Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
Ivan H. French
Table of Contents
1. What Is Prayer?.........................................................................................................................................5 A. Prayer is an expression of instinctive DESIRE....................................................................................5 B. Prayer is the expression of a GOOD esire..........................................................................................5 !. Prayer is !O""#$IO$ %ith Go ......................................................................................................5 D. Prayer is PE&I&IO$.............................................................................................................................' E. Prayer is the expression of creat(re)y DEPE$DE$!E........................................................................' *. Prayer is !O$*+I!& %ith Satan..........................................................................................................' ,. &he Bi-)e an Prayer.................................................................................................................................. A. &he Bi-)e is the BASIS of a)) prayer..................................................................................................... B. &he Bi-)e is the DIRE!&I/E for prayer............................................................................................... !. &he Bi-)e is the !ORRE!&I/E for prayer........................................................................................... D. &he Bi-)e %i)) often -e the S#B0E!& of prayer................................................................................... E. &he Bi-)e an its 1essen2ers %i)) often -e the OB0E!& of prayer...................................................... *. &he Bi-)e provi es the I$SPIRA&IO$ for the )ife of prayer...............................................................3 G. !onc)(sion............................................................................................................................................3 4. &he &heo)o2y of Prayer.............................................................................................................................5 A. &he octrine of Go an the practice of prayer.....................................................................................5 B. 0es(s !hrist an prayer.......................................................................................................................16 !. &he 7o)y Spirit an prayer..................................................................................................................11 8. &he Prayer +ife of 0es(s..........................................................................................................................1, A. At 7is -aptis1 ...................................................................................................................................1, B. *o))o%in2 a very -(sy ay in !aperna(1 ........................................................................................1, !. Whi)e -ein2 thron2e -y the 1()tit( es ............................................................................................1, D. Before choosin2 the &%e)ve ..............................................................................................................14 E. After fee in2 the 59666 an facin2 an o) te1ptation ......................................................................14 *. At !aesarea Phi)ippi ...........................................................................................................................14 G. At the &ransfi2(ration .......................................................................................................................14 7. After the ret(rn of the Seventy ..........................................................................................................18 I. When 7is prayin2 stirre the esire of the iscip)es .........................................................................18 0. At the raisin2 of +a:ar(s ....................................................................................................................18 ;. When so1e Gree< visitors %ere -ro(2ht to 7i1 ..............................................................................18 +. 7is intercession for Peter...................................................................................................................18 ". 7is hi2h priest)y prayer.....................................................................................................................15 $. In the Gar en of Gethse1ane ............................................................................................................15 O. &he prayers fro1 the cross ................................................................................................................1' 5. &he Prayer &eachin2 of 0es(s..................................................................................................................13 A. &he Ser1on on the "o(nt= concernin2 o(r ene1ies ........................................................................13 B. &he Ser1on on the "o(nt= specia) instr(ction in prayer..................................................................15 !. &he si1p)icity of prayer ....................................................................................................................15 D. &he pattern for prayer ........................................................................................................................15 E. &he Ser1on on the "o(nt= persistent prayin2 ...................................................................................,6 *. &he para-)e of the persistent nei2h-or ...............................................................................................,6 G. &he para-)e of the (n>(st >( 2e...........................................................................................................,1 7. &he para-)e of the Pharisee an the p(-)ican ....................................................................................,, I. Prayer teachin2 in the #pper Roo1 Disco(rse= prayin2 in 0es(s? na1e..............................................,4 '. Intercessory Prayer..................................................................................................................................,5 A. DE*I$I&IO$ of intercessory prayer.................................................................................................,5 B. E@A"P+ES of intercessory prayer...................................................................................................,5
!. OB0E!&S for intercessory prayer......................................................................................................,5 D. "O/I$G "E$ thro(2h intercessory prayer.....................................................................................,' E. &he RE*+E@ A!&IO$ of intercessory prayer..................................................................................,. .. &he Present Intercession of !hrist..........................................................................................................,5 A. &he *A!& of !hrist?s intercession.....................................................................................................,5 B. &he nat(re of !hrist?s intercession I$ GE$ERA+............................................................................,5 !. O(r +or ?s intercession I$ PAR&I!#+AR........................................................................................,5 D. &he I"P+I!A&IO$S of !hrist?s intercession...................................................................................46 3. Prayin2 %ith *aith...................................................................................................................................41 A. What is faith?......................................................................................................................................41 B. Bi-)ica) exa1p)es..............................................................................................................................41 !. A %or<in2 efinition of faith..............................................................................................................41 D. &he -asis for prayin2 in faith.............................................................................................................41 E. 7o% to pray in faith............................................................................................................................4, 5. Prayin2 in the Spirit.................................................................................................................................44 A. What is prayin2 Ain the SpiritA?..........................................................................................................44 B. So1e o-servations concernin2 prayer Ain the Spirit.A........................................................................44 !. 7o% oes the Spirit he)p (s in prayer?...............................................................................................44 16. Prayer an *astin2.................................................................................................................................48 A. So1e 2enera) o-servations on fastin2................................................................................................48 B. &he spirit an attit( e -ehin any 2en(ine9 effective fastin2.............................................................48 !. &he teachin2 of 0es(s on fastin2.........................................................................................................48 D. *astin2 in the Boo< of Acts................................................................................................................45 E. &he va)(e of prayer an fastin2..........................................................................................................45 *. !onc)(sions re2ar in2 prayer an fastin2...........................................................................................45 11. #nite Prayer.........................................................................................................................................4. A. #nite prayer in the Script(res...........................................................................................................4. B. So1e 2(i in2 princip)es.....................................................................................................................4. !. So1e erive tr(ths............................................................................................................................43 D. So1e practica) app)ications................................................................................................................43 1,. Attit( es an Approaches in Prayer......................................................................................................86 A. Sense of (ty......................................................................................................................................86 B. A sense of privi)e2e............................................................................................................................86 !. 7(1i)ity..............................................................................................................................................86 D. S(-1ission.........................................................................................................................................86 E. *ervency..............................................................................................................................................86 *. Definiteness.........................................................................................................................................81 14. 7in rances to Prayin2...........................................................................................................................8, A. Interna) hin rances.............................................................................................................................8, B. Externa) hin rances............................................................................................................................8, 18. #nans%ere Prayer...............................................................................................................................88 1. We 1ay -e as<in2 %ith %ron2 1otives .............................................................................................88 ,. O(r faith 1ay -e restin2 on a %ron2 -asis= faith in faith or faith in prayer rather than faith in Go 88 4. We 1ay -e entertainin2 a secret sy1pathy %ith so1e sin..................................................................88 8. O(r confi ence 1ay -e he) -ac< -y a con e1nin2 heart ................................................................88 5. We 1ay -e entertainin2 a -itter or (nfor2ivin2 spirit ........................................................................88 '. A)) 1ay not -e ri2ht in o(r 1arita) re)ationship .................................................................................88 .. Go 1ay -e e)ayin2 the ans%er -eca(se 7e has so1ethin2 -etter for (s than %hat %e have as<e ..................................................................................................................................................................88 3. Go 1ay -e %ithho) in2 %hat %e as< in or er to o specia) %or< in (s ...........................................88
5. We 1ay -e prayin2 a foo)ish prayer...................................................................................................88 15. !onf)ict in Prayer..................................................................................................................................85 A. Instr(ction concernin2 the conf)ict ....................................................................................................85 B. Partic()ars 2iven for the conf)ict...........................................................................................85 !. An exa1p)e of the conf)ict ................................................................................................................8' D. *(rther 2)i1pses of the conf)ict..........................................................................................................8. E. !onc)(sion an app)ication.................................................................................................................8. 1'. &he "ornin2 Watch B7o% to Pray an 7o(rC........................................................................................85 A. &here 1(st -e a eter1ination to have s(ch a 1inistry. ....................................................................85 B. &here 1(st -e a ti1e esta-)ishe that %i)) -e <ept as faithf())y as 1ea)ti1e9 -e ti1e9 etc................85 !. &he fo))o%in2 si1p)e ti1e sche ()e 1ay -e fo))o%e . ......................................................................85 1.. 7o% to O-serve a Day of Prayer an *astin2.......................................................................................51 13. &he Intercessory "issionary.................................................................................................................5, Definition.................................................................................................................................................5, $ecessity for intercessory forei2n 1issionaries.......................................................................................5, What can -e one -y intercessory 1issionaries?.....................................................................................54 15. 7o% to Do the Wor< of an Intercessory "issionary............................................................................55 Genera) proce (re....................................................................................................................................55 Warnin2s..................................................................................................................................................55 Genera) tr(ths...........................................................................................................................................55 ,6. 7o% to Prepare an #se a Prayer $ote-oo<.........................................................................................5. A. Si:e.....................................................................................................................................................5. B. Or2ani:ation.......................................................................................................................................5. !. #se......................................................................................................................................................5. ,1. !onc)(sion= Why Pray?.........................................................................................................................53 A. We 1(st pray -eca(se prayer is a vita) )ife si2n of the !hristian an o(2ht to -e nat(ra) to hi1.....53 B. We 1(st pray -eca(se the Script(re ass(1es that the chi) of Go %i)) pray...................................53 !. We 1(st pray -eca(se 0es(s !hrist o(r +or co11an e it ............................................................53 D. We 1(st pray -eca(se 0es(s !hrist o(r +or ta(2ht (s ho% ............................................................53 E. We 1(st pray -eca(se the Apost)e Pa() exhorte -e)ievers to pray .................................................53 *. We 1(st pray -eca(se prayer is Go ?s or aine %ay of appropriatin2 7is o%n o1nipotent reso(rces an 2ettin2 7is %or< acco1p)ishe .........................................................................................................55 G. We 1(st pray -eca(se prayer is the hi2hest activity of service that the !hristian can ren er............55 A Be2innin2 Bi-)io2raphy On PRADER.....................................................................................................'6
1. What Is Prayer?
It sho() -e re1e1-ere that prayer in so1e for1 or another is a near)y (niversa) experience. A possi-)e exception= he confir1e aca e1ic atheist. &he 1ost pri1itive re)i2ions have a for1 of prayer as a part of their practiceE the nonF!hristian c()ts inc)( e prayer in their syste1s. #n er the (1-re))a of !hristen o19 1any i eas concernin2 prayer exist. *or so1e9 it is a recitation of re)i2io(s p)atit( es or exercises. *or others9 it is a 1ysterio(s techniG(e for extractin2 -enevo)ences fro1 the A)1i2hty in ti1es of esperate nee . It is consi ere -y sti)) others as a psycho)o2ica) exercise restorin2 poise an peace of 1in to tro(-)e so()s. O(r st( y concerns on)y prayer that is istinctive)y !hristian9 prayer that is ta(2ht an isp)aye in the Bi-)e. A n(1-er of ifferent %or s are (se in the $e% &esta1ent for prayer in its vario(s aspects. *o(r of the principa) %or s are fo(n to2ether in I &i1othy ,=19 AI exhort therefore9 that9 first of a)) s(pp)ications9 prayers9 intercessions9 an 2ivin2 of than<s9 -e 1a e for a)) 1en.A 1. S(pp)ication Bdeesis, deomaiC. S(pp)ication9 petition. "ay -e (se of a reG(est a resse to Go or 1an. ,. Prayer Bprose(che9 prose(cho1aiC. A very -roa %or as far as its content is concerne E )i1ite in its $e% &esta1ent (sa2e to prayer to Go . 4. Intercession Benteuxis, entugchanoC. AExpresses confi in2 access to Go . . . chi) )i<e confi ence . . . the heart?s converse %ith Go A B&hayerC. When (se in co1-ination %ith other prayer %or s this %or see1s to spea< of petition 1a e for others %hi)e s(pp)ication B eesisC is petition concernin2 one?s o%n persona) nee . 8. Givin2 of than<s Beucharistia, eucharistosC. &he 2ivin2 of than<s for -)essin2s fro1 Go . &here are other expressionsHa )ar2e n(1-er in the O) &esta1entHthat are (se for prayer9 -(t these are the principa) ones. "any i eas are covere -(t the chief ones are= 1C a 2enera) %orship an a oration of Go E ,C a petitionin29 reG(estin29 s(pp)icatin2 for one?s o%n nee sE 4C petitionin2 on -eha)f of othersE an 8C the 2ivin2 of than<s in reco2nition of the -enefits an 1ercies -esto%e -y Go .
