INTRODUCTION: -- What Is The Bible Definition Of Prayer?

1. A sincere expression of the heart's desire: -- Rom. 10:1.

2. The desire expressed in faith: -- Matt. 21:22; Jas. 1:6,7; 1 Tim. 2:8; Rom. 8:28.

3. The desire expressed in the name of Christ: -- Rom. 1:8; Col. 3:17; Matt. 6:9; Heb. 12:24.

4. The desire expressed according to His Will: -- 1 Jno. 5:14, 15; Matt. 26:39; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13; 1 Jno. 2:15,16.

II. Examples Of Christ Praying: --

1. Mentioned 15 times in the New Testament.

a. Solitary place and there He prayed: -- Mk. 1:35.

b. Mountain to pray: -- Lk. 6:12,13.

c. Before His death: -- Matt. 26:38,39; Lk. 22:44; 23:34; 23:46.

d. Before He went to Gethsemane: -- Jno. 17.

III. Jesus Taught His Disciples How To Pray: --

1. At the Sermon on the Mount: -- Matt. 6:9-13; Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 15:24.

a. Address to God: -- Gen. 1:1.

b. Praise to God: -- Psa. 111:9.

c. Asking for forgiveness of sin: -- Matt. 6:12.

V. For Whom Shall We Pray? --

1. For all men: -- 1 Tim. 2:1,2.

2. For kings and those in authority: -- 1 Tim. 2:1,2.

3. For our enemies: -- Matt. 5:44.

4. For sinners: -- 2 Cor. 5:11; Acts 7:60.

5. For our brethren: -- 2 Thes. 3:1,2.

Conclusion: --

1. Be stedfast: -- Acts 2:42.

2. Pray without ceasing: --

a. Begin and end each day with prayer: --

b. Don't rob yourself of blessings through prayer: --

c. Don't forget to pray: --
---------------------------- Paul W. Good.

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