The Practice of Prayer

A Closer Walk With God

The Practice Of Prayer

In our previous lesson, we discussed some Principles Of Prayer, such as:

Characteristics of acceptable prayer.

Obstacles to prayer.

Answers to prayer.

With a desire to encourage disciples of Jesus to be more diligent in praying, this lesson will offer suggestions as to The Practice Of Prayer...

When should we pray? Having "set times" to pray can help create the habit of praying. For example, consider the practice of:

David, whom God described as "a man after My own heart" - Psa 55:17 "Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice."

Daniel, whom the angel of God described as "O man greatly beloved" - Dan 6:10 "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."

These great men of God made it a habit to pray at set times throughout the day; we would do well to imitate their example. At the very least find some time each day to be alone with God in prayer. Early morning may be best for some or others might find it easier to be alone late at night. Which ever time you choose make it a special time to be alone with your Heavenly Father!

On the other hand, prayers should not be limited to "set times". Special needs call for special times of praying. Consider the examples of:

Jesus , praying on important occasions - Lk 6:12 "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God."

Paul, praying in trying circumstances - Ac 16:25 "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,".

Nehemiah - praying on the spur of the moment - Neh 2:4-5 "Then the king said to me, "What are you requesting?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it."'

The goal is to "pray without ceasing" - 1 Th 5:17 "pray without ceasing,". Having "set times" will help develop the experience in praying. Praying "spontaneously" as needs arise will develop the disposition to pray in every circumstance (in other words, "without ceasing").

With whom should we pray? Jesus exhorted us to pray "in secret" - Mt 6:5-6 '"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Private prayer should occupy the largest portion of our total life of prayer. Consider the value of "secret prayer":

It forms a close union, communion and fellowship with God (it is just you and Him!).

It is a true test of your sincerity and devotion. You certainly are not doing it to please men (they can't see you). You can't be trying to falsely impress God (He will see right through you).

Your Father will reward you "openly" - Mt 6:6 "And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." -- Therefore, "private prayer" should be a priority!

Jesus also spoke of praying with "two or three" - Mt 18:19-20 "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."' The early Christians prayed together often...

In times of trouble - Ac 4:23-24 "When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,".; 12:5 "So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.", 12 "When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying."; 16:25 "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,".

In times of departure - Ac 20:36 "And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all."; 21:5 " When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed".

A sweetness of fellowship and sense of strength comes when God's people pray together. -- Therefore, "praying with others" should be done as often as possible.

How should we pray? Jesus taught how to pray in Luke 11:1-4. The "Lord's Prayer", as it is commonly called, is a model, a guide for learning how to pray. A careful examination of this prayer reveals that proper prayer includes:

To "whom" we should pray ("Our Father in heaven").

Praising God ("Hallowed be Your Name").

Supplication for God's purposes ("Your kingdom come. Your will be done..."), for our physical needs ("Give us this day our daily bread"), for our spiritual needs ("Forgive us our sins..."), and for spiritual needs of others ("For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us"). He also stressed the importance of simplicity in our prayers - Mt 6:7-8 '"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

A helpful acrostic in learning to pray is "A-C-T-S".

A = ADORATION In other words, praising God. A good example of this is found in 1 Chr 29:10-13 "Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name." Spending time in sincere praise of God's greatness will help put us in the proper spirit of

humility.

C = CONFESSION In other words, acknowledging our sins before God. When we understand how sin can break the fellowship we have with God, we naturally desire its quick remission. Fortunately, as Christians we can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus as we confess our sins - 1 Jn 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

T = THANKSGIVING An important part of prayer, even those in which we are making requests - Ph 4:6 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." The benefits of giving thanks are many. Thanksgiving causes us to acknowledge God's existence, love, and care, reminds us of His goodness and helps to shift our focus from what we don't have to what we do have. The kind of things to be thankful for are the things we can see in our lives... Such as our health, family and friends, God's guidance, and answers to previous prayers. We can express our thanks for things we may not be able to see... Such as our adoption as His children, the forgiveness of sins, the hope of eternal life, and the assurance of His continued presence. God's people have every reason to be thankful, and to be known for "abounding in

thanksgiving" - Co 1:12 "To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father."; 2:7 "rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."; 3:15 "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."; 4:2 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

S = SUPPLICATION In other words, making requests of God - Ph 4:6 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." If we are faithful in including the first three (adoration, confession, thanksgiving), this last will prevent prayer from being simply a spiritual "shopping list". When we broaden our requests to include others, we enter into one of the most noble realms of prayer: intercession. Something which God wants us to do - 1 Ti 2:1"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,". Some examples of whom we can pray for and what we should pray are given in the next section as we continue this lesson.

