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
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