Archives for November 2019

Good morning,

This week we will conclude our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at the subjects of prayer.

SUBJECTS OF PRAYER

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6)

Introduction Subjects of prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven

“Our Father who art in heaven” is teaching us who to address our prayers to, the Father.

Hallowed be thy name

“Hallowed be thy name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven

The phrase “thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires.

Give us this day our daily bread

We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us this day our daily bread.”

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

 “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them – and then also to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever

It is God’s kingdom, who has the power and the glory forever.

Afflicted, merry, sick, church leadership, sinners, one another (James 5:13-16)

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is any sick among you? 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:¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

All men, kings, those in authority (I Timothy 2:1-4)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Hezekiah’s prayer for healing (Isaiah 38:1-5)

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.² Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,³ And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.⁴ Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying,⁵ Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

CONCLUSION

Pray for everything

To God the Father

In the name of Jesus (We pray in Jesus name because we are his possessions. It was through the blood of Christ that we are saved. He bought us with His blood. Thus, it is Jesus Christ who owns us. We are praying in our Masters name.)

For all things

Good morning,

This week we will conclude our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at the subjects of prayer.

Afflicted, merry, sick, church leadership, sinners, one another (James 5:13-16)

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is any sick among you? 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:¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James challenges his readers to pray for the afflicted, merry, sick, church leadership, sinners, and one another. He states they must pray in faith, confessing their sins. His conclusion is that prayers works,

All men, kings, those in authority (I Timothy 2:1-4)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Timothy challenges his readers to pray for “…all men…” Why? Prayer brings unbelievers to Christ. The salvation of mankind and “…come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Hezekiah’s prayer for healing (Isaiah 38:1-5)

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.² Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,³ And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.⁴ Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying,⁵ Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Hezekiah is dying. He asks God to extend his life. God speaks to Isaiah the prophet who tells Hezekiah he will live 15 more years.

Be careful for what you ask. Hezekiah’s pride caused him to reveal the treasures of Israel to the enemies of God. This in turn caused the Babylonians to invade Israel and plunder the Temple and people of God. Then Israel was taken into captivity in Babylon.

CONCLUSION

Pray for everything

To God the Father

In the name of Jesus (We pray in Jesus name because we are his possessions. It was through the blood of Christ that we are saved. He bought us with His blood. Thus, it is Jesus Christ who owns us. We are praying in our Masters name.)

For all things

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will conclude our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at the subjects of prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven

“Our Father who art in heaven” is teaching us who to address our prayers to, the Father.

Hallowed be thy name

“Hallowed be thy name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven

The phrase “thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires.

Give us this day our daily bread

We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us this day our daily bread.”

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

 “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them – and then also to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever

It is God’s kingdom, who has the power and the glory forever.

We are challenged to focus in on who God is, why we should worship Him, His kingdom, His provision, His forgiveness, and His deliverance. God wants us to know that He is the creator God, who takes care of His children.

Do we believe this? If so, how are we demonstrating that to a world that is lost in sin?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

On whom do you trust?

(Charles Spurgeon)

“On whom do you trust?” Isaiah 36:5

Reader, this is an important question. Listen to the Christian’s answer, and see if it is yours.

“On whom do you trust?”

“I trust,” says the Christian, “in the triune God of Scripture!”

I trust the Father, believing that He has chosen me from before the foundation of the world. I trust Him to provide for me in His providence, to teach me, to guide me, to correct me if need be, and to bring me home to His own house where the many mansions are!

I trust the Son. The man Christ Jesus–is also the true God. I trust in Him as my Redeemer–to take away all my sins by His atoning sacrifice, and to adorn me with His perfect righteousness. I trust Him to be my Intercessor, to present my prayers and desires before His Father’s throne. I trust Him to be my Advocate at the last great day, to plead my cause, and to justify me. I trust Him . . .
  for what He is,
  for what He has done, and
  for what He has promised yet to do!

I trust the Holy Spirit. He has begun to save me from my inbred sins; I trust Him to finally drive them all out. I trust Him . . .
  to curb my debased temperament,
  to subdue my stubborn will,
  to enlighten my darkened understanding,
  to check my evil passions,
  to comfort my despondency,
  to help my spiritual weakness,
  to provide my spiritual nourishment,
  to reign in me as my loving King,
  to sanctify me wholly, and then
  to take me up to dwell forever in glory!

Oh, blessed trust! To trust Him . . .
   whose power will never be exhausted,
   whose love will never wane,
   whose kindness will never change,
   whose faithfulness will never fail,
   whose wisdom will never be confounded, and
   whose perfect goodness can never know a diminution!