Principles Of Prayer - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Principles Of Prayer - Cont.

Having previously discussed prayer in general, let's now turn and look at some of the obstacles to prayer as we continue this lesson. One such obstacle is unconfessed sin, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear" - Psa 66:18. The basis for prayer rests upon our being in fellowship with Him; such fellowship is broken if we do not confess our sins to Him!

Another obstacle is improper treatment of others. How we treat others has a bearing upon whether God will hear our prayers! For example, how we treat the poor - Psa 41:1-3 "Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health." Another example, how one treats his friend - Mt 5:23-24 "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." One more example, how a husband treats his wife - 1 Pe 3:7 "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." We must correct our relationships with others (if possible) before we can expect God to hear our prayers! Especially if we desire to receive forgiveness for our sins! - Mt 6:14-15 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."; 18:21-22 "Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven."

Finally, it is important to bear in mind that God answers prayer in various ways... We also need to note some of the ways God answers our prayers. One such answer would be "request granted". God may answer "Yes" , and grant the petitions we ask of Him. Such will be the case the more we try to do His Will in our lives - 1 Jn 3:22 "and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him."

"Request granted, but not yet". God may grant our request, but in time and according to His purpose for our lives. "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" - Ecc 3:1. So we may think God is saying "No", when He is really saying "Yes, but wait"

"Request granted, but not as you might expect". Sometimes God says "Yes", but answers it in way differently that we anticipated. Remember, God's thoughts and methods are often much different than ours - Isa 55:8,9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Like asking God for strength and perseverance He may give us trials to bear, which in turn develops the virtues we prayed for! We should be careful and not dictate to God how to answer our prayers. Limit the "how" and we might be limiting the "result". For example, the way some pray for the sick, they limit God as to how He might restore them.

"Request denied". Often God says "No". But we must trust that God, who knows all and what is best, would do so only if granting our request might not be for our good - He 12:5-11 "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." We may not fully understand, but we can still fully trust Him! - Hab 3:17-19 "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places." Especially in light of the promise in 1 Co 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

The ability to pray to God and receive answers in our lives is truly one of the greatest blessings we can have as children of God! Hopefully, understanding and applying the principles discussed in this lesson will ensure greater success in having our prayers answered. Our next lesson will deal with "The Practice Of Prayer", offering suggestions on the when, with whom, how and what of prayer.

The following are some questions to stimulate your thinking.

Do you find it easy or difficult to pray?

Do you believe in the power of God to answer prayer?

Should you be disappointed when it appears that God has answered your prayer with a "No"?

Are you spending time every day devoted to prayer?

Principles of Prayer

A Closer Walk With God - Principles Of Prayer

One of the greatest blessings enjoyed by Christians in this life is the privilege of prayer, by which we can approach God... Through prayer, the Christian can find forgiveness for sins - 1 Jn 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Through prayer, the Christian can find peace to replace anxiety - Ph 4:6-7 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, the Christian can receive strength from God through His Spirit - Ep 3:14-16 "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,". For such reasons, Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers... "praying always with all prayer and supplication..." - Ep 6:18. "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" - Co 4:2. "Pray without ceasing" - 1 Th 5:17. Yet Jesus knew that people would tend to become slack in their prayers - Lk 18:1 "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.. It is out of a similar concern that prompts two lessons devoted specifically to prayer. It is hoped that you will be encouraged to be more diligent in prayer as we examine:

Basic principles of prayer taught in God's Word.

Suggestions concerning the practice of prayer in our daily lives.

In this lesson, then, we will examine some "Principles Of Prayer", beginning with the characteristics of acceptable prayer. Prayer must be offered "in faith". "And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." - Mt 21:22. We must have faith in God, and in His ability to answer - He 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.. Otherwise, prayer will not be answered - note for example Ja 1:5-8 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.". Is our faith weak? Then increase it with the help of God's Word - Ro 10:17 "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

Prayer must be offered "in the spirit of humility". Notice the example of the Pharisee and the publican - Lk 18:9-14 "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."' Remember, "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" - Psa 34:18 "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." As quoted by James: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" - Ja 4:6.

Prayer must be offered "in harmony with God's will". God answers prayer that is offered "according to His will" - 1 Jn 5:14 "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." Jesus provided the example for us in His prayers at Gethsemane - Lk 22:42 "saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."' Too often, prayers are unanswered because they are more concerned with OUR will, rather than GOD'S will! - Ja 4:3 "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

Prayer must be offered "by those righteous before God". "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil" - 1 Pe 3:12. The prayers of the righteous person are effective - 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." But those continuing in sin He will not hear! - Pro 28:9 "If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination."; Isa 59:1-2 "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." To be righteous before God requires that we submit to the "righteousness of God" offered in Christ - Ro 10:1-4 "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." In other words, respond to the gospel of Christ - Ro 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."'

