Lessons

Christian Prayer. May 1, 2003 is recognized as the National Day of Prayer in America. What is prayer? Prayer simply stated is “talking to God”. What a privilege we have to be able to talk directly to God. We don’t have to go through an intermediary like a minister or priest because Christ paved the way through His shed blood. He became the one mediator between God and man, so the way to God is open for anyone to approach Him. Even if we don’t know how or what we should pray for , God takes care of it as we learn in Romans 8:26-27 (KJV) ”Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Yet, as we study scripture, God teaches us about prayer so we learn the answers to the why and how, who to pray for and when. Paul exhorts us in 2 Tim 2:1-2, to first of all, (notice this is the first thing, not the last thing) to pray and he gives us four categories of prayer. 1) Supplications – This is about a need that you have (not wants but needs). 2) Prayer – When we pray, we should think of God first just like Jesus told the disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9 (KJV) “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Further, you should pray for things that God can give like love, wisdom, and understanding as Paul demonstrates in Phil 1:9 and Col. 1:9. 3) Intercessions – This is the prayer you have for others and when you religate yourself to the background. And finally, 4) The Giving of Thanks. The lesson on Apr 27, 2003 teaches on prayer. Click here to listen now or go to the audio lessons for the month.