C. Prayer is COMMU IO
!ith God.
1. &his has -een enie -y so1e %ho %ant to see in prayer nothin2 -(t Aas<in2 an receivin2.A
,. &here is a nat(ra) esire for any -ein2 to have co11(nion %ith its o%n <in . When one is -orn into the fa1i)y of Go 9 he )on2s for fe))o%ship %ith the One %hose nat(re an )ife he shares Bsee Eph. 4=18915E Ro1. 3=15E Ga). 8=8F'C. 4. !onsi er the -i-)ica) exa1p)es. 8. "any expressions in the Psa)1s9 -(t see especia))y Psa)1 8,=19,. 5. 0es(s spent entire ni2hts in prayer. Exa1p)e= +(<e '=1,F1'. Is it conceiva-)e that 7e spent a)) those ho(rs as<in2 of the *ather?
D. Prayer is PE"I"IO .
1. &his is the 1ost co11on)y reco2ni:e fact a-o(t prayer. A&a<e the e)e1ent of petition o(t of prayer9 an prayer 1ay -e %ho)eso1e exercise of the so() or a spirit(a) ener2y of the )ife9 -(t it ceases to -e %hat %e 1ean -y prayer. Prayer %ith 0es(s %as strai2htfor%ar an (nhesitatin2 petition9 as<in2 Go to o so1ethin2 an -e)ievin2 that 7e %o() o itA B7astin2s9 p. 43C. ,. Petition is the 1ost e)e1enta) an pervasive aspect of prayer. a. E)e1enta). In the chi) hoo of )ife9 petition is as co11on as -reathin29 -. Pervasive. As the 1at(rin2 !hristian sees his sinf()ness9 %ea<ness an epen ence9 he resorts increasin2)y to prayer of a petitionary sort.
E. "he Bi'$e and its *essen+ers !i$$ often 'e the OB)EC" of prayer.
1. &he Wor of Go is a A)ivin2A Wor Bsee 7e-. 8=1,E I Pet. 1=,4C. ,. &here is a sort of vita)ity in the Wor itse)f Bsee Acts '=.E 1,=,8E II &i1. ,=5C. 4. What a1o(nts to AactivityA is attri-(te to the Wor . It Aincrease A BActs '=.CE A2re% an 1()tip)ie A BActs 1,=,8CE an Ais not -o(n A BII &i1. ,=5C.
8. &he Wor of Go is preache 9 ta(2ht9 printe or istri-(te -y the h(1an instr(1ent9 an it is c)ear that the preacher9 teacher9 printer or istri-(tor is to -e the o->ect of o(r prayers. B(t it is entire)y in or er to pray9 not on)y for the h(1an instr(1ent9 -(t a)so for the Wor itse)fHthat it 1i2ht %or< %ith a f()) 1eas(re of G(ic<enin2 po%er Bsee Isa. 55=11E II &hess. 4=1C.
1. In the Bi-)e are recor e the )ives an experiences of the 1en Go (se Ha)) of the1 1en of prayer. *or exa1p)e= "oses9 Sa1(e)9 Davi 9 Pa()9 etc. ,. In the Bi-)e is fo(n the recor of the 2reatest of a)) 1en of prayer9 the +or 0es(s !hrist. If %e %o() tr()y c)ai1 7i1 as +or an "aster9 %e %i)) -e peop)e of prayer.
G. Conc$#sion.
1. A constant st( y of the Bi-)e is essentia) for the n(rt(re of the prayer )ife9 an a consistent prayer )ife is essentia) for an (n erstan in2 of the Bi-)e. ,. A st( y of the Bi-)e %i)) pro (ce a c)ose %a)< %ith Go E a c)ose %a)< %ith Go %i)) inc)( e constant prayer that the Wor %i)) -e fi))e %ith G(ic<enin2 po%er as it is 2iven o(t -y 7is 1essen2ers. 4. A st( y of the Bi-)e %i)) revea) the esperate nee of a )ost %or) E 1(ch prayer %i)) pro (ce vi2oro(s 1essen2ers %ho 1ove o(t into the %or) %ith the po%erf() Wor . 8. S(22estion= *or so1e heart%ar1in2 seasons of prayer9 pray thro(2h Bor pray inC a -oo< of the Bi-)e. !hoose one of the shorter $e% &esta1ent -oo<s9 s(ch as Phi)ippians or Ephesians9 an ta<e a s1a)) portion of it each ay. As yo( rea 9 at each tr(th concernin2 Go 9 sa)vation9 heaven9 etc.9 pa(se an 2ive than<s. At each exhortation concernin2 character or service9 pray that the 7o)y Spirit %i)) 1a<e that virt(e rea) in yo(r o%n )ife. &his is one of the hi2hest f(nctions in %hich the Bi-)e can -e e1p)oye .
c. O1nipotence. B1C Definition. Go is a-)e Bhas the po%erC to o a)) thin2s that are co1pati-)e %ith 7is nat(re9 p)an an %i)). B,C Si2nificance. &here is no %or< that is -eyon the a-i)ity of Go to perfor1 on -eha)f of 7is peop)e. B4C Exa1p)es. +(<e 1=4. BA*or %ith Go nothin2 sha)) -e i1possi-)eACE "ar< 16=,. Ba 2reat enco(ra2eF 1ent to pray for iffic()t casesCE 0ere1iah 4,=,. an 44=4 Ba cha))en2e fro1 Go C9 . Soverei2nty. B1C Definition. Go not on)y has the )atent po%er an %is o1 to o a)) thin2s9 -(t 7e act(a))y oes exerF cise a-so)(te contro) over 7is (niverse. B,C Si2nificance. Prayer can -e offere %ith 2reat confi ence that the One to %ho1 %e pray is in contro) of a)) thin2s. 7o% 7e ans%ers o(r prayers9 therefore9 %i)) -e eter1ine -y o(r a >(st1ent to 7is perfect %i)) an pro2ra1. B4C Exa1p)es. Psa)1 164=15 BA. . . his <in2 o1 r()eth over a))ACE Ro1ans 3=,3 BA. . . a)) thin2s %or< . . . for 2oo . . .ACE Reve)ation 15=' BA. . . the +or Go o1nipotent rei2nethAC. e. "ora) attri-(tes. B1C &hese inc)( e Go ?s )ove9 1ercy9 ho)iness9 ri2hteo(sness9 faithf()ness9 tr(th9 etc. B,C !onsi ere to2ether9 the 1ora) attri-(tes of Go anno(nce severa) thin2s to (s. BaC Beca(se of 7is )ove9 1ercy9 an faithf()ness9 %e can -e s(re that Go the prayers of 7is peop)e. e)i2hts to hear an ans%er
B-C Beca(se of 7is perfect ho)iness9 ri2hteo(sness an tr(th9 %e can -e s(re that B1C Go %i)) not ans%er prayers that %o() -e ishonorin2 to 7is Person or etri1enta) to 7is p(rpose an %or<9 an B,C 7e %i)) not vio)ate 7is o%n nat(re -y hearin2 the pres(1pt(o(s prayers of the (nri2hteo(s. f. *ree o1. B1C By the free o1 of Go is 1eant that 7e 1ay o anythin2 that is not contra ictory to 7is nat(re9 %i)) an p(rpose. &hat is9 7e is not -o(n or co1pe))e -y any force o(tsi e 7i1se)f. B,C &he si2nificance of this is t%ofo) . BaC It provi es an ans%er to the G(estion= AWhy is prayer necessary %hen Go exercises soverei2n contro) over a)) thin2s?A BAns%er= 7e has chosen to )i1it 7i1se)f to the prayers of 7is peop)e for the acco1p)ish1ent of so1e thin2s.C B-C Go is free to ans%er o(r prayers. 7e is not -o(n -y any force o(tsi e 7is o%n nat(re9 character an p(rpose.
B,C &here is provision for the past= A1ercyAHan for the present= A2race.A B4C &he provision is contin(o(s=A . . . in ti1e of nee .A -. &he 2ro(n for prayin2 B7e-. 8=189 15C. B1C O(r 2reat 7i2h Priest is no% f(nctionin2 on o(r -eha)f= A*or %e have . . . .A B,C O(r 2reat 7i2h Priest sy1pathi:es %ith o(r %ea<nesses. B4C 7e has -een te1pte in a)) thin2sBin every area of )ifeC >(st as %e are te1pte Bsee 7e-. ,=1.9 13E5=.F16C. c. &he ass(rance in prayer B7e-. 16=15F,,C. B1C We enter into Athe ho)iestA on the 2ro(n of Athe -)oo of 0es(s.A &hat is9 7is atonin2 eath (pon the cross has 1a e it possi-)e for (s to pray Ain f()) ass(rance of faith.A B,C !onsi er f(rther Ro1ans 3=41F489 notin2 especia))y the rec(rrence of Afor (s.A &he eterna) Go is on o(r si e as proven -y the fact that 7e 2ave 7is Son for (s an that 7is Son no% interce es for (s in 2)ory. B&hat prayer is in vie% here 1ay -e seen -y the phrase Afree)y 2ive (s a)) thin2sA in verse 4,. See a)so 7e-re%s .=,5C.
&he Gospe)s recor 15 ti1es (rin2 the 1inistry of 0es(s %hen 7e praye . We %i)) 2)ance -rief)y at each of these.
