The Who, What, Where, When, How and Why of Prayer
1. Who should pray?
Ecclesiastes 12:13 ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
– Anyone who is saved
– God does not have an obligation to answer the prayer of the unsaved unless it is a prayer for salvation
– He will always consider our prayers if we have a clean heart
2. What should we pray for?
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
– For purity in our personal walk and testimony with Jesus our Lord
– Our immediate family
– If we are parents, our children
– If married, our spouse
– If children, our parents and grandparents
– Extended family, friends, co-workers, fellow students
3. Where should we pray?
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
– Pray anywhere; at work, at school, driving in our cars, at home in bed
– Can be in private (our home) or in a public setting (church prayer meetings)
– There is not a “best time” to pray. It can be anywhere; morning, noon or night
4. When should we pray?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
– Set aside an allotted time each day for a devotional with God
– Be consistent and get in a habit of praying
– Compile a prayer list and to pray over daily during your devotions
5. How should we pray?
Matthew 6:9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
– This verse is one of the keys to answered prayer – thy will be done
– Pray for God’s will in your life
– Don’t pray with vain repetitions or chants as the heathen do
– Pray that you may become sanctified unto good works
– Pray that the Holy Spirit will use you as His chosen vessel
– Commit unto God to become holy, pure and separated from the entanglements of this world
– Pray with sincerity
– Join with other Christian people in an organized prayer group
– Enlist friends whom you know are “Prayer Giants” to pray for your special requests
6. Why should we pray?
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
– Because God made us for His glory and honor
– To better connect with God and to grow in our faith
– God wants to know us intimately through our prayer talks with Him
– God desires for us to enjoy Him forever in Heaven
7. Give thanks for answered prayer!
1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
1 Chronicles 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
Psalm 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
