Lesson. 8 The Life of Prayer

Prayer is simply communicating with God. As God's children, we can confidently approach the throne of grace. Through prayer, we can share our thoughts with God, experience God's power, have victory in spiritual battle, and even fulfill God's will. Therefore only those who have become God's children through christ can lift up true prayer.

1. Why should we pray?
(1) To fellowship with God
(2) To glorify God (Jn. 14:13)
(3) To mature spiritually
(4) To fulfill God's plan
(5) To make known my wishes (Phil. 4:6-7)

2. When should we pray?
(1) Need an attitude of praying unceasingly (1Thes. 5:17).
(2) Set aside an appointed time to pray daily (Dan. 6:10, Acts 3:1)
(3) Gather as a group to pray (Mt. 18:19-20)

3. The content of prayer - what should we pray?
Just as we have five fingers, there are five elements of prayer. If we use these as guideposts, we can maintain a balanced life of prayer.
(1) Adoration - 1Chron. 29:10-11
(2) Confession - 1Jn 1:9, Ps. 32:5
(3) Thanksgiving - Eph. 5:20, Ps. 100:4
(Thanksgiving isgiving thanks for the things I may not be thankful for.)
(4) Intercession - Eph. 6:18, Col. 4:2-4, Jms. 5:16, 1Tim. 2:2)
(5) Suplication - Mt. 7:7-8, Jn. 15:7

4. How can we pray with assurance?
God does not request great faith from us. All we have to do is simply have faith in a great God
(1) Abide in the word (Jn. 15:7)
(2) Ask in the Lord's name (Jn. 14:14, 16:24)
(3) Ask with faith (Mt. 21:22)