A. At ,is 'aptis*
B+(<e 4=,1C. 1. It %as %hi)e %aitin2 in prayer that 7e receive the anointin2 of the 7o)y Spirit. Bsee Isa. 8,=1E '1=1E Acts 16=43E +(<e 4=,19,,C. ,. &his %as a crisis ti1e in the )ife of 0es(s. 7e %as steppin2 o(t of the o-sc(rity of 7is $a:areth ho1e into the )i1e)i2ht of 7is 1essianic 1inistry that %o() -e characteri:e -y %or s an %or<s of po%er. &herefore9 7e praye . 4. &his is s(22estive. See Acts 8=,4F44 Bespecia))y v. 41C. Prayer pro (ces po%erI
%. At Caesarea Phi$ippi
B+(<e 5=13C. 1. What stran2e expression capt(res the attention here? , 0es(s <ne% so1ethin2 of a so)it( e of the spirit that ena-)e 7i1 to 2et a)one %ith the *ather even %hen others %ere present. 4. ASo1e of these )ater inci ents see1 to s(22est that 7e %as tryin2 to %oo the1 Bthe &%e)veC into so1ethin2 of the sa1e )ove for the fascination of secret po%er that 7e ha A BGor on9 p. ,,6C.
G. At the "ransfi+#ration
B+(<e 5=,5C. 1. 7e %as transfi2(re %hi)e prayin2.
,. &here is so1ethin2 s(22estive here Bsee Ro1. 1,=,E II !or. 4=13C. Does not prayer p)ay a part in that 2ra (a) A1eta1orphosisA that is to -e ta<in2 p)ace in the )ife of the -e)iever?
1. 7ere is the ref)ection of one of 7is prayer ha-its. 7e ha -een prayin2 for Peter -y na1e. 7e %as an intercessor. ,. Intercession is sti)) the very heart of the risen +or ?s prayer 1inistry Bsee 7e-. .=,5E Ro1. 3=48C. 4. &his prayer %as 1ost certain)y ans%ere . It %as not Peter?s faith that fai)e 9 -(t 7is co(ra2e.
4. It is G(ite i1possi-)e to co1pare this str(22)e %ith anythin2 in o(r o%n experience -eca(se it invo)ves the Ahypostatic (nionA of the t%o nat(res in !hrist as %e)) as 7is vicario(s s(fferin2 for (s. 8. B(t note 7is esire for h(1an co1panionship in this ho(r of eep nee = A. . . tarry ye here9 an %atch %ith 1e.A 7ere is a )on2in2 for fe))o%ship in prayer. 5. $ote a)so9 the reason 2iven for 2reat fai)(re in prayer= A... the spirit in ee is %i))in29 -(t the f)esh is %ea<.A '. $ote9 f(rther9 7is tota) s(-1ission to the *ather?s %i))9 %hatever 7is o%n h(1an fee)in2s 1i2ht -e= A. . . neverthe)ess not as I %i))9 -(t as tho( %i)t.A
1C 7e praye in secretHsh(t in %ith Go 9 sh(t o(t fro1 a)) e)se. ,C 7e praye in co1pany %ith others.
4C 7e praye in so)it( e on the 1o(ntainsi e. 0a1es Sta)<er s(22este that %hen 0es(s reache a ne% to%n9 7is first tho(2ht %as9 %hat %as the shortest %ay to the 1o(ntain9 >(st as trave)ers inG(ire the %ay to the -est hote).
7(1-)e 7i1se)f9 too< h(1an for1 An strippe 7i1se)f of roya) state. *or !hrist %as a)so "anE to fee) "an?s stron2est te1ptin29 an to <no% 7is (t1ost %ea<ness9 7e -eca1e +i<e other 1en an s(ffere so. An to(che %ith o(r infir1ities9 *or those fe% years )i<e (s to -e9 7e sti)) re1e1-ers %e are (st9 Since 7e %as te1pte )i<e as %e. B(t %e)) 7e <ne% the so(rce of he)p9 Whence co1es a)) po%er9 stren2th an peace9 In -)est co11(nion %ith 7is Go 9 !are an perp)exity %o() cease. When a)) earth?s sorro% an its sin &oo heavy on 7is spirit %ei2he 9 J(iet an so)it( e 7e so(2ht An to 7is *ather praye . HAnnie 0ohnson *)int
a. &his %as exe1p)ifie -y o(r +or B+(<e ,4=48C. See a)so Acts .='6 for the exa1p)e of Stephen.
-. &his is the very -est %ay to prevent a -itter spirit fro1 2ettin2 a 2rip on (s. 4. &he rationa)e= &he chi) of Go is to portray the attit( es an actions of his *ather B%. 85F83C.
B1C &his covers a)) 1ateria) nee s Bsee Prov. 46=.F5E Phi). 8=119 15C. B,C S(ch a pattern for prayer poses so1e very practica) pro-)e1s for ,6thFcent(ry9 prospero(s !hristians. f. ReG(est for spirit(a) nee s Bvv. 1,9 14C. B1C *or2iveness Bv. 1,C. A constant nee as )on2 as %e are in the f)esh. B,C De)iverance fro1 any sit(ation in %hich9 -eca(se of o(r o%n %ea<ness or Satan?s c(nnin29 %e 1i2ht s(cF c(1- to sin Bv. 14C. BaC &here is a te1pter BI &hess. 4=5C. B-C We are -o(n to -e te1pte in this )ife B0a1es 1=,9 4E I Pet. 8=1,9 14C. BcC Go has provi e an ans%er to o(r petition BI !or. 16=14C. 2. &he con ition for an ans%er to a reG(est for for2iveness Bvv. 189 15C. B1C &his is not a con ition for sa)vation -(t a con ition for an affir1ative response to a reG(est for for2iveF ness -y the chi) ren of Go . &his is a fa1i)y 1atter. It is a %arnin2. B,C Go %i)) not hear the prayers for for2iveness of those %ho the1se)ves are (nfor2ivin2. &he -roa er princip)e is )ai o%n in Ps. ''=13. An (nfor2ivin2 spirit is s(ch a sin an a hin rance to prayer.
a. &he first ivision= the Go to %ho1 %e pray. -. &he secon c. &he thir ivision= o(r ai)y %ants9 ivision= o(r ai)y an2ers.
4. &he para-)e Bvv. 5F3C. a. Pa)estinian trave)ers often trave)e at ni2ht in or er to escape the heat. 7ospita)ity is a 1atter of hi2hest honor in eastern )an s. A"y chi) ren are %ith 1e in -e . . . .A A)) s)ept to2ether on a raise p)atfor1. -. AI1port(nity.A &his is the on)y p)ace in the $e% &esta1ent %here the %or is (se . &he i ea= sha1e)essnessE free o1 fro1 that -ashf()ness that cannot as< a secon ti1eE sha1e)ess -e22in2. 8. &he app)ication Bvv. 5F14C. a. 0es(s is not 2ivin2 a isco(rse on the %ho)e s(->ect of prayer. 7e says nothin2 a-o(t the %i)) of Go 9 prayin2 in 0es(s? na1e9 etc. 7e is e1phasi:in2 >(st one i1portant tr(th= Go the *ather is %i))in2 to ans%er prayer. 7is response to prayer is not )i<e9 -(t is in contrast to9 the s)eepyFhea e nei2h-or. -. AAs< . . . see< . . . <noc<.A &hese expressions escri-e earnestness in prayin2. Whi)e Go ans%er o(r prayers9 7e %ants serio(sness of p(rpose to -e evi ent in o(r prayin2. esires to
B1C &he very e1phasis of this para-)e BGo ?s %i))in2ness to ans%erC te))s (s that there is a p(rpose9 or reason9 for 7is see1in2 e)ay in ans%erin2. B,C We 1ay -e prayin2 a-o(t so1ethin2 that is not the -est thin2 for (s Bsee Pa() an his thorn9 II !or. 1,=1F16C. B4C We 1ay -e prayin2 earnest)y9 -(t there is sin that prevents Go ?s ans%er Bsee 0osh(a at Ai9 0osh. .=16F ,'C. B8C We 1ay -e Aas<in2 a1issA B0a1es 8=49 8CHan (tter)y se)fish prayer pro1pte -y %ron2 1otives. B5C Whatever the case9 persistin2 in prayer %i)) prove o(r earnestness a-o(t the 1atter9 an Go %i)) sho% (s %here the pro-)e1 )ies9 c. &he contrast ra%n. B1C If an earth)y father Ba sinf()9 %ea< personC <no%s ho% to 2ive 2oo 2ifts to his chi) ren9 ho% 1(ch 1ore sha)) a perfect 7eaven)y *ather 2ive 2ifts to 7is chi) ren? B,C &he 7o)y Spirit is the hi2hest an -est 2ift of a)). B4C &his pro-a-)y refers to 7o)y Spirit po%er9 %hether in the o) 5. &he conc)(sion. Prayer is not overco1in2 Go ?s re)(ctanceE it is a >(stin2 to Go ?s %i))in2ness. Go never s)eeps9 so 7e is never ist(r-e %hen %e approach 7i1. Go oes not ans%er o(r 1(ch prayin2 in or er to 2et ri of (s9 -(t -eca(se 7e )oves (s. ispensation or the ne%.
B,C AA)%aysAH%itho(t ceasin2 BI &hess. 5=1.CE instant in prayer BRo1. 1,=1,C. B4C 7o% o %e o this? It is a ha-it9 a fra1e of 1in 9 an attit( e9 -. &he a)ternatives of the para-)e Bv. 1C. B1C *aintin29 st(1-)in2 a)on2 the %ay9 cavin2 in (n er press(re an stress Bsee II !or. 8=19 1'C. B,C *aith expresses itse)f to Go in prayerE prayer no(rishes faith an co(ra2e. B4C AWhen faith fai)s9 prayer ies. In or er to pray9 then9 %e 1(st have faithE an that o(r faith fai) not9 %e 1(st pray. *aith po(rs forth prayerE an the po(rin2 forth of the heart in prayer 2ives stea fastness to faithA BA(2(stineC. c. &he narration of the para-)e Bvv. ,F5C. . &he app)ication of the para-)e Bvv. 'F3C. B1C If an (n%orthy9 sinf()9 (nco1Fpassionate9 se)fFsee<in2 >( 2e %i)) fina))y act -eca(se of persistence in reG(estin29 ho% 1(ch 1ore %i)) yo(r 7eaven)y *ather respon to yo(r prayers? B,C &his is a para-)e of contrast. &he >( 2e in the para-)e stan s in contrast to o(r *ather in heaven. B4C E)ect peop)e are prayin2 peop)e. &his is ass(1e . B8C Go A-ears )on2A %ith 7is peop)e. Why? Bsee II Pet. 4=59 15C. Go ?s )on2Fs(fferin2 %ith a %or) that is often hosti)e to 7is peop)e is so that the sa)vation of 1any 1ay -e o-taine . B5C Go %i)) aven2e G(ic<)y9 s( en)y Bnot Ain a short ti1eAC. BSee I &hess. 5=4E II &hess. 1=.F16C. B'C As the a2e 1oves c)oser to its cons(11ation9 -e)ievers %i)) -e an everF ecreasin2 n(1-er. AWi)) 7e fin the faith?A B.C !on itions -et%een the first an secon co1in2s %i)) not -e con (cive to prayer9 -(t pray on. B3C Does prayer have anythin2 to o %ith the ret(rn of !hrist? BSee Rev. ,,=,6C.
