Archives for 2019

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

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.

PRAYER

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Introduction ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication)

Adoration (Psalm 95:1-6)

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.² Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.³ For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.⁴ In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.⁵ The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.⁶ O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Confession (Psalm 32:1-5)

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.² Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.³ When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.⁴ For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.⁵ I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:1-7)

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.² I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.³ And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Supplication (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

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 Savior;

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)

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.

Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:1-7)

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.² I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.³ And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Supplication (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

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 Savior;

After we have prepared ourselves, we then can thank God for all He has done for us. The greatest of these is our salvation. Remember that is was God that brought us to Himself. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16) Christ went to the cross, shedding His precious, perfect blood, to take away the sin for all mankind.

Then we are able to ask God to intervene for ourselves and others. The caveat is that our prayers need to be within the will of God. So, if we are praying for something that is clearly in violation of Scripture, God will not answer that prayer. Conversely, if we pray within Scriptural principles, then God will determine how to answer that prayer. Our requests need to honor and glorify God.

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.

ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication)

Adoration (Psalm 95:1-6)

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.² Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.³ For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.⁴ In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.⁵ The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.⁶ O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Confession (Psalm 32:1-5)

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.² Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.³ When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.⁴ For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.⁵ I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

We need to prepare ourselves for prayer.

When we come before God and acknowledge His greatness, attributes, and power, it becomes obvious that He is in control and powerful enough to answer any prayer of ours. He created all things. He sees all things. He is powerful enough to do whatever He pleases.

We must come to God with a clean heart. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18) So we repent of our sins and claim God’s cleansing power. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Once preparation is made, then we thank Him for all He has done for us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study John 1:1-51. The Apostle John gives us several descriptions of Jesus and His ministry. He tells us He is the Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, and Rabbi. He gives us John the Baptist’s eye witness account of Jesus. Then he concludes with an account of the beginning of Jesus ministry.

Jesus ministry (40-51)

⁴⁰ One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.⁴¹ He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jonah: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.⁴³ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.⁴⁴ Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.⁴⁵ Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.⁴⁶ And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!⁴⁸ Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.⁴⁹ Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.⁵⁰ Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.⁵¹ And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

CONCLUSION

Jesus is the Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, the Rabbi

People got excited when they saw Jesus. Many recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. They brought their friends to Jesus. This section records how Andrew brought Peter, Jesus brought Philip, who brought Nathanael.

This is how others hear about Jesus, when we tell them. As we learned yesterday, believers in Christ, are God’s witnesses for Him on earth. When unbelievers hear the good news of Jesus and accept Him as personal Lord and Savior, they then begin to follow Jesus. They tell others and more people come to the Savior.

Are we doing our part? Do we tell others about how Jesus save us from the slave market of sin?

We need to be willing and allow God to do the rest!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001