Disciplines for Life Part 3: The Art of Prayer

Deep End Recap
June 3, 2009

Last night we looked at why we pray, how Jesus prayed, and how Jesus taught us to pray. At the end of Bible study I asked the question: "How can you be sure your prayers will be answered?" Here are a few thoughts from one of the authors from the Disciplines for Life series, John Loftness:

Effective prayers are prayers that get answered. Here are five biblical criteria that will ensure effective prayer:

1. They line up with scriptural truth (John 15:7)
Example: "God, you desire all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), so please help my neighbor to hear your gospel."

2. They seek results that will glorify God (John 14:13)
Example: "God, provide for my family's financial needs so that my brother won't mock us for tithing."

3. They are intended to bear good fruit (John 15:16)
Example: "God, appoint the man or woman who will uphold your standards of justice to the Supreme Court."

4. They spring from a right motive (James 4:3)
Good Example: "God, help me find a bigger house so I can take care of my aging parents."
Not So Good Example: "God, help me find a bigger house so I have plenty of room for my model train set."

5. They are in agreement with the will of God (1 John 5:14)
Note: Even if a prayer request meets the first four criteria, it may not be God's will. With time and practice you will gain greater confidence in discerning the will of God.

Here are the highlights from last nights Bible study:

How We Pray

The Confessional-Telling God all the bad things we’ve done without building a relationship
The Checklist-Either just getting it done or checking through the things we need to pray about
One Way Street-Not giving God a chance to speak
The Sleeper-Praying by “thinking” or as we go to sleep
The Emergency Flare-SOS, God, I need your help!
The Mockingbird-Trying to use the same words/style as that guy on stage
The Broken Record-Saying the same thing at the same time for the same reason every day
The Speed Demon-Get it over as fast as possible

How Jesus Prayed

1. Early in the Morning (Mark 1:35)
2. Alone (Mark 1:35)
3. Even when he was tired (Mark 6:45-46)-didn’t let “relaxing” get in the way
4. Even in the good times (Luke 5:15-16)
5. When making major decisions (Luke 6:12-13)
6. Regularly (Luke 22:39)
7. Honestly (Luke 22:39-44)

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray

1. With Intimacy and Respect (“Our Father who art in heaven”)
2. Recognizing God’s glory (“Hallowed by thy name”)
3. Recognizing God’s authority (“Your kingdom come”)
4. Selflessly (“Your will be done”)
5. Seeking God’s best (“On earth as it is in heaven”)
6. Regularly (“Give us this day”)
7 .Practically (“our daily bread”)
8. Humbly (“Forgive us”)
9. With Trust (“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”)