A Closer Walk With God
The Practice Of Prayer - Cont.
In our previous lesson, we discussed some the Practice Of Prayer, as to when we should pray, with whom should we pray, and how should we pray. We continue our lesson looking first at for what should we pray? In the scriptures, God indicates that He wishes us to pray for our own personal physical daily needs - Mt 6:11 "Give us this day our daily bread", and for personal growth in Christ likeness and devotion to God - Co 1:9-12 "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."
The scriptures indicate that we are to pray for our family. For spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc. For their nurture and growth in the teaching of the Lord - Ep 6:4 "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Pray for our community. For peace to prevail. For example note, Jer 29:7 "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Pray for the Church, both local and universal. Pray for love and unity to prevail - Jn 13:35 "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."'; 17:20-21 '"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Pray for the spiritual growth of each member - Ph 1:9-11 "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God". Pray for the gospel to have free course - 2 Th 3:1 "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,".
Pray for your nation. For national repentance and consciousness of who God is - Psa 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!"; Pro 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." For leaders to rule wisely - 1 Ti 2:1-2 "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." Pray for nonbelievers; for their salvation - Ro 10:1 "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." Pray for the effort of those involved in teaching them - Ep 6:18-20 "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Pray for the sick; for their restoration to health - Ja 5:14-15 "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." For spiritual strength and peace of mind - Ja 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Pray for the poor and oppressed; such as the homeless, fatherless, unborn children - Pro 29:7 "A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge." Pray for those in other nations oppressed by their own rulers or outside influences.
It might help to have a "prayer strategy".
On Monday - Family; pray for both immediate and extended family members; for both their physical and spiritual well-being.
On Tuesday - Church; pray for members in the local congregation; for Christians and congregations throughout the world.
On Wednesday - Community. For community leaders. For your neighbors.
On Thursday - Your Nation. For elected officials. For efforts to bring peace and righteousness.
On Friday - The World; for world peace; for nations that are "closed" to the gospel.
On Saturday - The Afflicted. For the poor, homeless, jobless; for those in prison. For those who are sick; for widows, single mothers, fatherless children.
These are simply suggestions, to help us see that there is much we can be praying for; other suggestions could include: a "daily prayer strategy" (morning-family; noon-church; evening-community). When praying for a nation and the world, pray about the events described in the newspaper. Keeping a "list" or "journal" of those for whom you are praying. The important thing is to PRAY, and to do so "always", "in everything", "earnestly", "being vigilant" and "without ceasing". I hope these last two lessons will encourage us to be more diligent in utilizing this wonderful privilege of prayer!
The following are some questions for stimulating your thinking:
Do you spend time each day in prayer to God?
Do you find prayer an easy or difficult activity?
Do you pray with other people at times other than before meals, in Bible classes, or in the assembly?
Do your prayers include the needs of others, or just your own concerns?
