Our Prayer

Our Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned against You and that my sins separate me from You. I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my sinful past and turn to You for forgiveness. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, that He was raised from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become my Savior and the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You and to convict me when I sin. I pledge to grow in grace and knowledge of You. My greatest purpose in life is to follow Your example and do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Class Lesson for May 2, 2021

 


Question 1:

Who do you know that’s really dedicated

to something?


THE POINT

God calls us to pray for

others’ salvation.


THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

My prayer life has ebbed and flowed since becoming a believer. When I first received Christ, I had plenty of time to pray. Then life got busier with all the responsibilities that come with marriage, children, work, and ministry. Though I still prayed daily, it required focused effort. I remember feeling as though I had to fight through multiple distractions to spend time with God. My struggle was not due to a lack of desire, but a full schedule made me realize I needed to be more intentional in my prayer time.

I’m not alone. Many people struggle with prayer. In addition to the challenge of finding time for focused prayer, many struggle with what to pray. Praying for our own personal needs may be easy, but what do we pray beyond that? We can certainly pray for others, and when we see obvious, physical needs, we know what to pray. But we should pray for others in another way that’s not as obvious as physical needs.

We should pray for the spiritual needs of others, and we can begin by praying for their salvation.



WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?


1 Timothy 2:1-2

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

In these verses, Paul talks about the importance of prayer. Paul began with “first of all,” underscoring for Timothy that the first order of business in the church is to pray. Prayer should not be treated as just something we use to kick off our Bible study group or “filler” between songs during the worship service. As Paul told the Colossians: “Devote yourselves to prayer” (Col. 4:2). “Devote” is a strong word, calling us to be continually diligent in prayer. Paul underscored this diligence when he told Timothy to lead the church to make prayer the first priority.

Prayer is how we communicate with God, but we often treat it like a monologue, focusing on our own needs and concerns. The ultimate goal of prayer, however, is to connect with God, to seek Him and His wisdom. When we do that, He is glorified as our prayers align with His will.

Paul identified several types of prayers. “Petitions” are requests for needs. In general, our “prayers” are requests or thoughts expressed to God. “Intercessions” are prayers we present to God on behalf of others. It is our privilege to intercede for and pray on behalf of others. And “thanksgivings” remind us to be grateful for who God is and what He has done and can do. Paul was not giving us an exhaustive list of ways to pray, but his list emphasizes the comprehensive nature of our prayers. The call to pray is a serious one that incorporates all aspects of prayer.

It’s not beneficial for our prayer life to focus on one type of prayer. Effective prayers include petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings—all forms of prayer.


Question 2:

How would you describe the

different types of prayer included in these verses?


Jesus came to earth because God loved the world, and believers are expected to carry on His ministry to the world. One way we do that is through our prayers. Whether we agree with who they are or what they stand for, we’re admonished to humble ourselves and intercede with the Father on their behalf. As we focus our prayers on the urgent spiritual need for others to draw near to God, we become filled with Christ’s compassion for them.

We are to pray compassionate prayers for all—and that includes our leaders. As we pray for them, we should remember God has appointed them to the positions they hold. God is in control and has a plan for our leaders (Rom. 13:1-2). Paul’s heart was in evangelism, sharing the message of Christ everywhere. Paul was writing during the reign of Nero, a harsh ruler who persecuted Christians when it suited him. Paul’s reminder to pray for leaders would certainly include praying for their salvation, but those prayers could include praying for their leadership and policies. What leaders do can greatly benefit the spread of the gospel. We should pray for leaders because what they do can help us “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (v. 2).



1 Timothy 2:3-6

3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

I’ve had a few injuries that required care from a chiropractor or physical therapist. The goal of their therapy was to provide relief from pain and restore alignment. Those injuries often caused chronic discomfort until damaged parts of my body were brought back to healthy alignment.

We often need spiritual alignment as well. It’s good to check ourselves to ensure that what we seek from God is in line with what He desires. Paul was clear on one thing God desires: He “wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Therefore, we should align our prayers with His desire and pray earnestly for the salvation of others.