Prayer must be offered "in the spirit of thanksgiving". "giving thanks always for all things to God" - Ep 5:20. "in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" - Ph 4:6. "...prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" - Co 4:2. "pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks" - 1 Th 5:17-18 -- Do we think God will help us with our "present burdens" if don't take the time to thank Him for "past blessings"?

Prayer must be offered "with persistence". Jesus illustrated this aspect of prayer through two parables. The parable of the persistent friend - Lk 11:5-10 and the parable of the persistent widow - Lk 18:1-8. The virtue of persistence is demonstrated in the prayers of:

Jesus at Gethsemane - Mt 26:44 "So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again."

Paul, pertaining to his "thorn in the flesh" - 2 Co 12:7-8 "So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me."

The early church - Ac 2:42 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Prayer must be offered "in the name of Jesus". "Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" - Ep 5:20. This means much more than simply adding a little phrase "in Jesus' name" at the end of our prayers! We must realize that Jesus is the only way by which we can approach God - Jn 14:6 "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." We must view Him as our "high priest" who intercedes for us - He 7:24-25 "but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."; Jn 14:13 "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Appealing to God in the name of His Son can give us great confidence that God will give us what we need! - He 4:14-16 "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Such are the conditions that make prayer acceptable to God. But it might be helpful to also notice a few obstacles to prayer.

Having looked at prayer in general we will turn and look at some obstacles to prayer in the continuation of this lesson.

Our Public Assemblies - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Our Public Assemblies - Cont.

Thus far we have focused on the activities within our assemblies that includes prayer, singing, teaching and preaching the word of God, and the the Lord's Supper. We will continue this lesson looking at one additional activity within our assemblies that includes the collection. We will also look at how we can get the most out of our assemblies.

The final activitiy within our assemblies that we want to look at includes the collection. The early church is noteworthy for its love for one another - Ac 2:44 "And all who believed were together and had all things in common.", 45 "And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need."; 4:32-35 "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." Such love went beyond those in the local congregation - Ac 11:27-30 "Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul." In time, a systematic manner for providing for needy Christians was instituted - 1 Co 16:1-2 "Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." The primary purpose of the collection, then, was to provide for needy Christians, locally and abroad. Including those who devote their lives to preaching the gospel - 2 Co 11:8,9 "I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way."; Ph 4:10-18 "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God."

How much should one give? The New Testament does not set a percentage (like the "tithe", or a tenth, found in the Old Testament), but rather instructs us to give according to following principles:

"As he may prosper" - 1 Co 16:2a "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper,"

Whatever is given with "a willing mind" - 2 Co 8:12 "For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."

"According to what one has" - 2 Co 8:12-13 "For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness".

"As he purposes (plans) in his heart" - 2 Co 9:7 "Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Whatever one can give "cheerfully", not "grudgingly" or "of necessity" - 2 Co 9:7 (see above).

Keeping in mind the principle of "sowing and reaping" - 2 Co 9:6 "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.", 8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Even this activity fulfills the threefold purpose mentioned at the beginning of our lesson:

We are blessed in giving - Ac 20:35 "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"; 2 Co 9:11"You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."

Brethren's needs are met - 2 Co 9:12a "For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints,".

God is glorified - 2 Co 9:12-15 "For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"

HINT: to help motivate us in giving, remember the examples of the churches in Macedonia and of the Lord Himself - 2 Co 8:1-9.

Let's now to examine how we can get the most out of our assemblies. First, by noting who is present. Our brethren in Christ are present. People like you, who appreciate the presence and encouragement of other Christians. So take the time to visit with them before and after the assembly. Don't get into the habit of always coming in at the last minute. Don't be in such a rush to leave after the service is ended. Frequently visitors are present who naturally draw conclusions about the congregation during their visit. Will they conclude we are really disciples of Jesus? - Jn 13:35 "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."'. Will they say in their hearts "God is truly among you"? - see 1 Co 14:25 "the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you." So take the time to welcome them and visit with them - He 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Especially note that our Lord is present in our assemblies as He promised in Mt 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."' Do we act as we would if He were bodily present?

