Worship – Prayer

I. Introduction

A. We begin to look at the aspects of our worship to God

1. Remind you the meaning of worship is two fold

2. Worship consist of “Five acts”

3. Worship is a “Living sacrifice”

B. In our Bible study we plan to take a closer look at an act of worship that has been described as

1. A shield to the soul

2. A sacrifice to God

3. A scourge to Satan

C. This form of worship is how we communicate with God

D. We will see it should be as much a part of our lives as it is a part of the assembly

II. Lets start by seeing How the Bible define prayer.

A. Prayer is addressed to God

1. We see this with what Jesus taught his disciples in Matt. 6:9

2. He also gives us examples with his communication with God the Father

a) At his baptism Luke 3:21

b) Choosing apostles Luke 6:12

c) 3 times before His arrest Matt 6:36-46

d) One of the last statements upon the cross Luke 23:3

B. Prayer is offered by the authority of Christ

1. Ask in His name – John 14:13-14, 16:23

2. It is Jesus that Paul says is the mediator between Man and God in 1 Tim 2:5

a) Which is further explained in Heb 4:14-16

b) And in Heb 7:25

C. Prayer is “A.C.T.S.” (Acrostic)

1. Adoration

a) Praising God

b) Example of David’s words in 1 Chor 29:10-13 as well as various Psalms

c) If we give God the proper praise and adoration, it will help us remember who and what we are.

2. Confession

a) Acknowledge sin before God

b) Told plainly this is necessary for forgiveness 1 John 1:9

3. Thanksgiving

a) Easily seen the connection of thankfulness with prayer
(Quickly turn)

(1) Eph 1:16

(2) Col 4:2

(3) 1 Thess 1:2

(4) 1 Tim 2:1

b) Christians have every reason to be thankful to God, because everything comes from God

c) Should be willing to express such to God

4. Supplication

a) Making request to God – Phil 4:6

b) Not a shopping list of wants, but cares and desires of spiritual needs

c) As well as praying for others

(1) James 5:14-15

(2) Rom 1:9

(3) Phil 1:4

(4) Phlm 1:4

III. Prayer is an act performed when Christians are assembled together

A. When Paul spoke to the church in Corinth about their actions in the public assembly, he tells them
”…I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also…” – 1 Cor 14:25

B. The church on Pentecost – Acts 2:42

1. Note a time set aside for prayer in Acts 3:1

2. Read prayer recorded in Acts 4:23-30

C. Remind us that even though one man will “lead” a prayer for the congregation, there is a responsibility on the part of everyone

1. For the one leading the prayer

a) To give God the reverence and the praise He deserves, Not a chat with a pal

b) To speak so as others can understand and be able to pray with them, not speaking in tongues or even softly

c) To pray appropriately and sincerely

(1) A fervent prayer – James 5:16-18

(2) Example of Elias praying earnestly

(3) Illustrate: Pray to bless the unleavened bread before departing the building

2. To those who are silent

a) To give God the reverence and the honor He deserves

(1) Even though not offering the prayer, ones actions during the prayer will display humbleness before God

(2) Note various positions:

(a) Bowing down Psa 95:6

(b) Kneeling Acts 20:36

(d) Lifting up of hands 1 Tim 2:8

b) Display humbleness before God

(1) Enter your mental Closet

(2) Matt 6:6

c) Make the prayer your own

(1) Tell the Lord you agree with the thoughts expressed

(2) Be willing to say “Amen”

IV. Prayer is for the child of God

A. Prayer is a command of God

1. 1 Thess 5:17

2. Just as important as baptism

3. Not to be hit and miss, constantly praying

B. Prayer meets conditions

1. The righteous are heard – 1 Peter 3:12

2. The obedient are answered – 1 John 3:22

3. The forgiving are forgiven – Matt 6:15

C. Prayer allows communication

1. God expresses his will through the Bible

2. Prayer is the tool that man uses to talk to God

a) Prayer will not chance His word.

b) But as we have seen it is very powerful and effective for those who are faithful

D. I read a statement that I believe to be true that I want to share with you as we close
”The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self righteous cannot pray. No man is greater than his prayer life.”

V. Conclusion

A. We have but touched the subject of prayer. Much more could and maybe should be said of this important act of worship.

B. I hope that the time that we have spent together has been profitable to you.

C. Ask yourself:

1. Are you spending time every day devoted to prayer?

2. Do you find it easy or difficult to pray?

3. Do you have full faith in the power of prayer?

D. Examine yourself to find what can be improved upon in your worship to God through prayer