First Baptist Church of Niles

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Bible Study

A Study of Prayer

Prayer - Purpose and Priority

Purpose


The ultimate purpose of prayer is to give glory to God.  This is the sole reason why we were created.


And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13


Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. Ps 148:13


everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isa 43:7


The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Ps 19:1


Proving His Glory


Abraham


God instructed Abraham to offer his son.


Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Gen 22:2


The covenant with Abraham was that a great nation would come through his seed.


But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.” Gen 17:21


Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. Heb 11:19


By sparing Isaac, and supplying the ram, God showed Himself as God Our Provider.  This was all for God's glory.


He Wants Us to See Who He Is


Our Provider/Healer


Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 2 Kings 20:5


Sustainer


Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Ps 54:4


Our Wisdom and Strength


For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Cor 1:25


Jesus Raised Lazarus to Show His Glory


When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4


New Testament Examples of Prayer for God's Glory


We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ 2 Thess 1:12


If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11


The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Heb 1:3


And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13


Prayer Leads Us to Tell Others


An answer to prayer will lead us to tell others of the glorious things which God has done.


I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. Ps 86:12


All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Cor 4:15


Priority


Prayer must become a priority in our lives.


It allows us to interact with our heavenly Father.


“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matt 7:9-11


We are dependent upon Him.


Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5


He is knows of all the details.


I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;

    before the “gods” I will sing your praise.

I will bow down toward your holy temple

    and will praise your name

    for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,

for you have so exalted your solemn decree

    that it surpasses your fame.

When I called, you answered me;

    you greatly emboldened me.

May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,

    when they hear what you have decreed.

May they sing of the ways of the Lord,

    for the glory of the Lord is great.

Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;

    though lofty, he sees them from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

    you preserve my life.

You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;

    with your right hand you save me.

The Lord will vindicate me;

    your love, Lord, endures forever—

    do not abandon the works of your hands. Ps 138:1-18


Prayer should be the first order.


I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Tim 2:1-8


A priority to Jesus


Notice how he refers to the temple as a place of prayer.


And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers Mark 11:17


Connected to the Success of the Church


They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14


They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42


and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4


I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 1 Tim 2:1


Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12:10-12


Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Col 4:2-4


Can change the local church


Evangelism


And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Col 4:3


I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Tim 2:1-8


Cultivation of Discipleship


One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Luke 11:1-2


Christian Fellowship


They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42


Wise Decisions


If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5


Overcome obstacles


“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.  “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24


Needs Met


Give us today our daily bread. Matt 6:11


Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacit] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:5-13


True Worship Ignited


Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:41-47


Revival Sparked


if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14