B4C &he Pharisee voice the 1ost co11on error an 1isconception he) -y 1en of the %or) = 7e tho(2ht he %o() -e accepte -y Go for %hat he ha one an %hat he %as. B8C &he p(-)ican voice the (niversa) nee of 1anH1ercy. &%o res()ts Bv. 18C. B1C &he p(-)ican %ent o%n to his ho(se >(stifie E the Pharisee i not. B,C What oes this para-)e teach (s a-o(t prayer? BaC A h(1-)e spirit is necessary to 2et the ear of Go . B-C It is possi-)e to 2o thro(2h the 1otions of prayin2 %itho(t prayin2 at a)). BcC Go oes hear the prayer of the (nsave %hen that prayer is for 1ercy an for2iveness.
B4C &he 7o)y Spirit %o() act on -eha)f of !hrist9 oin2 %hat !hrist %o() B0ohn 18=,'C.
. When %e pray in 0es(s? na1e9 %e sha)) pray on)y for thin2s that are consistent %ith 7is na1e an character. B1C A&o pray in the $a1e of !hrist is to pray as one %ho is at one %ith !hrist9 %hose 1in is the 1in of !hrist9 %hose esires are the esires of !hrist9 an %hose p(rpose is one %ith that of !hrist . . . . Prayers offere in the $a1e of !hrist are scr(tini:e an sanctifie -y 7is nat(re9 7is p(rpose9 an 7is %i)). Prayer is en orse -y the $a1e9 %hen it is in har1ony %ith the character9 1in 9 esire an p(rpose of the $a1eA B!ha %ic<9 pp. 4.F45C.
B,C 7o% can %e <no% %hat thin2s are consistent %ith 7is na1e an character? BaC By 7is Wor a-i in2 in (s B0ohn 15=.C. A)) effective prayin2 is n(rt(re in the Wor of Go . B1C &he Wor infor1s (s of specific thin2s for %hich %e can pray9 an B,C the Wor c)eanses o(r esires an a1-itions fro1 those i1p(rities that %o() hin er effective prayer. B-C By the 7o)y Spirit?s %or< in (s. AIn that ay...A B0ohn 1'=,4C spea<s of the ay %hen the o(tpo(re Spirit %o() )ea into a)) tr(th B0ohn 1'=14C. &his is the ay of the 7o)y Spirit9 hence9 the ay %hen Go ?s peop)e can expect 2(i ance in prayin2. 8. &he res()ts of prayin2 in 0es(s? na1e. a. S(ch prayin2 pro (ces affir1ative ans%ers B0ohn 18=149 18C. -. S(ch prayin2 2)orifies Go B0ohn 18=14C. c. S(ch prayin2 -rin2s >oy to the one en2a2in2 in it B0ohn 15=11E 1'=,8C. 5. So1e o-servations a-o(t prayin2 in 0es(s? na1e. a. &he s(re pro1ise of affir1ative ans%ers to the prayin2 of 0ohn 18=149 18 stan s in contrast to the privi)e2e of A)ettin2 yo(r reG(ests -e 1a e <no%n (nto Go A of Phi)ippians 8='9 .. B1C &he Phi)ippians a 1onition see1s to reco2ni:e that there are so1e thin2s a-o(t %hich %e o not <no% the %i)) of Go . B,C 7o%ever9 -eca(se %e are chi) ren of the 7eaven)y *ather9 %e can as< anythin2 %e %ish9 )eavin2 the ()ti1ate isposa) of o(r reG(est in the han s of the *ather9 in %ho1 %e have a-so)(te confi ence. B4C &he res()t of prayin2 %ith this tr(stin2 attit( e %i)) -e that Athe peace of Go . . . sha)) <eep yo(r hearts an 1in s . . . .A -. &he prayer Ain the na1e of 0es(sA ta<es so1e ti1e= ti1e for 2ettin2 2(i ance fro1 the Wor 9 for se)fF exa1ination9 for c)eansin2 of the 1otives9 an for a >(stin2 one?s %ho)e spirit(a) fra1e to the %i)) of Go . c. One can pray Ain 0es(s? na1eA %itho(t sayin2 those %or s. It is an attit( eHa sense of epen ence an position. !ontrari%ise9 the (se of the phrase itse)f can -e 1eanin2)ess.
A. DE%I I"IO
of intercessory prayer.
1. &he %or trans)ate AintercessionsA in I &i1othy ,=1 oes not necessari)y contain the i ea of prayin2 for so1eone e)se. &he ren erin2 is inexact. &he %or rather enotes an approach to Go in confi ent9 fa1i)iar prayer. ,. &he i ea of prayin2 on -eha)f of others is c)ear in the context of this passa2e an in 1any9 1any other passa2es -oth in the O) an $e% &esta1ents. B*or exa1p)e= Pa() prayin2 for the ch(rch or reG(estin2 his rea ers to pray for hi19 etc.C 4. Intercession 1eans si1p)y to 1a<e reG(est or petition on -eha)f of9 or for the -enefit of9 another person or persons. In intercession the -e)iever is actin2 as an inter1e iary -et%een Go an 1an.
a. Exa1p)es a-o(n of 1en an %o1en %ho -ear testi1ony that their sa)vation traces to the prayers of 2o )y parents. -. Parents 1(st teach their chi) ren to pray at the ear)iest possi-)e a2e. 3. &he (nsave . So1e specific reG(ests on -eha)f of the (nsave inc)( e= a. &hat Go %i)) re1ove that %hich see1s to -e a hin rance to hisKher sa)vation9 -. &hat heKshe %i)) -e -ro(2ht (n er the so(n of the Gospe)9 c. &hat the Wor of Go %i)) po%erf())y %or< in hisKher heart9 . &hat Go %i)) ra% hi1Kher to !hrist B0ohn '=88C. e. What others can yo( na1e? 5. A*or a)) 1enA BI &i1. ,=1C. &here is a p)ace for 2enera) prayer.
a. When E:ra ret(rne to 0er(sa)e19 the peop)e of Israe) %ere in s(ch a -ac<s)i en con ition that preachin2 see1e to o )itt)e 2oo . &hen he %ent to prayer an 1ove the nation -y his prayers BE:ra 59 16C. -. A-raha1?s servant %as sent in search of a -ri e for Isaac. In or er to <no% %ho she sho() -e9 he praye that she %o() act9 ta)< an respon in a partic()ar %ay. In ans%er9 a certain %o1an9 Re-e<ah9 acte 9 ta)<e an respon e in the exact %ay he ha reG(este BGen. ,8=1,F,6C. c. $ehe1iah %ante to o so1ethin2 to he)p re-(i) the %a))s of 0er(sa)e19 so he praye to Go to 1a<e this possi-)e. Artaxerxes %as 1ove not on)y to per1it $ehe1iah to ret(rn to re-(i) the %a))s -(t to s(pp)y nee e 1ateria)s as %e))B$eh. 1=8F,=5C. 5. !onc)(sion. Whether or not %e can so)ve the inte))ect(a) an phi)osophica) pro-)e1s invo)ve in 1atters of h(1an persona)ity9 se)fF eter1ination9 free %i))9 etc.9 it is c)ear that %e are co11an e to pray for others9 an s(ch prayer 1a<es a ifference. '. App)ication. a. !o(ntries that are Ac)ose A to the Gospe). Go can 1ove the 1in s of r()ers9 -. !o1p)ex 2overn1ent re)ations that 1any 1issionaries face9 c. Govern1ent 1atters that affect the %or< of the Gospe)9 . Interpersona) pro-)e1s that are a part of every Gospe) %or<= in the ch(rch9 on a 1ission station9 in a schoo)9 etc. So1e cannot -e ea)t %ith Ahea FonA %itho(t ca(sin2 2reat ist(r-ance an har1 to the +or ?s %or<. B(t Go can 1ove the tho(2hts an chan2e the 1in s of the tro(-)in2 parties. e. !oncernin2 an (nsave person. &here are ti1es %hen no f(rther %itnessin29 preachin29 pers(a in2 or ar2(in2 avai)s. &he person 1(st -e p(t into the han s of the +or thro(2h persistent9 prevai)in2 prayer.
of intercessory prayer.
In a ition to the irect -enefits to those for %ho1 prayer is 1a e9 there are ref)ex -enefits to the one %ho prays. &hese o not constit(te a 1a>or 1otivation for faithf()ness in prayerE -(t as in a)) thin2s9 %hen Go is o-eye 9 2reat -)essin2 accr(es to the o-e ient one. 1. Interests are en)ar2e . If I a1 co11itte to pray for a servant of the +or in Para2(ay9 I a1 2oin2 to ta<e ne% interest in the affairs an con itions of that co(ntry. ,. Sy1pathies are eepene . A frien shares a eep -(r en9 an I co11it 1yse)f to pray. I -eco1e sensitive to that 1atter9 not on)y in hi1 -(t in others. 4. Spirit(a) sensitivity is sharpene . I co11it 1yse)f to pray for a spirit(a) -att)e that a frien is havin2 Be.2. so1e hatre 9 str(22)es in the tho(2ht )ife9 coveto(sness or )a:inessC. As a res()t9 I see so1e of the sa1e con itions in 1yse)f that I ha not notice -efore. 8. Gen(ine >oy is experience Bsee 0ohn 15=11E 1'=,8C. &his >oy is one of the Afa1i)yA privi)e2es of the chi) of Go . 5. !hrist)i<e character is enhance .
!hrist ca1e into the %or) for others. 7e )ive for others9 7e ie for others9 7e )ives to ay for others9 an one ay 7e is co1in2 a2ain for others. Any se)fishness is the exact opposite of !hrist)i<eness. Intercessory prayer ta<es o(r interests o(tsi e o(rse)ves an to that e2ree9 fosters o(r 2ro%th in character.
GE ERA&.
a. 7is intercession consists 1ain)y of 7is presence in heaven on o(r -eha)f B7e-. 5=,8C9 a)tho(2h the i ea of voca) reG(est is not prohi-ite . -. &he Gree< %or trans)ate interce e 1eans Ato ea) or transact %ith one person in reference to another9 either 1a<in2 a state1ent ?concernin2? hi1 (pon %hich certain procee in2s o(2ht to fo))o%9 or as<in2 so1ethin2 ?for? or ?a2ainst? hi1A B"i))i2an9 p. 151C. ,. It is for (s. Every passa2e spea<in2 specifica))y of !hrist?s intercession in heaven in icates that it is on -eha)f of Hfor the -enefit ofHthe -e)iever BAfor (s . . . for the1 ... for o(r sinsAC. 4. It is contin(o(s. A7e ever )iveth to 1a<e intercessionA B7e-. .=,5C. 8. It is -ase (pon 7is o%n perfect9 onceFforFa)) sacrifice at !a)vary. a. St( y 7e-re%s 5 an 169 notin2 especia))y 5=,8F,3 an 16=16F18. -. &his 1eans9 a1on2 1any other %on erf() thin2s9 that !hrist?s petitions on -eha)f of 7is peop)e have a -asis of a-so)(te >(stice BI 0ohn 1=5C. c. 7is atone1ent pai for a)) o(r sin9 an %e are seen as perfect)y >(stifie in 7i1.
