PRAYER

THURSDAY, 31ST AUGUST, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC:  PRAYER

MEMORIZE: “… men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”  Luke 18:1

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 31:9-18

“Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. 10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. 11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me. 12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.  13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. 14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. 15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.  16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. 17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.  18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Matthew 6:9-13

EXPOSITION:

“… Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse.” –Steps to Christ, p. 94.

WHAT IS PRAYER? Psalm 31:9. 

1. A cry for mercy and help. Psalm 46:1. 

2. A call for strength and refuge during trouble. Luke 11:2. 

3. The opening of the heart to our trusted Father in heaven. Hebrews 4:15, 16. 

4. Coming to Jesus, our Saviour and High Priest, who understands us. John 15:15. 

5. Communing with Jesus, the Friend who never fails. 

WHAT DOES PRAYERS ACCOMPLISH? Hebrews 11:6. 

1. God rewards us when we come to Him in faith. Matthew 21:22. 

2. Whatever things are asked for will be received. Daniel 9:21-23. 

3. Some prayers are answered immediately. Luke 18:1-8. 

4. Other prayers are answered after a delay. Do not faint or give up. Romans 8:26, 27.

5. The Holy Spirit intercedes; God answers in the best way–not always as we would have it, as in Paul’s case (2 Corinthians 12:7 9), and as in Christ’s plea of agony (Matthew 26:38, 39). 

HOW SHOULD WE PRAY? John 14:13; 15:16. 

1. In Jesus’ name, all heaven will open to such prayer. James 1:5 8. 

2. In faith, not wavering. Philippians 4:6. 

3. With thanksgiving. Habakkuk 2:1, 2. 

4. Listen as well as talk. Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:23. 

5. Alone. Matthew 18:19, 20. 

6. As a family, group, or church. Luke 22:40, 41. 

7. Christ knelt down and prayed. (See also Psalm 95:6; Daniel 6:10; Acts 20:36.) 

WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR ANSWERED PRAYER? Proverbs 28:9.

1. We must not turn away from the law. Psalm 66:18.

2. If we regard iniquity in our hearts, God will not hear us. Proverbs 28:13.

3. We must confess and forsake our sins. Matthew 6:14, 15.

4. We are to forgive and pray for others. Matthew 5:44. 

5. We should pray for our enemies and persecutors. Job 42:10.

6. Job’s captivity was turned when he prayed for his inadequate friends. James 5:16.

7. We must confess our faults to each other and pray for one another. 1 Peter 4:7; Luke 21:34-36.

8. We are admonished to pray especially in the last days of deception and peril. 

PRAYER POINT:  Lord, revive our prayer life in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Jeremiah 26 – 28.

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE, General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l. It is an extraction of God’s word designed to draw the sincere seekers closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word. 

Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com