First Baptist Church of Niles
Bible Study
A Study of Prayer
Targets of Prayer
Praying for the Lost
Most people in their prayers will most probably pray for
• Themselves
• Those closest to them
• Friends and Relatives
In reality we should be praying first for the lost….those who haven't put faith in Jesus Crist and placed their trust in Him.
who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:4
God is pleased and glorified when people turn in faith to Jesus Christ.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Cor 5:18
The enemy's plan is to prevent as many people as possible from hearing the Gospel.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Cor 4:3-4
We can stand against the enemy, by asking God to reveal to the lost their need for a Savior.
25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Tim 2:25-26
2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Col 2:2-4
We must speak in boldness to say what should be said to the lost.
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, Eph 6:19
Jesus came to earth to seek the lost.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
We must pray for those who which we do not have contact with. We should pray that God works in their hearts to prepare them to receive the truth.
We pray that the devil may not blind their eyes.
We pray for the opportunity to speak in boldness, to share the Gospel.
We pray that they will be convicted of sin and ask for forgiveness.
for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Rom 10:13
Praying for Believers
A common phrase is “I will pray for you”. The most uncommon words are prayers that would have been said if that promise was not broken.
We must pray for believers.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Eph 6:18
One of the ways we can contribute to the revival of a church is the practice of actively praying for other believers.
9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Rom 1:9-12
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Eph 1:16
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy Phil 1:3-4
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people Col 1:3-4
We must pray that it covers all aspects of their lives and seeks God's will for every bit of it.
Praying for believers pays dividends.
An illustration:
In 1980, playing a game of Pacman cost .25 If that .25 was invested in the S&P 500, it would be worth $1800 today. $100 playing Pacman, would be work $750K today if invested. Our prayers can also yield long-term benefits.
Likewise, if we spent years in prayer for believers, the results would be astonishing.
Praying for Family
Prayer is often in the context asking for blessing and for God to be with you.
General prayer, leads to general answers.
We should pray for specifics.
Marriage
For husbands
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Eph 5:25
For wives
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. Eph 5:22
Pray that other voices may not be more important than that of your spouse.
Pray that they may be devoted to Christ in gratitude, and surrendered to His Work and Lordship.
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed. Ps 20:4
Pray for your children
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deut 7:9
6 so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands. Ps 78:6-7
Praying for Authorities
Our authorities can make it help or hinder us from pursuing God's will.
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. 1 Tim 2:1-2
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Heb 13:17
We may think of authorities in terms of an org chart. But it is a God-given arrangement.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Rom 13:1
Authorities revolve around four centers:
• Family
• Church
• Government
• Employment
Family
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Col 3:18-21
Church
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?” Heb 13:6
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Col 1:18
Government and Workplace
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” John 19:11
24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
“'Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Acts 4:24-28
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:3-4
Praying for Laborers in the Harvest
Jesus wants us to see people living around us who are hurting, empty, wandering and searching for truth and meaning.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matt 9:36-38
The books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther shows us how one person can change an entire nation.
Any follower, is called to be a laborer.
Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” Matt 13:30
At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Luke 20:10
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Eph 6:19-20
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thes 3:1
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:58
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 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 4:2-3
Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4:35
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Hab 2:14
Praying for Churches and Revival
The groundwork for revival is laid out.
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
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12