Question 3:

How does prayer align our desires

with the desires of God?




Have you ever considered the impact you have on others as a believer? When we trust the hand of God to work through our prayers, we will pray with a sense of urgency. We have the privilege of praying for those whom God has placed within our sphere of influence, and such prayers are pleasing to God.

We can know that God’s desire is for all to be saved because “there is one God” (v. 5). Since there is only one God, He has a singular purpose and desire. His desire does not just apply to the Jews but to all people He created in His image. God also made that salvation available through “one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” Our culture says there are many ways to God, but God provided only one way to a relationship with Him. Salvation is through Christ and Christ alone, who “gave himself as a ransom for all” (v. 6). Christ’s work of salvation is available to all.

We can be an agent of life transformation as we align ourselves with God’s desire by committing to pray for others to know and accept Jesus Christ. We should be diligent and take full advantage of the partnership we’ve been given. Through our prayers, we partner with God in advancing His kingdom.


1 Timothy 2:7-8

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

Paul acknowledged that he was divinely appointed to preach the truths he mentioned in verses 5-6: the good news of the gospel. His mandate was to spread the message to the Gentiles of God’s love and redemption for all. Paul didn’t go exclusively to the Jews; rather, the Holy Spirit led him to step into the culture of the Gentiles to share the same truth about Jesus that he shared with the Jews.

Verse 8 starts a new thought from Paul, but what follows was based on what he had written in the first seven verses. He began with “Therefore,” meaning “based on what I’ve just written, this is what you should do.” His instructions in verses 8-15 are for both men and women, but he began with the men.


Question 4:

Why is prayer an important step

in sharing the gospel?


Paul had stressed the focus on our prayers, and now he told the men how they were to pray: “lifting up holy hands without anger or argument” (v. 8). This is not an emphasis on the posture of prayer, but on our character. To have holy hands is to be morally pure. Paul had already told us to “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (v. 2), so to do so in moral purity without dissension among ourselves would certainly aid the reception of the gospel by others.

Because we will face all kinds of challenges, we need to be “prayed up.” We cannot live, engage, or witness to the world in our own abilities. At the heart of prayer is a dependence on the Holy Spirit who empowers us to witness. Four truths arise out of this passage—four ways we can pray:

  1. We are to pray for all people: family, friends, enemies, and those who rule.
  2. We are to pray for people to come to faith in Christ. Even as we pray for them in other ways, our ultimate aim is to align with God’s desire that they experience His salvation.
  3. We are to pray with confidence for their salvation because Christ paid the ransom for them through His death.
  4. We are to pray for ourselves and others who share the gospel—all who are called to be “heralds” of the truth of Christ.


Question 5:

What are some ways our group can

be more evangelistic in our prayers?



PRAYER MATTERS

In each circle, write the name of someone who needs your prayers, especially for salvation.

As you place a finger over each circle, think about that person and pray, asking God to work

in that person’s life for salvation, to meet needs, or other matters God brings to your heart.





“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts

may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is

in the one who hears it and not in the one who

says it, our prayers do make a difference.”

MAX LUCADO


LIVE IT OUT


How will you put into practice praying for the salvation of others? Choose one of the following applications:

Make time. Set aside a specific time each day for focused prayer. We make appointments through the day and commit to meet this appointment every day.

Make a list. Start a prayer journal, listing specific individuals for whose salvation you are praying. Include the names of those in authority too. One option is to use the prayer pages on pages 6-9 of this book.

Make contact. God often uses us to do more than just pray; He uses us in the answer. As God gives you opportunity, talk with those for whom you’ve been praying.

Trust God to give you the words to say in sharing Christ. Some prayers may seem harder to pray than others; we often think of ourselves first. But we should pray for the spiritual needs of others, and begin by praying for their salvation.



