A Pentecostal Perspective of Prayer

The Prayer of Faith- and the importance of the Word of God

Specify the Apologetic Topic.

Doubtful prayer is no prayer at all.

John Calvin

James 1:6–8 CSB

But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.

Tell the Topic’s Significance.

Being decisive is important when praying, and James shows is that. James says that a man who cannot make up his mind or is double-minded is “unstable in all his ways.” and this person cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Often time we are indefinite in our prayers. Often times I hear prayers like this, “God if it is in your will.” or “God heal this person, but if you don’t help us to see you are work in their sickness or suffering.”

James calls us to Be decisive in your prayers.

What is it that you need?

Prayers made in faith see God as the answer or the source

Sometimes when people prayer they have no clue why they are praying. They are simply praying just to be praying.

Now not every prayer is a request. We pray to worship to worship and have fellowship with God our Father. This teaching is specifically focusing on praying in faith to get answers.

If we aren’t careful we can carry over this general prayer into our prayers when we need to be specific about a certain need.

When you plan a meal and go to the grocery store you go to get what you need. You don’t just walk aimlessly up and down the aisles grabbing random things. If you sent your spouse or your child into the store with the list you want them to be definite.

This is true when we pray. We could pray for hours with no purpose, but it would be better to pray for three to five minutes with purpose. Decide want you want or need from God and be definite about it!

Hebrews 4:16 CSB

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

Explain the Biblical and Rational Position.

Read Scriptures That Promise the answer you need

Joshua 1:8 “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”

The word of God is the most important part of having a successful prayer life. As we feed on the Word of God we build our Spirit, we build our inner consciousness. When we do this, in our times of need we are prepared.

We can used scripture against the devil’s lies, when he tries to make us doubt God and in turn rob us of what we want.

Look at Jesus in the wilderness. When Satan tempted Him to turn stone into bread, Jesus turned to the Word of God and said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

Satan didn’t stop with just one attack, He then took Jesus on top of a mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. He told Jesus “if you worship me this is all yours”. If You bow I will give you all the kingdoms.

Again Jesus answered Him, “It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.”

Satan once again tried tempting Jesus by taking Him upon the pinnacle of the Temple and said, “Cast thyself down.”

Yet again Jesus answered with the Word. “It is said, Thou shall not tempt the Lord your God,”

Jesus used the weapon that believers have today, and the weapon is just as affective in our battles and temptations. That weapon is the Word of God. The word of God is powerful and effective for the tearing down of strongholds. 2 Cor 10:4.

Practically Apply for the Hearer.

All we have to do when we are faced with temptation and doubt, is follow Jesus’ example and say, “It is written...” If we have the scriptures firmly planted in our hearts then we are prepared for any attack the devil might have. WE are caught off guard, but we are prepared even for an ambush.

When we need guidance for our lives we can go to the scriptures and see what God says about any situation. God’s Word plainly shows us His will.

Summarize and Transition to a Related Invitation

Lastly the Word of God builds our faith. Romans says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the from the word of God (Romans 10:17). WE can’t pray beyond our faith, but we can build our faith through the Word of God.

Kenneth Hagin says, “The reason why people don’t pray with confidence and faith is because they don’t know Scriptures well enough to know if what they are praying for is God’s will. They may hope is it, but they don’t know it is.”

As we read God’s word we get to learn His will, and we can apply His promises to our every need.