"You get out of it what you put into it..." Preparation beforehand makes a big difference. Such as praying and meditating upon what you are going to do and planning what you can do to make the assembly more edifying (such as welcoming and visiting). In other words, come to serve, not to be served (although you will blessed in return by doing it this way). The more you come, the more interest you show, the more (and faster) you will grow! This is true in any endeavor (for example, physical exercise, hobbies). Asking the question "How often do I have to come?" is an indication of grave spiritual immaturity! It displays a lack of true love for Christ and His brethren. It shows one is selfishly concerned with how little they can do to save themselves. How does the love of God abide in such a person? - 1 Jn 3:16-19 "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;"

Rather, our attitude ought to be like that expressed by David in Psa 122:1 "I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"' Neglecting the assemblies is detrimental to our spiritual growth as disciples of Christ. Do we express our love for God, our brethren, even our own selves as we should? One of the greatest spiritual blessings we enjoy in Christ in this life is the fellowship we share in our public assemblies...Let's all do our part to fully utilize that blessing!

The following questions are to stimulate our thinking.

Does one attend the assemblies to be entertained, or to serve?

Do you attend every assembly of the congregation where you are?

If not, are you praying to God to help you make it possible for you to do so?

What can you do before the assemblies to get more out of them?

Our Public Assemblies

A Closer Walk With God

Our Public Assemblies

In our last study, we noted that being a Christian involves both blessings and responsibilities. One of the blessings as well as an important responsibility for the Christian is the practice of assembling regularly with other Christians. We have an example of Christians assembling in Ac 20:7 "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." We have an explicit command not to forsake our assembling together - He 10:25 "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." The purpose of our assembling is threefold... To express praise and devotion to God and Christ. To exhort and encourage our brethren to greater service - He 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." And to receive such encouragement ourselves.

In this study, we shall:

Briefly remark concerning the activities that we engage in during our assemblies.

See how every activity is designed to accomplish the threefold purpose described above.

Suggest how we can get the most out of our public assemblies.

The activities within our assemblies includes prayer. We have several examples of group prayer in the early church - Ac 4:23-24 "When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,"; 12:5 "So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.", 12 "When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying."

The value of such prayer is implied in 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." (if such is true concerning the prayer of one righteous man, how much more the prayers of many righteous?). The value of all prayer is seen further in Ph 4:6-7 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Thus prayer not only blesses (praises) God, but also blesses (benefits) those who pray! HINT: To get the most out of public prayers, make them your own! In your heart, tell the Lord you agree with what is being said by the one leading the prayer. Don't hesitate to offer a hearty "Amen!" if you agree.

The activities within our assemblies includes singing. Commands to sing can be found in Ep 5:19 "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart,"; Co 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."; He 13:15 "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." Notice where the emphasis lies: On praising God. On teaching one another. On making melody "in your hearts". So the emphasis is not on how we sound, but on what we say and how we feel. Therefore, pay more attention to the words rather than the melody. Concentrate on engaging the mind and heart, and not just the mouth. HINT: To get more out singing in public, sing often in private! - Ja 5:13 "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise."

The activities within our assemblies includes teaching and preaching the word of God. Teaching or preaching of the Word of God was part of public worship in the early church - Ac 20:7 "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." For it is by the Word of God that we can grow spiritually - 1 Pe 2:2 "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation--". How we listen to the proclamation of God's Word is an indication of our devotion to God. We should be quick to hear what God's Word has to say - Ja 1:18-19 "Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;". It is important to receive God's Word with a proper attitude of meekness and willingness to receive it - Ja 1:21 "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls"; Mk 4:23-25 "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." And he said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."' HINT: As with singing, the more we study the Word in private, the more we get out of it in the public assemblies!

The activities within our assemblies includes the Lord's Supper. This is also called: the "breaking of bread" - Ac 2:42 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."; 20:7 "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." It is also called "Communion" - 1 Co 10:16 "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" It is a memorial feast instituted by Jesus Himself - 1 Co 11:23-26 "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." In it we remember the sinless body offered on the cross in our place; the blood shed to provide forgiveness for our sins. Done faithfully, we proclaim our faith in the efficacy of the Lord's death. It should be done with all seriousness and appropriateness - 1 Co 11:27-29 "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." It should be done in a manner worthy of the One we are remembering; a time also to reflect upon our relationship with Him who died for us. Done properly it honors Jesus ("This do, in remembrance of Me"). It renews us to greater faithfulness - 1 Co 11:28-32 "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." It strengthens our oneness in the body of Christ - 1 Co 10:17 "Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." We continually share in the "body and blood of the Lord" - 1 Co 10:16 "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" Not literally, perhaps referring to a continual communion with the benefits of that sacrifice (in other words, forgiveness). HINT: Reading passages like Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, and the Gospel records of Christ's suffering and death while partaking of the Supper can help keep our minds focused on what we are doing.

When we continue this lesson we will look at one additional activity within our assemblies that includes the collection. We will also look at how we can get the most out of our assemblies.