Teacher Notes:




Click Play to Watch


Indiana Jones runs down a street and rounds a corner, finding himself face to face with an Arab swordsman. He skillfully brandishes his sword. Indiana Jones just rolls his eyes and pulls out his revolver. Boom – that’s the end of the swordsman.

 

Did you know that scene was not intended to be in the original movie? An incredible sword fight was choreographed. As a joke, Harrison Ford used the gun; he pulled it out and shot the guy, who played along. The producer liked the scene so much he left it in the movie.

 

I like the scene because it’s a picture of the Christian life. Something that looks menacing can be neutralized with a superior weapon.

 

In the Bible, prayer is described as our divine and uniquely powerful weapon.

 

Consider some of the things the Bible says prayer alone can do: change reality, heal the sick, and control the forces of nature. Prayer has brought back the dead. It keeps us alert, keeps us sober-minded, guards us against temptation, and releases our fears and frustrations. Perhaps most significantly of all, prayer can hurt the enemy, restricting his activity and reclaiming hostages from his camp.



1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

 

1.   We are to pray for all people.

 

  • We are to pray for all those in authority even if we don’t like them or agree with them.

 

We are to pray compassionate prayers for all—and that includes our leaders. As we pray for them, we should remember God has appointed them to the positions they hold. God is in control and has a plan for our leaders (Rom. 13:1-2). Paul’s heart was in evangelism, sharing the message of Christ everywhere. Paul was writing during the reign of Nero, a harsh ruler who persecuted Christians when it suited him. Paul’s reminder to pray for leaders would certainly include praying for their salvation, but those prayers could include praying for their leadership and policies. What leaders do can greatly benefit the spread of the gospel. We should pray for leaders because what they do can help us “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (v. 2).

 

Prayer is how we communicate with God, but we often treat it like a monologue, focusing on our own needs and concerns. The ultimate goal of prayer, however, is to connect with God, to seek Him and His wisdom. When we do that, He is glorified as our prayers align with His will.

 

 

1 Timothy 2:3-6

This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

 

2.   We are to align our prayers with God’s desire for all people to be saved.

 

We often need spiritual alignment. It’s good to check ourselves to ensure that what we seek from God is in line with what He desires. Paul was clear on one thing God desires: He “wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (v. 4). Therefore, we should align our prayers with His desire and pray earnestly for the salvation of others.

 

We can know that God’s desire is for all to be saved because “there is one God” (v. 5). Since there is only one God, He has a singular purpose and desire. His desire does not just apply to the Jews but to all people He created in His image. God also made that salvation available through “one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” Our culture says there are many ways to God, but God provided only one way to a relationship with Him. Salvation is through Christ and Christ alone, who “gave himself as a ransom for all” (v. 6). Christ’s work of salvation is available to all. We can be an agent of life transformation as we align ourselves with God’s desire by committing to pray for others to know and accept Jesus Christ. We should be diligent and take full advantage of the partnership we’ve been given. Through our prayers, we partner with God in advancing His kingdom.


 

1 Timothy 2:7-8

For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

 

3.   We are to pray for ourselves and others in sharing the gospel.

 

  • We too have a place in the great ministry of proclaiming the gospel, being on mission, and teaching faithful and truthfully what we have come to know about Jesus, the Savior.
  • Prayer is to be a consistent practice in our lives, both privately and in settings with one another.
  • When we pray, we need to pray with attitudes turned toward the things of God and with a spirit that honors the relationship we have with Him and honors the gospel.

 

Paul acknowledged that he was divinely appointed to preach the truths he mentioned in verses 5-6: the good news of the gospel. His mandate was to spread the message to the Gentiles of God’s love and redemption for all. Paul didn’t go exclusively to the Jews; rather, the Holy Spirit led him to step into the culture of the Gentiles to share the same truth about Jesus that he shared with the Jews.

 

Four truths arise out of this passage—four ways we can pray:

  • We are to pray for all people: family, friends, enemies, and those who rule.
  • We are to pray for people to come to faith in Christ. Even as we pray for them in other ways, our ultimate aim is to align with God’s desire that they experience His salvation.
  • We are to pray with confidence for their salvation because Christ paid the ransom for them through His death.
  • We are to pray for ourselves and others who share the gospel—all who are called to be “heralds” of the truth of Christ.

