Introduction:

For transformation to take place in the life of a believer, God’s Word and prayer are imperative.

Prayer invites the opportunity to turn the insights of God’s Word into a life-changing discussion.

Why Pray, If God Knows Everything:  (It Allows Us…)

(Hebrews 4:16)

• To praise Him for Who He is

• To grow and become more intimate in our relationship with Him

• To show our gratitude for all God has done

• To share our burdens with the God of the Universe

• To experience peace even in the midst of life’s pressures

• To see our lives from God’s perspective and His desires for us

Why Pray, If God Is Sovereign

• Our Free Will and His Sovereignty

• His Will of Decree (Greek Word: Thelo)  (Romans 8:28)

• His Will of Desire  (Greek Word: Boulomai)  (2 Peter 3:9)

How Do We Pray:

• Adoration (Most all the Psalms)

Richard Foster in his book on prayer

“Prayer is the human response to the perpetual outpouring of love by which God lays siege to every soul. 

Our response to God’s love is adoration.

Adoration is the spontaneous yearning of the one’s heart to worship, honor, magnify, and bless God.”

(Psalm 9:1-2)  (Psalm 30:12)  (Psalm 18:1-3)

• Adoration sets the tone for the entire prayer

• Adoration reminds us of God’s identity & desires

• Adoration purifies us as we pray

• Confession  (I John 1:9)

            Confession Should Be:

                --spontaneous    --specific     --sincere

            Benefits of Confession:

                --conscience cleared   --forgiveness given    --pray freely

• Thanksgiving  (I Thessalonians 5:18)

             Four Blessings To Thank God For:

                  --answered prayer    --spiritual blessings

                  --relational blessings   --material blessings

• Supplication (Requests)  (Philippians 4:6)  (James 4:2)

Application: Prayer and God’s Word are gifts from God that lead us to His presence, power and perspective and eventually to His best for us. What is keeping you from God’s best? _________________________________________