Lesson 6.

 What Doth the Lord require of Thee?

In Reference to Prayer 

When Christians gather together to worship, prayer always becomes an integral part of that worship. Acts 2:42  Prayer means “act, practice , or an instance of praying; entreaty, earnest request” (Webster). The word in Greek, translated “pray or prayer” means: “ to ask, interrogate, inquire of, request, beg, or beseech.”  

I.                  Prayer Is of Vital Importance.  

A.   Importance is stressed by fact that the Bible mentions the term so often, and always places a great emphasis upon it. Some form of the word is used over 500 times in the Bible.

B.   The Importance of prayer is recognized by the fact Jesus prayed so often.

1.     Matthew 26:29 – Note – “not as I will” but “as thou (God) will.” Without this attitude, prayer is vain!

2.     Mark 1:35 – Here is the great example for private, personal prayer. Also see Matthew 6:6 & Luke 5:16.

3.     Luke 22:31-32 – The Lord teaches a lesson here on praying for others. Also see I Timothy 2:1 and       James 5:15-16.

4.     Luke 22:44 – Sometimes we try to place a “time limit” on prayer-Christ literally forgot time when He prayed.

C.   The importance of prayer is found in the fact the church of the New Testament was a praying church.

1.     Acts 4:31-31 – Notice carefully the emphasis placed upon these needed condition for acceptable prayer.

2.     Acts 21:5 – This shows the great, wonderful fellowship prayer helps produce in the lives of Christians.  

II.               The Bible Tells the Christian How to Pray

A.   Pray to God, through Christ. Colossians 3:17 : I Timothy 2:5

B.   Pray in humility. Luke 18:10-14

C.   Pray, knowing you will forgive those who wrong you.         Luke 6:37; Luke 11:4

D.   Pray, knowing it is in faith. Romans 14:22-23

P ut first things first.  Matthew 6:33

R egularly pray unto God. I Thessalonians 5:17

A lways pray with the spirit and understanding. I Corinthians14:15