Happy are you, reader, if this trust is yours! So trusting, you shall enjoy sweet peace now, and glory hereafter! The foundation of your trust shall never be removed!
   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hinderances to prayer.

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

UNBELIEF (James 1:6-7)

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26)

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.²⁶ But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

UNCONFESSED SIN (Psalm 66:18)

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

ASK AMISS (James 4:3)

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

CONCLUSION

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hinderances to prayer.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDERANCES TO PRAYER

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. (Romans 8:26)

INTRODUCTION Bible ways to pray and how we hinder our prayer life

HOW TO PRAY

INTERCESSORY (Romans 8:26-27)

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.²⁷ 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.

IN FAITH, BELIEVING (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:24)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

PERSISTENCE (Luke 18:1-8)

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;² Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:³ And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.⁴ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;⁵ Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.⁶ And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.⁷ And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?⁸ I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

HUMILITY (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

CONDITIONS OF PRAYER

IN THE WILL OF GOD (Romans 8:27)

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.

FORGIVE OTHERS (Mark 11:25-26)

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.²⁶ But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS (1 John 3:22)

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

ABIDE IN JESUS (John 15:7)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 20-21)

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,²¹ Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

PRAY IN JESUS NAME (John 16:23-24)

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.²⁴ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

UNBELIEF (James 1:6-7)

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26)

(See above)

UNCONFESSED SIN (Psalm 66:18)

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

ASK AMISS (James 4:3)

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

CONCLUSION

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hinderances to prayer.

CONDITIONS OF PRAYER

IN THE WILL OF GOD (Romans 8:27)

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.

FORGIVE OTHERS (Mark 11:25-26)

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.²⁶ But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS (1 John 3:22)

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

ABIDE IN JESUS (John 15:7)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 20-21)

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,²¹ Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

PRAY IN JESUS NAME (John 16:23-24)

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.²⁴ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

The conditions of prayer are predicated on our knowledge and obedience to the Bible. God’s will is found in the Bible. It is impossible to know God’s will without knowing what God has said in His word. Once we know what God says, then we are able to pray with God’s will in mind.

We must obey what God says. When we obey God’s word, we please God. We can then pray in His will and He will hear our prayers.

God wants us to be in a right relationship with Him and with others. We must be willing to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Jesus wants us to abide in Him. We get our sustenance from Him.

When we complete the above conditions, we are ready to pray. Eliminate any of the above and we will not be able to pray effectively, powerfully, or with the sense that God hears our prayers.

Prepare to pray!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hinderances to prayer.

HOW TO PRAY

INTERCESSORY (Romans 8:26-27)

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.²⁷ 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.

IN FAITH, BELIEVING (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:24)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

PERSISTENCE (Luke 18:1-8)

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;² Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:³ And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.⁴ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;⁵ Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.⁶ And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.⁷ And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?⁸ I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

HUMILITY (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Sometimes we do not know how or what to pray. That is when the Spirit intercedes for us. We are never without an ally concerning prayer.

However, it is our responsibility to pray in faith and belief. Do we really trust God? Are we faithfully obeying God in all things? Do we believe God can really answer our prayers? Are we willing to accept God’s answer to our prayers? Answer these questions and we will be able to determine whether we are praying in faith and belief.

How persistent are we? Are we willing to pray over long periods of time for God’s answer? Many have prayed for years for loved ones to be saved. Joyous is the prayer warrior who sees a loved one trust Christ.

When we pray, who are we praying to? God. That should humble us to the point that we presume nothing. We go to God humbly and make our requests. We realize that we have no standing before God except through the shed blood of His son Jesus paying our sin debt.

Tomorrow we will look at the conditions of prayer.

Tom Sterns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will begin a three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at an overview of prayer.

When do we pray? (Luke 18:1, Psalm 5:3, 55:17, 86:3, 88:1)

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (Luke 18:1)

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3)

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. (Psalm 55:17)

Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (Psalm 86:3)

O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: (Psalm 88:1)

Where do we pray? (Matthew 6:6, Psalm 26:12)

ANYWHERE, EVERYWHERE

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord. (Psalm 26:12)

CONCLUSION

Pray with:

Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication

To God, through Jesus

Praying always

Praying everywhere

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will begin a three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer. 

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

This week we will look at an overview of prayer.

To whom do we pray? (Acts 12:5, John 14:13, Ephesians 6:18)

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:5)

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18)

We are to pray to God the Father, in Jesus name, in the Spirit of God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001