1 | P a g e HOW TO PRAY D2 Class / Dynamic Discipleship Series What Are We Learning Today? (LEARNING SCOPE) 1. The Intro 2. Essence and Power of Prayer 3. The Movement of Prayer 4. The Privilege of Prayer 5. Types of Prayer in the Bible 6. How to Build a Strong Prayer Life 7. Prayer Routines and Resources
2 | P a g e 8. Prayer Postures and Orientation 9. Notable Prayers in the Bible 10. Frequency of Prayer 11. Communal Prayer 12. Intercessory Role of Jesus and the Spirit 13. God’s Response to Prayer 14. Hinderances to Prayer 15. Q & A THE INTRO At the core of our Christian journey lies the timeless and powerful act of prayer. It serves as our most intimate connection to our Creator and is the backbone of our faith. I crafted this lesson for you today to delve deeper into the intricate tapestry of prayer, hoping to inspire, enlighten, and invigorate your personal dialogue with God. THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER Prayer, in its purest form, is a heartfelt conversation with God. It isn’t just about reciting verses or presenting a list of requests. It’s an intimate communion, a moment when we open our hearts and minds to the Divine, seeking guidance, solace, or simply celebrating His love. POWER OF PRAYER Throughout Scripture, we find countless testimonies of the transformative power of prayer. From Moses parting the Red Sea to Jesus' prayers in Gethsemane, these moments underscore prayer's ability to change circumstances, provide clarity, and draw miracles. But, perhaps even more importantly, prayer has the power to transform us. It cultivates in us patience, understanding, and a deep-rooted connection to our divine purpose.
3 | P a g e THE MOVEMENT OF PRAYER When we speak of the "movement" of prayer, we are referring to the dynamism, evolution, and the profound impact of prayer throughout history, in individual lives, and in collective experiences. The movement of prayer isn't static; it's an ever-evolving dialogue between humanity and the Divine that has shaped spiritual journeys, societies, and global events. THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER Prayer is one of the most profound privileges afforded to humanity. At its core, it signifies a direct line of communication between the finite human and the infinite God. The very idea that humans can approach the Creator of the universe and be heard is a privilege that stands unmatched. Let’s delve into this profound gift: Here are 8 different privileges associated with PRAYER! 1. Access to the Divine: One of the defining attributes of prayer is that it allows direct access to God. This isn’t a mere ritual or formality; it’s a heartfelt conversation. In the Old Testament, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people. Now, through the work of Christ, every believer has been granted the privilege to approach God’s throne of grace directly (Hebrews 4:16).
4 | P a g e 2. A Testimony of Relationship: The ability to pray is a testimony to the personal relationship that believers have with God through Christ. John 1:12 speaks of believers as children of God, and as children, we have the privilege to communicate with our Heavenly Father. 3. Divine Intervention: Through prayer, humans have the privilege to seek divine intervention in situations beyond their control. Time and time again in the Bible, we see God responding mightily to the prayers of His people, from parting the Red Sea for the Israelites to raising Lazarus from the dead. 4. Emotional and Spiritual Catharsis: Prayer offers a platform for emotional and spiritual release. It’s a place where one can lay bare their deepest fears, anxieties, hopes, and dreams before God. Psalms, in particular, showcases a range of human emotions, from desolation to joy, all expressed through prayer. 5. Alignment with God's Will: Jesus, in the Lord's Prayer, teaches believers to pray, "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This reflects the privilege of aligning one's desires and purposes with the eternal and perfect will of God.
5 | P a g e 6. Intercession for Others: Not only can individuals approach God for their needs, but they also have the privilege to intercede on behalf of others. This act of love and concern mirrors the intercessory role of Christ, who advocates for believers before the Father. 7. Receiving Wisdom and Guidance: James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that God gives generously. The privilege to seek and receive divine wisdom and direction in life's uncertainties is a profound aspect of prayer. 8. Fostering Spiritual Growth: Regular communication with God through prayer fosters spiritual growth. It deepens one's relationship with God, nurtures faith, and cultivates a character that is more aligned with Christ. The 5 Different Types of Prayer in the Bible 1. Supplication: Pouring out our desires to God, seeking His provision and intervention (Philippians 4:6). 2. Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God's blessings and acts (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 3. Intercession: Praying on behalf of others (1 Timothy 2:1).