 

Wrap it up:

Some prayers may seem harder to pray than others; we often think of ourselves first. But we should pray for the spiritual needs of others, and begin by praying for their salvation.

 

 

We have likely heard it said (and maybe even said it ourselves), “There’s nothing left to do but pray” or “All we can do now is pray.” Both statements seem to suggest that prayer is a last resort after we have expended all our efforts, exhausted all options, and whatever else we were depending on has failed us. Such is hardly a biblical view of the place and significance of prayer. Prayer is the beginning point. How can a person know what to do who has not prayed for wisdom and guidance on how to act?

 

In terms of sharing the gospel, prayer also is the beginning point and the most important element of a witnessing plan. From this study we see at least three directions our praying should take as we consider sharing the gospel.

  

1.   Pray for the individual to whom the gospel will be shared—no matter who it is or what kind of person it is. Bringing the person before the Lord is critical.

2.   Align your praying with what God desires. He wants all kinds of individuals to be saved. If that is the desire of our hearts, then pray for all kinds of people—even those we may not like.

3.   Join with others in prayer that enhances the gospel message, honors God, and points others to Christ, who gave Himself freely on their behalf.

 

What is the focus of your praying? Is it only for your needs? Are you praying that someone be saved and brought into a right relationship with God through Christ Jesus?

 

 

Why Prayer is So Hard?

 

1.   It’s so strange. When I was in a restaurant once with a group of guys, we decided to say a blessing before we ate. Since we were in the middle of a restaurant I said, “Why don’t we just say our own blessings today?” So, we bowed our heads, closed our eyes, and began to say our own grace. Now, I’m like you – my blessing is not just, “Rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub. Yeah, God.” I take a minute while I say it, and so did my friends. In the middle of our grace, the waiter walked up and asked, “What’s the matter?” For a whole minute, he walked around the table asking, “What’s the matter? What’s the matter?”

2.   It’s a discipline. Let’s be honest – we’re short on discipline. The bottom line though, is this: you’ve got to pursue prayer, first and foremost, as a discipline – not as an experience.

3.   It’s so difficult to pay attention. Is it hard for you to pay attention when praying? I hope I’m not the only one. I admit that for me, invisible, formless, shapeless beings are hard to focus on. There are times I have gotten the feeling that maybe I’m talking to the ceiling.

4.   There are more enjoyable things to do, and other occupations cry louder for my attention. For most of us, we’re in too big a hurry to get something done because it’s more fun to take out the list of things to do and cross them off than it is to spend time in prayer.

5.   You think you can get more done by yourself. A famous British general once said, “I’ve noticed that in battle God always seems to be on the side of the army with the heaviest artillery.” I think for each of us there has come some big event in life, and we forgot to pray. The event came and went, and went okay. Then we begin to suspect prayer wasn’t as crucial as we thought, and maybe we’d get more done if we quit wasting time on our knees; just got out there and did stuff.

 

 

 

Look at Matthew 6:5-13. There you’ll find three qualities of prayer that we are to have.

 

1.   To pray privately. (5-6)

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

2.   To pray genuinely, personally, earnestly, honestly, and reverently. (7-8)

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

3.   To pray with variety. (9-13)

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

 

Praying as the Lord taught will give us the groundwork for an improved prayer life, and help us use our superior weapon. Prayer makes God’s resources available to us, which were otherwise unavailable – physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional resources.

 

Edward MacHenry Baumn, a Civil War chaplain, was well known among his men because every day during the war he would arise at 4 a.m. and pray until 7 a.m. He once wrote, “The whole force of Bible statement is to increase our faith in the doctrine that prayer affects God. It secures favors from God which can be secured in no other way, and which will not be bestowed by God if we do not pray.” Prayer is admittedly hard, but it is rewarding.

 











































No comments:

Post a Comment