*aith is the -asic princip)e of the -e)iever?s )ife BII !or. 5=.E 7e-. 11='9 etc.C. It is not s(rprisin29 therefore9 that o(r +or ?s intercession %o() inc)( e this partic()ar aspect of o(r character. Peter?s faith i not fai)9 tho(2h his co(ra2e i . 8. Preservation thro(2h ti1es of satanic attac<9 especia))y %hen %e o not <no% that those attac<s are co1in2. $ote Peter?s i2norance of %hat )ay ahea for hi1 an his conseG(ent se)fFconfi ence B+(<e ,,=41F48E 0ohn 1.=15C. 5. Protection as %e 1ove thro(2h a an2ero(s %or) B0ohn 1.=11C. See Pa()?s reG(est for hi1se)f in II &hessa)onians 4=19,. '. P(rity as %e 1ove thro(2h a very irty %or) B0ohn 1.=1.C. &his passa2e nee s to -e consi ere a)so fro1 the stan point of positiona) sancFtification. Go ?s peop)e are set apart an are istinct -eca(se of their possession of9 an o-e ience to9 the tr(th of Go . .. Sy1pathetic he)p in facin2 the te1ptations an tests of )ife B7e-. ,=1.9 13E 8=159 1'C. 3. Spirit(a) (nity B0ohn 1.=,1C. 5. #)ti1ate 2)orification B0ohn 1.=,8C. It is si2nificant to note that 0es(s praye for 1any of these thin2s %hi)e here on earth. "ay it not -e that 7e contin(es 7is intercession for (s a)on2 these sa1e )ines in heaven to ay?
A. -hat is faith8
1. $at(ra) faithHthe -asis of co11(nity )ife. We tr(st the octor9 the 1erchant9 the -(s river9 the airp)ane pi)ot9 etc. ,. Spirit(a) faithHthe -i-)ica) efinition. A$o% faith is -ein2 s(re of %hat %e hope for an certain of %hat %e o not seeA B7e-. 11=19$I/C.
B. Bi'$ica$ exa*p$es.
1. By faith9 A-raha1 o-eye Go an %ent to the p)ace to %hich he %as ca))e 9 even tho(2h he i not <no% %here it %as. 7e a)so9 %hen pro1ise a son in his o) a2e9 -e)ieve Go ?s re1ar<a-)e pro1ise BRo1. 8=13F,,C. ,. By faith9 the three 7e-re% yo(n2 1en tr(ste Go 9 even %hen they i not <no% exact)y %hat Go %as 2oin2 to o BDan. 4=1'F13C. 4. When 0es(s hea)e the son of the no-)e1an9 7e 1ere)y to) the 1an that his son %as hea)e 9 an the 1an Atoo< 0es(s at his %or an eparte A B0ohn 8=569 $I/C. 8. When Pa() receive a reass(rin2 %or fro1 Go 9 he anno(nce to his co1panions on the stric<en ship9 A;eep (p yo(r co(ra2e9 1en9 for I have faith in Go that it %i)) happen >(st as he to) 1eA BActs ,.=,59 $I/C.
,. Positive aspects. a. Prayin2 in faith fin s its %arrant in the pro1ises of the Wor of Go . B1C &he vita) princip)e of prayer is to t(rn the pro1ises of Go into practice thro(2h prayer. BaC AWe 1(st t(rn Go ?s pro1ises into prayer9 an then they sha)) -e t(rne into perfor1anceA B"atthe% 7enryC. B-C A&ho(2h the Bi-)e -e cro% e %ith 2o) en pro1ises fro1 cover to cover9 yet %i)) they -e inoperative (nti) %e t(rn the1 into prayer . . . . Go ?s pro1ises are 2iven9 not to restrain9 -(t to incite to prayerA B*. B. "eyerC. B,C E)i>ah praye Go ?s pro1ises into perfor1ance. B!o1pare I ;in2s 1.=1 %ith 0a1es 5=1.E then see De(t. 11=1'91.E then co1pare I ;in2s 13=1 %ith 13=819 8,.C B4C &he pro1ises 1a e to Israe)H pro1ises of s(re f()fi))1entHare to -e praye into perfor1ance. See E:e<ie) 4' Besp. v. 4'CE then note v. 4. BAI %i)) yet for this -e inG(ire of -y the ho(se of Israe)AC. B8C When Danie) rea)i:e that it %as ti1e for Go to f()fi)) 7is pro1ise to restore Israe) to her )an 9 he %ent to prayer9 as<in2 Go to o %hat 7e ha a)rea y pro1ise that 7e %o() o BDan. 5=1F4E see a)so 0er. ,5=16F18C. -. &he %ho)e -i-)ica) reve)ation en s %ith a pro1ise an a prayer BRev. ,,=,6C. &his )ast %or of 0es(s to 7is peop)e Ais the pro1ise of pro1isesH the cro%n an cons(11ation of a)) pro1iseHthe coronation of a)) evan2e)ic hopesHthe s(1 of a)) prophecy an prayerA BSeiss9 p. 5,.C. c. Prayin2 in faith oes not reG(ire externa) confir1ation9 -(t -e)ieves Go in spite of appearances. B1C E)i>ah?s prayer for rain %as a tri(1ph of faith in spite of the repeate report fro1 his servant that the s<y re1aine c)o( )ess BI ;in2s 13=81F85C. B,C In spite of the fact that A-raha1?s %ife %as far past the a2e of chi) -earin29 he -e)ieve the pro1ise of Go that he %o() have a son BRo1. 8=13F,1C. . Prayin2 in faith is so1eti1es pro1pte -y the 7o)y Spirit?s %or<in2 in the heart concernin2 a 1atter not specifica))y spo<en of in the Script(res. &here are 1any exa1p)es of this in !hristian history. One of the 1ost pro1inent is the prayer experience of Geor2e "(e))er of Bristo)9 En2)an 9 %ho9 in the care of his )ar2e orphana2e9 %as often )e to pray %ith rea) faith for the provision of nee s.
,. "atthe% 5=18915E "ar< ,=13F,6E +(<e 5=44F45. a. *astin2 %as a practice of 0ohn?s iscip)es an the Pharisees9 -. 0es(s? ans%er to the G(estion %o() in icate that= B1C &here are ti1es appropriate for re>oicin2 an for 1o(rnin2. B,C D(rin2 this a2e9 %hen !hrist is a-sent9 fastin2 is appropriate. B4C *astin2 is so1eti1es B-(t not a)%aysC associate %ith 1o(rnin2.
-. D(rin2 the 1e ieva) perio the 1onastics perverte the practice of fastin2 to a 1eritorio(s %or< an satisfaction to -e ren ere to Go . c. &he )ist is en )ess of 1en an %o1en 1i2hti)y (se of Go %ho testify to the -enefit of prayer an fastin29 inc)( in2= "artin +(ther9 Geor2e Whitefie) 9 0onathan E %ar s9 Davi Brainer 9 7enry "artyn9 An re% Bonar an 7( son &ay)or. &hese testi1onies cannot -e i2nore . 5. 0. Os%a) San ers s(22ests that fastin2 after the $e% &esta1ent pattern %as the spontaneo(s o(tco1e of the fo))o%in2= a. &he cha))en2e of a specia) test or te1ptation9 -. A eep yearnin2 for a c)oser %a)< %ith Go . c. A heavy -(r en for the sprea of the Gospe) in the re2ions -eyon 9 . Spirit(a) travai) for the (p-(i) in2 of the ch(rch9 e. &he exi2encies of a st(--orn sit(ation. '. In the 1atter of Ato fast or not to fast9A )et (s -e neither )e2a)istic nor >( 21enta)H-(t very sensitive to o(r o%n nee s9 the (r2ency of the ho(r an the pro1ptin2s of the 7o)y Spirit.
4. &he *A"I+D princip)e. &he ch(rch is the fa1i)y of Go . In any fa1i)y it is ri2ht an proper for a)) the chi) ren to (nite )y 1a<e a reG(est of their fatherHan it can -e expecte that the (nite reG(est %i)) have a consi era-)e i1pact (pon the %i)) an e1otions of the parent. #sin2 this as an ana)o2y in the spirit(a) rea)1 %e are re1in e that it is ri2ht9 proper an necessary for the fa1i)y of Go 9 or a part of that fa1i)y9 to (nite )y petition the heaven)y *ather for so1e esire reG(est.
4. Each pastor sho() see< to 1a<e his officia) -o y B eacons9 e) ers9 etc.C a po%erf() prayin2 force. "en %ho are re)(ctant a-o(t prayer o not -e)on2 in p)aces of )ea ership in the ch(rch. 8. "any fa1i)y pro-)e1s Bre-e))io(s chi) ren9 h(s-an F%ife friction9 i1pen in2 ivorce9 etc.C co() -e so)ve if there %as a s1a)) prayer 2ro(p in the ch(rch %hose 1e1-ers %o() re2()ar)y a2ree to2ether an fervent)y pray a-o(t those 1atters.
A. Sense of d#ty.
1. D(ty is not the hi2hest of 1otives9 -(t it is a )e2iti1ate one an a 2oo one. 0es(s sai that 1en o(2ht a)%ays to pray B+(<e 13=1C. ,. We ca)) 0es(s A+or .A 7o% can %e ca)) 7i1 +or an fai) to o %hat 7e says B+(<e '=8'C? 4. &hat %hich is one fro1 a sense of (ty Bo-e ienceC soon -eco1es e)i2ht.
B. A sense of privi$e+e.
1. It is none other than A)1i2hty Go %ho invites (s to pray B0er. 44=4C. ,. It is none other than 0es(s !hrist9 the secon person of the &ri(ne Go 9 %ho has 1a e it possi-)e for (s to pray B0ohn 18='E 7e-. 16=159 ,69 etc.C. 4. It is none other than the 7o)y Spirit9 the thir person of the &ri(ne Go 9 %ho has ei2ne to assist (s in o(r prayin2 BRo1. 3=,'9 ,.C. 8. Does not the opport(nity exten e to (s (n%orthy sinners fi)) (s %ith a sense of privi)e2e as %e approach the throne of 2race?
C. ,#*i$ity.
1. $o one has the inherent ri2ht to enter into the presence of Go an petition 7i1. &hat ri2ht %as forfeite -y sin an rec)ai1e for (s at the 2reat price of the eath of 0es(s !hrist. ,. !orrect vie%s of o(r o%n epravity9 the 2races exten e to (s an the sinf()ness of o(r hearts B0er. 1.=5C %i)) re1ove a)) arro2ance an ena-)e (s to approach Go -o) )y B7e-. 8=1'C9 yet h(1-)y B+(<e 13=14C.
