Teach Us How to Pray - Part 827

Before we pray, perhaps, we should understand what the scriptures say about prayer. Why? Because lately, prayer has been taking on a life of its own. This would be a good thing if these prayers at least aligned with the Word. Or, we at least understood what the scriptures state. But sadly, many today do not even know in whom they pray. Instead, we have prayers to Father God, or other prayer warriors giving equal time to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. What is wrong with all of these is that these very same prayer warriors have forgotten Thy name. 

The same name to which every knee will bow. The same name that is the only name under heaven whereby we can be saved. The same name that we are to do everything in word or deed, including water baptism. (Acts 2:38-42) 

What does John write to the churches in the book of Revelation? "And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." (Revelation 2:3-5) " I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8)

What is His name? Yes, Jesus! In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word [that is God -- the same God who created us] became flesh. The same God Almighty -- the same God with us -- delivered unto us a "name" whereby each and every one of us could be saved. 

But we have put the precious name of Jesus on the back burner. Instead, we talk about God in everything we do -- as if we can know the Father without knowing His name. Did Jesus not say, "No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) How many times did the scribes and Pharisees want to kill Jesus because He called Himself God? And the apostles? Philip and Thomas both needed to know who Jesus was, albeit they asked in different ways. But the response was the same. 

Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you Philip and yet you ask, "Show us the Father?" This is why today's blog features scriptures about prayer -- because we need to understand why prayer is a critical component of salvation and walking by faith.

From the old testament, we read, "Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near." (Isaiah 55:6) And, "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." (II Chronicles 7:14)

But then the Messiah came to save His people from their sin and He taught us how to pray.  

Jesus said, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you -- they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet  and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 

But when you pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be ye not ye therefore like unto them -- for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before you ask Him." 

After this manner therefore pray ye ...

"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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." (Matthew 6:9-13)

Other verses? "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6) "Pray without ceasing!" (I Thessalonians 5:17) Therefore I say unto you, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]." (Mark 11:24)

"I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (I Timothy 2:8) "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18) "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up." (James 4:10)

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:18)

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised. (Hebrews 10:22-23) 

"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us." (I John 5:14-15) "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us." (I John 5:14) "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5-7)

"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)

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7) "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22) "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2)

Jesus said, "Again I say unto you -- That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 18:20)

"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) "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded." (James 4:8) "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren." (Acts 1:14)

"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 8:26-27) "But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up." (Acts 9:36:42)

"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." (Hebrews 11:6) "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us ..." (Ephesians 3:20) 

There are more scriptures, indeed, many more. But for now, meditate on these things which are good. Stand in the offering plate.