform it (Jer 1:12).  Prayer is powerful (see Part B)

“The Father rewards those who diligently seek HIM” (Hebrew 11:6)

Some practical questions:

1) What do we pray about?
2) How prayers teaches us?
3) What we should pray if GOD already knows our needs?
4) What form of prayer?
5) What do Psalms show us?
6) What are other kinds of prayers?

Eventually, do we discover that not praying is like not breathing?

“Only GOD can move mountains but faith and prayer move GOD” (EM Bounds)

APPLICATION:

Q:  A prayer is guided by formulae?
A:  It often turns stale.  Prayer is meant to be relational.
GOD want to hear from who we really are, not who we pretend to be.

Instead of copying prayers of others, we simply pray with all of our might being ourselves.

Q:  What is the consequence of mental prayer or speaking in our minds as a standard way of prayer?

A:  It can degrades into self-talk or even “holy worry”
Prayer involves addressing GOD directly and stating clearly what we need and what we think.

Hence, it often helps to pray aloud (even when alone) or to write our prayers in a journal or stickers.

Above all, we can remember that because of our personal relationship with HIM, GOD is eager to hear from us. So we can talk to HIM as we would any great friend.


PART B:  PRAYER IS POWERFUL!

            Word:              (a)  James 5:  16:18
                                    (b)  1 Peter 3:12
                                    (c)  Hebrews 4:12

Prayer is a this ‘living” word in our mouths.
Our mouth speak forth faith for faith is what pleases GOD (Heb 11:6)

We hold HIS word up to HIM in prayer and our Father sees Himself in HIS word

Word does not return to HIM void.

Prayer armour is for every believer to put it on and walk in it, in pulling down strongholds of Satan and demonic forces.  Spiritual welfare takes place in prayers (2 Corithians 10:4 and Eph. 6 :18)

PART C:  SHARING 

How GOD has blessed us in our personal well being; well being of others; forward progress of the kingdom of GOD in this world;   thanks giving and praise;  of dedication and worship; and how prayer has changed things as we pray for what is good rather than just what we want.   Sometimes we ask GOD for clarity about our wants and for help in knowing what to even ask for.  More real sharing that GOD has changed things and given us the strength to face challenges and trial with more confidence;

Has prayer teaches us patience, compassions, awareness and simplicity leading us to understanding ourselves as part of the community or cell?

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