D. S#'*ission.
1. Prayer that p)eases the *ather is that %hich is offere to 7i1 in the spirit of 7is o%n Son9 ADet not "y %i))9 -(t &hine -e oneA B+(<e ,,=8,9 $ASBC. ,. One of the s(-t)e an2ers of the prayer experience is to thin< that Go isn?t hearin2 (sHor oesn?t )ove (sH-eca(se 7e oes not ans%er o(r petition in >(st the %ay %e ha hope an expecte . 4. B(t Go 9 for 2reat an %ise reasons9 enie reG(ests of "oses9 E)i>ah9 Pa()9 etc. In every case9 7is enia) iss(e in 2reater -)essin2. 8. &he )o2ic of s(-1ission is si1p)y Go ?s %is o1. 7e <no%s 1e9 the %ay ahea an the thin2 that is -est. &herefore9 I rest in 7i1 BPhi). 8='9 .C.
E. %ervency.
1. &oo 1(ch of o(r prayin2 is perf(nctory9 even )ac<a aisica). It )ac<s rea) serio(sness9 2en(ine esire an fervent )on2in29 a. E)i>ah praye earnest)y B0a1es 5=1'9 1.C. -. "oses praye p)ea in2)y BEx. 4,=11F149 419 4,E 44=1,F1'C.
c. Danie) praye intense)y BDan. 5=1.F15C. . Pa() praye a2oni:in2)y BRo1. 15=46E Ga). 8=15C. e. 0es(s praye persistent)y B"att. ,'=45F88C. ,. A&he ca)) to prayer 1eans a ca)) to %or<9 not a s(11ons to set 2oin2 a 1achine %hich nee s neither -rain nor heart. It is a ca)) to 2ather (p a)) the forces of the so()9 an to s(11on the1 to the intensest activity. It is inF ee the hi2hest exercise to %hich a 1an can -e ca))e A B7astin2s9 p. ,65C.
%. Definiteness.
1. When the -)in 1an ca))e to 0es(s for 1ercy9 0es(s rep)ie 9 AWhat o yo( %ant 1e to o for yo(?A B"ar< 16=519 $I/C. An the -)in 1an sai to 7i19 ARa--oni9 I %ant to re2ain 1y si2htIA Bv. 519 $ASBC. ,. 0es(s <ne% the 1an?s nee 9 -(t 7e %ante to hear fro1 his )ips a istinct an specific expression of %hat his esire %as. 4. +et (s 1a<e o(r reG(est specific an c)ear. An re% "(rray points o(t that o(r +or %ants (s to 1a<e istinct expression of efinite nee for o(r o%n 2oo BWith !hrist in the Schoo) of Prayer9 pp. .89 .5C. a. Definite prayer teaches (s to <no% o(r o%n nee s -etter9 -. Definite prayer searches (s an p(ts (s to the test as to %hether o(r esires are honest an rea)9 s(ch as %e are rea y to persevere in. c. Definite prayer )ea s (s to >( 2e %hether o(r esires are accor in2 to Go ?s Wor 9 . Definite prayer he)ps (s to %ait for the specia) ans%er an to note it %hen it co1es.
A. Interna$ hindrances.
1. #n-e)ief. a. Prayer 1ay -e entere into in a perf(nctory 1anner %itho(t any rea) confi ence that anythin2 is to -e acco1p)ishe -y it. -. B(t apart fro1 faith it is i1possi-)e to p)ease Go B7e-. 11='C9 an Script(re p)ain)y ec)ares that the one %ho oes not pray in faith cannot expect anythin2 fro1 the +or B0a1es 1=5F.C. c. &he anti ote for (n-e)ief. B1C !ontin(e to pray o(t of a sense of (ty or Ao(2htness9A re2()ar)y confessin2 o(r (n-e)ief. B,C Give a 2oo portion of c)oset ti1e to 1e itatin2 in the Script(res9 inc)( in2 the Psa)1s9 %hich are often 2ran expressions of faith9 an the Gospe)s9 %hich portray !hrist as One %ho can -e a-so)(te)y tr(ste . B4C Rea an co))ect acco(nts of ans%ers to prayer. ,. Weariness B-oth physica) an 1enta)C. a. O(r -o ies an spirits are -o(n to2ether in an in ivisi-)e A-(n )e of )ife.A A %eary -o y an Kor an exha(ste 1in 1a<es prayer very iffic()t. -. &h(s9 )i<e the apost)es B"att. ,'=86C9 %e %i)) isappoint the Savio(rHs)eepin2 %hen %e sho() -e %atchin2 an fe))o%shippin2 %ith 7i1. +i<e Peter9 %e 1ay %e)) fa)) into sin -eca(se %e have not 2ir e o(rse)ves for the te1ptations ahea B"att. ,'=81C. c. &he anti ote for %eariness. B1C Set a ti1e for prayer %hen 1in an -o y are 1ost reste . B,C Do not fee) o-)i2ate to a)%ays <nee). Wa)<in2 the f)oor %i)) <eep the -o y 1ore a)ert. 4. Wan erin2 tho(2hts. a. It is not (nco11on that %e Aco1e to o(rse)vesA in the 1i st of an inten e ti1e of prayer on)y to iscover that %e haven?t -een prayin2 at a)) -(t have -een thin<in2 a-o(t this an that9 -. &his a)so is isappointin2 to the Savio(rH that %e sho() fai) to conscio(s)y en>oy 7is presence %ith (s. c. &he anti ote for %an erin2 tho(2hts. B1C Pray a)o( . It is necessary to foc(s the tho(2hts %hen they are -ein2 expresse ver-a))y. B,C &hro(2h concentration an 1e itation9 en eavor to center the tho(2hts (pon Go an 7is tr(th -efore -e2innin2 to pray. B4C #se the Script(res9 t(rnin2 the pro1ises an a 1onitions into prayer BII !or. 16=89 5C. B8C #se a caref())y prepare prayer )ist.
B. Externa$ hindrances.
1. B(syness.
a. "ost earnest !hristians )ive -(sy )ives. &here %i)) -e 1any convenient %ays to exc(se o(r o1ittin2 prayer fro1 o(r ai)y sche ()e. -. One of the 2reat e)(sions of Satan is to 2ive the i1pression that activity is eG(iva)ent to spirit(a)ity. &his is never tr(e. We 1(st Ata<e ti1e to -e ho)y.A Spirit(a) 2ro%th 1(st -e c()tivate an n(rt(re . &he -(sy )ife %itho(t prayer -eco1es steri)e an po%er)ess. &he -e)iever event(a))y -eco1es a%are that he is A-eatin2 the air9A acco1p)ishin2 very )itt)e9 an has no sense of rea) fe))o%ship %ith the *ather. c. &he anti ote for -(syness. B1C Set a fixe ti1e for c)oset prayer9 a))o%in2 nothin2 to (s(rp that ti1e. B,C !onscio(s)y an e)i-erate)y see< to eve)op the spirit of prayer. o the sa1e (pon BaC Deter1ine to spen one 1in(te o(t of every %a<in2 ho(r of the ay in prayer. B-C Deve)op the ha-it of concentratin2 on Go in the first %a<in2 1o1ent of the ay9 an retirin2 at ni2ht. BcC "e1ori:e an si)ent)y recite Script(re. ,. Interr(ptions. a. "any of the thin2s sai (n er A-(synessA a)so app)y here. -. S ee< to esta-)ish a re2()ar ti1e for prayer %hen the pro-a-i)ity of interr(ption is 1ost )i1ite .
;. O#r faith *ay 'e restin+ on a !ron+ 'asis4 faith in faith or faith in prayer rather than faith in God
B"ar< 11=,,C.
?. God *ay 'e de$ayin+ the ans!er 'eca#se ,e has so*ethin+ 'etter for #s than !hat !e have as3ed
B0ohn 11=1F'E +(<e 5=1F1'E 3=86F5'C.
B. Partic#$ars
BEph. '=139 15C. 1. APrayin2A Bv. 13C.
+iven
for
the
conf$ict
a. Prayer is the 2reat expression of epen ence9 -. &he !hristian?s victory is a)%ays Ain the +or A Bv. 16C. c. &he 2reat necessity9 therefore9 is to <eep in constant co11(nication %ith 7i1. ,. APrayin2 a)%aysA Bv. 13C.
&his is Ato have the spirit in s(ch (n-ro<en co11(nion %ith the +or that a)) thin2s9 at a)) ti1es9 in a)) p)aces9 1ay -e carrie to 7i1 in the (p%ar )oo< an in%ar attit( e9 even if no %or s are spo<en. It i1p)ies a)so the o(tstretche han of co1p)ete epen ence -oth on or inary ays an in s( en crisesA BR(th Paxson9 p. ,15C. 4. AWith a)) prayerA Bv. 13C. &he %arfare invo)ves a)) <in s of prayer9 at a)) ti1es9 in a)) p)aces9 a-o(t a)) thin2s. 8. AAn s(pp)icationA Bv. 13C. a. Prayers 1(st -e foc(se on so1e specia) nee or an2er of the one for %ho1 %e are prayin29 -. &he ch(rch prayin2 for Peter in prison BActs 1,C9 for exa1p)e. 5. AIn the SpiritA Bv. 13C. &he 7o)y Spirit 1(st irect9 inspire an ener2i:e o(r prayers9 for 7e a)one <no%s a)) of Satan?s %i)es an ho% to ea) %ith the1. '. AAn %atchin2 there(ntoA Bv. 13C. a. &he prayer %arrior 1(st -e a)ert to any )a:iness or se)fFin ()2ence that %o() (nfit hi1 for prayer9 -. 7e nee s9 a)so9 to -e %atchf() of Satan?s evices an for the evi ence of Go ?s %or<in2. .. AWith a)) perseveranceA Bv. 13C. a. 7e 1(st not yie) to isco(ra2e1ent -eca(se of e)aye ans%ers9 -. 7e 1(st not -e ef)ecte fro1 his prayer p(rpose -y the press(re of other thin2s. 3. A*or a)) saintsA Bv. 13C. a. &he ch(rch is the Bo y of !hristE therefore9 %hen one 1e1-er s(ffers9 the Bo y s(ffers. -. &he %ho)e Bo y of !hrist s(ffers efeat to the e2ree that the in ivi (a) 1e1-ers are efeate 9 an the victory of the ch(rch over the satanic foe is epen ent (pon the victory of every !hristian. c. 7erein )ies the responsi-i)ity of each saint for a)) saints9 th(s cha))en2in2 the se)fishness an exc)(siveness that characteri:e so 1any of o(r pastors an other !hristian )ea ers. 5. AAn for 1eA Bv. 15C. a. Pa() %as !hrist?s chiefFofFstaff of the h(1an forces of that ear)y ch(rch. 7e %as the tar2et9 therefore9 of Satan?s 1ost vicio(s attac<s. -. It is tr(e in every a2e. If the ene1y can estroy the )ea ership9 he has %on a 2reat victory. c. &herefore9 %e 1(st pray earnest)y for Go ?s servants every%here.