6 | P a g e 4. Confession: Admitting our sins and seeking God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9). 5. Praise: Celebrating God's nature and His works (Psalm 100). HOW TO BUILD A STRONG PRAYER LIFE Building a strong prayer life requires intentionality, consistency, and dedication. A robust prayer life can provide clarity, peace, and a deeper relationship with God. Here's a guide on how to build and maintain a dynamic prayer life: 1. Set Clear Intentions: Recognize the importance of prayer in your spiritual journey. Determine your reasons for wanting to enhance your prayer life, whether it's to deepen your relationship with God, seek guidance, or gain inner peace. 2. Create a Prayer Space: Dedicate a specific place in your home for prayer. This doesn't have to be large—a quiet corner or a dedicated chair can serve as your prayer space. Make it comfortable and free from distractions. 3. Establish a Routine:
7 | P a g e Consistency is key. Set aside specific times each day for prayer, whether it's in the morning, during a midday break, or before bed. Over time, this routine will become a habit. 4. Keep a Prayer Journal: A prayer journal can help you keep track of your prayers, answers you’ve received, and how your relationship with God evolves over time. It’s also a beautiful way to reflect on your spiritual growth. 5. Be Authentic: Your prayers don’t need to be eloquent. Speak to God as you would to a close friend. Share your joys, sorrows, challenges, and gratitude. 6. Listen Actively: Prayer isn’t a one-way conversation. Spend some time in silence after your prayers, listening to what God might be telling you. Meditative or contemplative prayer can be a helpful practice here. 7. Engage in Group Prayer: Joining a prayer group or participating in corporate prayers in church can provide a sense of community and shared faith. Praying with others can be encouraging and can strengthen your individual prayer life. 8. Immerse Yourself in Scripture:
8 | P a g e The Bible offers a plethora of prayers and teachings about prayer. Use scripture as a guide, and consider praying scriptural prayers like the Psalms. 9. Educate Yourself: Read books on prayer or take courses. There are numerous resources written by theologians, pastors, and spiritual leaders that provide insights on deepening one's prayer life. 10. Overcome Dry Spells: There will be times when you might feel disconnected or find it hard to pray. During such times, persevere. Remember that like any relationship, your relationship with God has ebbs and flows. 11. Make use of Technology: There are many apps and online platforms that offer daily prayer prompts, devotions, and reminders. They can be useful in maintaining daily consistency. 12. Seek Guidance: If you're struggling with prayer, consider seeking guidance from a spiritual leader, pastor, or trusted individual in your faith community. They can offer advice, insights, and perspective.
9 | P a g e PRAYER ROUTINES AND RESOURCES Establishing a prayer routine allows us to set aside dedicated time to commune with God. Morning Prayers: Starting your day with God sets a positive tone, seeking His guidance for the day ahead. Night Prayers: Reflecting on the day, presenting your concerns, and seeking His peace before resting. Prayer Journaling: A written record of your prayers can serve as a testimony to God's work in your life. Corporate Prayer: Joining fellow believers in prayer, as in church or small groups, amplifies our collective faith. There are abundant resources to aid and enrich our prayer life: Scripture: The Bible is replete with prayers that can guide us in framing our own. Books on Prayer: Many theologians and spiritual leaders have penned insights on effective prayer.
10 | P a g e Prayer Apps: In today's digital age, numerous apps offer daily prayer prompts and reminders. Prayer Groups: Joining a group can provide accountability, encouragement, and a sense of community. PRAYER POSTER AND ORIENTATION Various postures like kneeling (Daniel 6:10), standing (Luke 18:11), prostration (Matthew 26:39), and lifting of hands (1 Timothy 2:8) are demonstrated in the Bible. NOTABLE PRAYERS IN THE BIBLE The Lord's Prayer: Jesus provided a model prayer to His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13, which emphasizes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Solomon's Dedication Prayer: When dedicating the temple, Solomon offers a profound prayer asking God to heed the prayers made in the temple (1 Kings 8). Hezekiah’s Prayer for Healing: King Hezekiah prayed for healing, and God added 15 more years to his life (2 Kings 20:1-6). FREQUENCY OF PRAYER The Bible emphasizes consistent and continuous prayer. Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10), and Paul encourages believers to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
11 | P a g e COMMUNAL PRAYER There are instances of communal or corporate prayers, where people gather to seek God's will or intervention, such as the early believers in Acts 4:23-31. INTERCESSORY ROLE OF JESUS AND THE SPIRIT IN PRAYER In the New Testament church, both Jesus and the Holy Spirit have distinct roles in intercession. Their intercessory roles signify a profound relationship between the believer and the triune God: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. Let's delve into each of these roles in the context of prayer. Jesus as Intercessor: Scriptural Foundation: The role of Jesus as our intercessor is well established in the New Testament. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Consequently, he [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." High Priestly Role: In the Old Testament, the high priest represented the people before God, offering sacrifices for their sins. Jesus, having offered himself as the perfect sacrifice, now sits at the right hand of the Father, acting as our eternal High Priest. His intercession is based on his once-forall sacrifice on the cross. Advocate and Mediator: 1 John 2:1 describes Jesus as our advocate: "If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
12 | P a g e righteous." Additionally, 1 Timothy 2:5 states that Jesus is the "one mediator between God and men." In his role as mediator and advocate, Jesus presents our cases before God and pleads on our behalf. The Holy Spirit as Intercessor: Scriptural Foundation: Romans 8:26-27 beautifully depicts the Spirit's intercessory role: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Help in Our Weakness: At times, we may find ourselves at a loss for words or unsure of how to pray. The Holy Spirit assists us during these moments, turning our inexpressible feelings, sorrows, and longings into prayers that align with God's will. Alignment with God’s Will: The Holy Spirit, being one with God, knows God's will perfectly. When He intercedes for us, it's always in harmony with the Father's desires and plans. Empowerment in Prayer: While Jesus acts as an advocate with the Father, the Holy Spirit works within us, empowering our prayers, guiding our words, and stirring our hearts.
13 | P a g e HINDERANCES IN PRAYER The Bible also sheds light on certain behaviors or attitudes that can hinder prayers, such as harboring sin (Psalm 66:18), being inconsiderate to one's spouse (1 Peter 3:7), or praying with wrong motives (James 4:3). GOD’S RESPONSE TO PRAYER The Bible showcases various responses from God: Immediate Answer: Peter was miraculously freed from prison in response to the church’s prayers (Acts 12:5-17). Delayed Answer: The persistent widow kept asking for justice, and Jesus used her as an example of persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1-8). Different Answer: Paul prayed three times for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed, but God responded that His grace was sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Q & A Time