Prayer

Some Things to Remember About Prayer

Prayer is pleasing to God

"The Lord is pleased when his people pray…” (Proverbs 15:8)

“Then the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having…a bowl of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8)

God can do far more than we can ask for or imagine

“God…is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we think or ask." (Ephesians 3:20)

We are to intercede for each other

“I exhort therefore, [make]…supplication, prayers and intercession…for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1)

When we pray for others, we benefit

“Pray for each other, that you may be healed.”  (James 1:5)

We are to pray for direction

“Call unto me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

We are to pray with perseverance

“Be persistent in prayer…keep alert and as you pray, giving thanks to God.” (Colossians 4:2)

“Pray at all times, with perseverance…for all the saints…” (Ephesians  6:18-19--RSV)

“Pray on every occasion…never give up…” (Ephesians 6:18--LB)

The Lord hears and answers the prayers of His people.

Mark 11:24; Luke 11:13; Psalm 91:15, 34:15, 145:18, 28:6, 86:7, 3:4; Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 29:12; John 15:7; 1 Peter 5:8

A Guide for How to Pray

Begin with a time of self examination and confession (Psalm 32:3-5, 1 John 1:9)

Ask the Spirit to reveal to you the weak points in your spiritual walk with the Lord. Acknowledge shortcomings and humbly ask the Lord to forgive you and help you to be stronger (a better witness) in these areas in the future. Self examination should include the following:

• Your thoughts
• Your motives
• Your words
• Your deeds/actions
• Sins of commission (things done)
• Sins of omission (things that were not done, but should have been)

Spend time reflecting on what you are thankful (Psalm 103:1-5)

Ask the Spirit to bring to mind how the Lord has been moving in your life. Thank Him for His many blessings. This might include the following:

• Life/heath
• The beauty of creation
• His mercy/grace
• Family/friends
• Blessings in the church
• Material possessions
• Our freedom
• The hope of salvation
• The blessing of prayer

Pray for yourself/your needs (1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6)

Pray for your health, safety, relationships, spiritual growth, area of service, awareness of the Lord’s leading in your life, special/personal concerns.

Pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2)

Scripture notes that it is important to pray for all “in authority”. Pray for:

• Leaders in the workplace
• Church Leadership
• Leaders in government

Pray for others (James 1:5, Ephesians 6:18-19)

Ask the Spirit to reveal to you the names of those who need to be upheld in the ministry of intercessory prayer. Use the prayer list as a resource.

Pray for the church

Pray for blessing and protection on the Bay Hills ministry. Specific concerns include:

• Church growth
• Church unity
• Strengthening of existing ministries
• Impact on our  community for Christ
• Development of new ministries
• Financial concerns
• Special upcoming events