8. &his prince %as o-vio(s)y not the earth)y prince of Persia -(t %as one of the Ar()ers of the ar<ness of this %or) A 1entione in Eph. '=1,. 7e %as the e1onic9 evi) po%er -ehin the <in2 of Persia9 one of the e1issaries of the Aprince of the po%er of the airA BEph. ,=,C. 5. So po%erf() %as the e1onic prince that he %as a-)e to hin er the heaven)y 1essen2er (nti) he)p ca1e fro1 "ichae)9 one of the chief an2e)s. '. &h(s9 satanic activity hin ere the ans%er to Danie)?s prayer for a perio of three %ee<s.
a. I entify the ene1y BEph. '=1,C. &he 2reat s(ccess of satanic effort is seen in his ca(sin2 1any to eny his existence9 i2nore hi19 treat hi1 )i2ht)y9 etc. -. "aintain in o(r hearts a eter1ination to overco1e SatanHto -e so-er an vi2i)ant in o(r attit( e to%ar hi1 BI Pet. 5=3C. c. Rea)i:e that in spirit(a) %arfare the %eapFons of the f)esh are (tter)y (se)ess BII !or. 16=8C. . Be persistent in prayer since %e <no% that there 1ay -e a str(22)e in the very heaven)ies to hin er the ans%er to o(r prayers. e. 0oin %ith other !hristians in their prayer %arfare an ca)) (pon others to co1e to o(r ai BRo1. 15=46C. f. Offensive)y9 the !hristian 1(st= B1C Pray as o(r +or irecte (s= A e)iver (s fro1 the evi) oneA B"att. '=149 $I/C. B,C !onfi ent)y -(t h(1-)y c)ai1 victory over Satan9 havin2 as o(r 2ro(n the atonin2 %or< of the +or 0es(s !hrist BRev. 1,=11C. B4C When spirit(a) str(22)es are especia))y intense9 1ay %e not ca)) (pon the +or 7i1se)f to re-(<e Satan? B0( e 5C.
B. "here *#st 'e a ti*e esta'$ished that !i$$ 'e 3ept as faithf#$$y as *ea$ti*e/ 'edti*e/ etc. C. "he fo$$o!in+ si*p$e ti*e sched#$e *ay 'e fo$$o!ed.
With experience9 this %i)) -e a)tere to 1eet the in ivi (a)?s nee an esires. 1. 15 1in(tesHRea in2 of Script(re9 caref())y se)ectin2 passa2es that %i)) -e con (cive to 1e itation9 1in preparation an 2ivin2 a sense of the presence of Go . ,. 16 1in(tesHA season of confession9 than<s2ivin2 an %orship. &he (se of 2oo hy1ns 1ay -e he)pf() here9 -(t 1a<e the %or s yo(r o%n. 4. 15 1in(tesHRea fro1 another -oo< B evotiona) or spirit(a) -io2raphyC9 a. "y #t1ost for 7is 7i2hest -y Os%a) !ha1-ers9 -. 7( son &ay)or?s Spirit(a) Secret -y "rs. 7( son &ay)or. c. &he essays of A. W. &o:er9 especia))y &he ;no%)e 2e of the 7o)y. . &he essays of *. W. Boreha1. e. ;no%in2 Go -y 0. I. Pac<er9 f. &he 7i en +ife of Prayer -y D. ". "c)ntyre. 2. Effect(a) *ervent Prayer -y Gor on Watt. 8. ,6 1in(tesHSeason of petition an intercessory prayer9 a. #se yo(r prayer )ist here9
-. Do %hatever is necessary to rea))y ta)< %ith Go = pray a)o( 9 %a)< the f)oor9 etc. c. Revie% the co1in2 ay?s activities that yo( <no% a-o(t an co11it the1 to Go . . As< for 2race9 %is o19 etc.9 for the (nexpecte . e. As< for Go to (se yo(r )ife in to(chin2 so1eone e)se?s )ife that ay.
Definition.
An intercessory forei2n 1issionary is a A)a-orerA %ho cannot 2o in person to the forei2n fie) . 7e sets hi1se)f apart to pray for the efinite etai)s of the forei2n 1issionary %or<. 7e a)one is entit)e to the na1e9 %ho enters (pon an en2a2e1ent to %or< for efinite fie) s. 7is en2a2e1ent is as rea) as an appoint1ent -y a forei2n 1ission -oar . 7is stri<in2 pec()iarities are that he is %or<in2 in the rea)1 of Athe heaven)iesA instea of a1on2 visi-)e 1en an that there are no restrictions (pon the n(1-er %ho can -e intercessors or to the p)aces of their resi ence or the variety9 s%eep an co1p)eteness of the res()ts acco1p)ishe .
We can reach a !hinese -y spea<in2 face to face %ith hi19 -(t %e can stri<e the spirit(a) Prince of !hina on)y -y %ay of the p)ace Aa-ove %here !hrist isA ever )ivin2 to 1a<e intercession. An inspection of Ephesians ' sho%s that the en of p(ttin2 on the ar1or of Go is prayer for a)) saints9 -(t especia))y for Pa() %ho represents his 1issionary s(ccessors. &his ar1or is not for se)fish protection -(t to ena-)e (s to Astan 9A an )i<e "oses9 Aaron an 7(r9 -y s(pp)ication to 2ive victory to those fi2htin2 A1a)e< BEx. 1.=3F1'C. 0es(s i not ca)) (pon the 1, )e2ions of an2e)s -(t (pon 7is iscip)esHthat they sho() %atch %ith 7i1 in prayer %hi)e 7e fo(2ht the invisi-)e foe. In this 7e has sho%n the %ay for a)) %ho Afi2ht the fi2ht of faith.A Even no%9 it is -y intercession that 7e contin(es the %ar. 4. Beca(se the 1issionary on the fie) cannot o his %or< a)one. When the intercessor?s han s fa))9 A1a)e< prevai)s on the 1ission fie) to ay. &he ene1y is stron2. 0es(s ref(se to -o% o%n to Satan9 -(t the heathen -o% an %orshipE therefore9 the -)ac<ness of ar<ness -roo s over those )an s9 a stif)in29 cho<in2 po%er of eath. &here a !hristian is )i<e a iver at the -otto1 of the sea. In !hristian co(ntries9 prayer is contin(a))y offere for the pastor an for every etai) of the %or< of the ch(rchE specia) 1eetin2s are he) to pray for a reviva). In openFair 1eetin2s9 %hi)e one is spea<in29 others are prayin2. Exact)y in the sa1e %ay9 one or t%o 1issionaries a)one a1on2 tho(san s or 1i))ions nee other peop)e to pray efinite)y %hi)e they %or< or spea<. On)y9 the nee is 1ore (r2entE as the -otto1 of the sea is 1ore an2ero(s than the air9 so there are 1ore eaths Aon the firin2 )ineA than in the G(iet of the ho1e. &he Bo y of !hrist oes not consist of each one of (s in ivi (a))y -(t of a)) to2ether9 an if a 1issionary is )eft %itho(t s(fficient ai in prayer9 he s(ffers9 )i1ps an st(1-)es. So1e have fa))en a%ay. 7e 1ay s(ccee in fi2htin2 his %ay to the very presence of Go an there receive -)essin2s (nspea<a-)e9 -(t 1ean%hi)e the heathen perish.
see res()ts9 he %as a-)e to o 1ore for the heathen toi)in2 as an intercessor in A1erica than %hi)e he %as a1on2 the heathen %itho(t intercessors p)ea in2 for hi1.
-arnin+s
1. So1e 1ay -e te1pte to cherish a s(-t)e9 hi en fee)in2 that -y oin2 this %or< they are conferrin2 a favor on so1eone -y he)pin2. $ot at a))E it is the other %ay. &he (nspea<a-)e favor is 2rante yo( of sharin2 the -(r en of intercession ai)y carrie -y the risen "an9 !hrist 0es(s9 in heaven. ,. A ne%)y arrive 1issionary 2enera))y cannot vote for the first year9 as so 1(ch has to -e )earne -efore he can o so inte))i2ent)y. In the sa1e %ay9 one -e2innin2 as an intercessory 1issionary nee s to consi er hi1se)f as a -e2inner %ith 1(ch to )earn. 4. "any9 1any ti1es yo( %i)) -e te1pte to 2ive it a)) (p as (se)ess9 for every possi-)e for1 of eception %i)) -e a1on2 Satan?s A%i)esA to stop yo(r intercessionE if he can stop each one9 his victory is ass(re 9 an there are a)ar1in2)y fe% intercessors. 8. Be rea y patient)y to toi) on %itho(t apparent res()tsE ti1e is reG(ire for the1 to sho%. "any a )a-orer has %or<e for years %itho(t seein2 the res()ts that over>oye his s(ccessorsE cannot yo( o the sa1e? 5. Woe -e to anyone %ho tries to -eco1e an intercessory 1issionary %hi)e the +or is ca))in2 hi1 to 2o in person. In "atthe% .=,49 !hrist ca))s s(ch Aye that %or< iniG(ityA Bor )a%)essnessC9 for a)tho(2h they ha -een e1inent)y s(ccessf() %or<ers9 %hat they i %as not Athe %i))A of Go for the1.
Genera$ tr#ths.
1. In irect %or<. Every !hristian sho() o so1e %or< as an intercessory 1issionary9 -(t there are so1e at ho1e %ho1 the +or ca))s to 2ive their ai)y toi) for the sa)vation of the nations. "any are nee e %ho9 -y teachin29 %ritin2 an exhortin29 sha)) aro(se !hristians to a sense of their responsi-i)ity for the eath of those %ho
perish9 not -eca(se they are sinners -(t -eca(se the sa)vation prepare for the1 -y !hrist has never -een offere to the1 -y 1en. In the %or< here s(22este 9 ho(seFtoFho(se visitation a1on2 ch(rch 1e1-ers has prove 1ost effective in aro(sin2 the1 to their privi)e2es in the forei2n fie) s. A ca(tion is here nee e 9 for s(ch %or< is on)y in irect9 an 1ost >ea)o(s9 prayerf() care is nee e to prevent it fro1 isp)acin2 the irect %or< of intercession. Any %or< that is visi-)e so appea)s to o(r pri e that it is 1ore attractive than is the )one)y toi) of intercession. ,. Re>ections. It is 2enera))y consi ere that Go has not ca))e one to the forei2n %or< if a2e9 hea)th9 fa1i)y re)ations9 re>ection -y a 1ission -oar or other o(t%ar circ(1stances prevent hi1 fro1 2oin2 a-roa . S(ch circ(1stances have no -earin2 %hatever on the G(estion as to %hether the +or %ants yo( to %or< irect)y for the sa)vation of the heathen9 Go is %aitin2 for yo( to ta<e yo(r p)ace in &7E /I&A+9 DI**I!#+& A$D B+ESSED WOR; O* 0OI$I$G !hrist in interce in2 -efore 7i1. It is not evi ence of o-e ience to rift G(iet)y a)on2 at ease9 )ettin2 the fara%ay9 (nseen 1()tit( es perish for the )ac< of yo(r prayers. So1e )a-orers 1(st not 2o to the 1ission fie) . 4. S(-stit(tes. When a raft is 1a e for %ar service9 on)y a )i1ite n(1-er of 1en are ca))e o(t9 an a As(-stit(teA has to -e one of those not rafte in his o%n na1e. B(t in this spirit(a) %ar9 every citi:en of heaven is rafte 9 an no s(-stit(tes are possi-)e -eca(se there are none )eft (n rafte . /ictory is i1possi-)e (n)ess those at ho1e 1eet an ro(t the invisi-)e foe. It is (n>(st to sen a 1an into the ea )y -)ac<ness of heathenis1 %itho(t 2ivin2 yo(r )ife in intercession for hi1 %hi)e he 2ives his )ife for the heathen. We 1(st A)ay o%n o(r )ives for the -rethrenA BI 0ohn 4=1'C. 8. !an i ates. Be%are of ever (r2in2 anyone to 2o as a 1issionary. &he 7o)y Spirit can on)y o that %ith safety. We sho() (r2e that one to set his %i)) Aas f)intA that he is 2oin2 to A o the %i)) of 1y *ather in heavenA an that he then pray9 A+or 9 sen forth )a-orers.A &hen if the +or rea))y %ants hi1 in forei2n fie) s9 it is on)y a 1atter of ti1e -efore it %i)) -e 1a e so p)ain that there is no roo1 for o(-t. 5. Re%ar s. &here is a pec()iar s(pp)e1entary re%ar 2iven for a)) 1issionary %or<. It is in a ition to the honors of faithf() )a-or an is eter1ine not -y %hat is one -(t -y %hat is A)eft.A *or every co1fort or frien that yo( )eave in or er to o this %or<9 yo( %i)) receive 166Ffo) B169666 per centC of the co1fort9 rest an satisfaction that they co() affor . &his is in escri-a-)y tr(e of -oth 1issionary an intercessor an is the <in of A>oy set -efore hi1A that ena-)e 0es(s to Aen (re.A &he 1issionary )eaves -y ta<in2 ship or p)aneE the intercessor )eaves -y sh(ttin2 the oor of his c)oset. Atten ance at ch(rch 1eetin2s an conventions -eco1es a se)fish in ()2ence of re)i2io(s fee)in2s %hen it )ea s to the ne2)ect of the har %or< Go %ants yo( to o. "en are yin2 in a2ony %hi)e yo( are en>oyin2 a A-ea(tif()A service an %hi)e Go is ca))in2 yo( to for2et yo(r very existence in %atchin2 an prayin2 %ith 2roanin2 that cannot -e (ttere . &he (nspea<a-)e riches in !hrist are iscovere -y the 1issionary9 %hether he is a1on2 the heathen preachin2 to the1 or in the ho1e)an interce in2 for the1. &hese thin2s are not 1ere 1atters of inte))ect(a) theory9 -(t they have -een prove in experience. &hey sho() -eco1e yo(r experience a)so9 for they are fo))o%in2 in the footsteps of !hrist 0es(s.
B. Or+ani1ation.
1. "atters for %hich yo( pray re2()ar)y9 a. Do(r o%n nee s. -. Do(r o%n 1inistry. c. Do(r ch(rch9 . Other ch(rches9 e. #nsave an -ac<s)i en9 f. *rien s %ith specia) pro-)e1s9 2. Schoo)s an co))e2es. h. Pastors an !hristian %or<ers. i. "issions an 1issionaries. ,. A itiona) ite1s to -e inc)( e . a. Specia) 1atters for %hich yo( have -een as<e to pray9 -. A pa2e for (r2ent 1atters for %hich yo( are prayin2 every ay. c. J(otations9 G(ips9 poe1s9 etc.9 that yo( have fo(n he)pf() an %ant to save.
C. Use.
#se yo(r note-oo< ai)y. a. It %i)) 2ive syste19 consistency an contin(ance to yo(r prayin29 -. It %i)) serve as a iscip)inary too)9 c. It %i)) si1p)ify yo(r prayer practice an 1inistry.
A. -e *#st pray 'eca#se prayer is a vita$ $ife si+n of the Christian and o#+ht to 'e nat#ra$ to hi*.
1. &he Script(re teaches that every tr(e !hristian is in %e)t -y the 7o)y Spirit BRo1. 3=5C an that it is the in %e))in2 Spirit %ho pro1pts prayer an esta-)ishes the sense of inti1acy %ith the *ather BRo1. 3=15E Ga). 8='C. ,. If a professe !hristian oes not pray or has no partic()ar esire to pray9 there is 2oo reason to o(-t %hether the ne% -irth has ever ta<en p)ace. 4. Prayin2 is one of the 1eans of 1a<in2 o(r ca))in2 an e)ection s(re BII Pet. 1=16C.
B. -e *#st pray 'eca#se the Script#re ass#*es that the chi$d of God !i$$ pray.
1. $o ar2(1ent is a vance in Script(re for the exercise of prayer9 >(st as no ar2(1ent is a vance for the existence of Go . ,. 7o% i A-raha1 <no% that he %as to pray? BGen. 13=,4F44C. At )east as far as the script(ra) recor is concerne 9 no exhortation or instr(ction %as 2iven hi1 a-o(t this %hen he %as ca))e fro1 his ancestra) ho1e. +i<e%ise9 as soon as Pa() %as converte 9 he praye BActs 5=11C. 4. Prayin2 is an evi ence of o(r re)ationship %ith the *ather. An a-sence of prayer in the )ife thro%s a sha o% of o(-t (pon that re)ationship.
,. If the 2reat apost)e nee e to pray an )on2e for others to -e prayin2 for hi19 ho% are %e thin< %e can ne2)ect the re2()ar9 earnest practice of prayer?
%. -e *#st pray 'eca#se prayer is God6s ordained !ay of appropriatin+ ,is o!n o*nipotent reso#rces and +ettin+ ,is !or3 acco*p$ished.
1. Script(re an history co1-ine to te)) (s that the exercise of prayer is %oven into the very fa-ric of Go ?s 1etho of operation for 7is ch(rch9 7is peop)e an 7is %or) . ,. We cannot serio(s)y c)ai1 to -e intereste in the %or< an pro2ra1 of Go %hi)e %e ne2)ect the practice of prayer.
G. -e *#st pray 'eca#se prayer is the hi+hest activity of service that the Christian can render.
1. Prayer can -e en2a2e in -y everyone= the yo(n2 an the o) 9 the hea)thy an the sic<9 the e (cate an the (ne (cate . ,. &he effects an res()ts of prayer are not )i1ite to o(r i11e iate 2eo2raphica) s(rro(n in2s. 4. Prayer is the one service that has ass(re res()ts9 -eca(se the res()t of prayer is nothin2 )ess than Go in action. 8. If %e expect to one ay have the +or ?s approva) (pon (s as servants of 7is9 %e 1(st enter into the 1inistry of prayer.
"ac Arth(r9 0ohn9 0r.9 4esus9 Pattern of Prayer. "acartney9 !)arence E.9 Prayer at the Go$den A$tar. "ac2re2or9 G. 7. !.9 True Praying in the Ho$y :"irit. "athe%s9 R. Arth(r9 2orn for 2att$e. "c)ntyre9 D. ".9 The Hidden )ife of Prayer. "i))er9 Sa1(e)9 Thoughts on Pu%$ic Prayer. "i))i2an9 Wi))ia19 The Ascension and Hea'en$y Priesthood of /ur )ord. "itche))9 !(rtis !.9 The Prayer Princi"$es of 4esus B octora) issertationCE Praying 4esus9 !ay. "oo y9 D. +.9 Pre'ai$ing Prayer. "or2an9 G. !.9 The Practice of Prayer. "orrissey9 ;ir<ie9 /n Ho$y Ground. "(rray9 An re%9 The inistry of +ntercession; The Prayer )ife; :"iritua$ He$" for 0ai$y )i'ing; inistry of the Church. !ith Christ in the :choo$ of Prayer. $ee9 Watch1an9 )et (s Pray; The Prayer O2i)vie9 +)oy 0ohn9 Praying with Power. Pa)1er9 B. ".9 Theo$ogy of Prayer. Paxson9 Gera) 9 Conditions for Answered Prayer in the 3ew Testament B&h. ". thesisC. Paxson9 R(th, The !ea$th, !a$. and !arfare of the Christian. *erry1an9 *ran<9 !hom #esist. Peterson9 E(2ene 7.9 &arth and A$tar. Pierson9 I a G., As. and +t :ha$$ 2e Gi'en 8ou. Pin<9 A. W.9 &ffecti'e 5er'ent Prayer; G$eanings from Pau$. Rainsfor 9 "arc(s9 /ur )ord Prays for His /wn. Ravenhi))9 +eonar 9 #e'i'a$ Praying. Re path9 A)an9 ;ictorious Praying. Rees9 Pa() S.9 Prayer and )ife9s Highest. Rice9 0ohn R.9 Prayer= As.ing and #ecei'ing. Ri11er9 7arry9 The Prayer Perfect. San ers9 0. Os%a) 9 Prayer Power (n$imited. Saphir9 A o)f9 /ur )ord9s Pattern for Prayer. Scro22ie9 W. Graha19 How to Pray; Pau$9s Seiss9 0oseph A.9 The A"oca$y"se. Spear9 Wayne R.9 The Theo$ogy of Prayer. Sp(r2eon9 !. 7.9 Twe$'e :ermons on Prayer. Stor1s9 Sa1(e) !.9 #eaching God9s &ar. issionary Prayers.
Stra(ss9 +eh1an9 :ense and 3onsense a%out Prayer. Stron29 0ohn 7.9 4esus, the an of Prayer. &hirt)e9 0a1es9 +n 4esus9 3ame, Amen; The )ord9s Prayer. &ho1son9 0a1es G. S. S.9 The Prayer of Christ. &orrey9 R. A.9 How to Pray; The Power of Prayer and the Prayer of Power. &o%nsen 9 Anne 0.9 Prayer !ithout Pretending. &r(1-a))9 7. !)ay9 Prayer, +ts 3ature and :co"e. An #n<no%n !hristian9 The ,nee$ing Christian. Wa))is9 Arth(r9 God9s Chosen 5ast. Watt9 Gor on9 &ffectua$ 5er'ent Prayer. White9 0ohn9 0aring to 0raw 3ear1 Peo"$e in Prayer. White9 Re2ina) E. O., They Teach (s to Pray. Whyte9 A)exan er9 )ord, Teach (s to Pray. Wiers-e9 Warren W.9 )isten< 4esus +s Praying (or Prayer1 2asic Training); :omething Ha""ens !hen Churches Pray; 5amous (nanswered Prayers. Win%ar 9 Stephen9 How to Ta$. with God. N%e1er9 Sa1(e)9 Ta.ing Ho$d of God.