Prayer

Defined

is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, It is a “beseeching the Lord” () It is also hearing from God.

is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, It is a “beseeching the Lord” () It is also hearing from God.

Story - Going to parents for Spring break - task mode and my parents wanted me to come in and sit and talk, even if tasks didn’t get done.

Story - value of growing more deeply in love with Peggy over the past 50 years. I have learned how to listen to her, sit quietly with her, know what she is thinking, and what pleases her.

First fight over sofa - 1st week we were married

Rocks from kids - i knew she would want them. I did not. I should not have told her about them if I didn’t want to do the work to get them.

It is not possible for us to study prayer in the short time that we have today - so I just want to talk with you about some of the lessons that I have learned.

Prayer is not just asking God for things or to do things - it is knowing him so well that we know what things to ask for and what He will say. It is not only speaking but also learning how to hear from God. If we would learn how to hear from God we would not be asking what is it that God wants me to do. Prayer is not a spiritual discipline as much as it is a relationship.

Ask them to write down 2 things that are keeping them from deep relationship with God - not for anyone else to see.

Ask them to write down 2 things that are keeping them from deep relationship with God - not for anyone else to see.

Thoughts about us speaking to God

Pray without ceasing - , , Pray not only in each moment but for a lifetime.

Peggy - at a car wreck, sad or difficult news, when guests leave our home

Pray believing - ; ; ; ; ;

The more we pray believing the more God answers and more our faith grows

Story of my praying that God would show me why Peggy was so insecure. You are the problem. I ask forgiveness and here is Peggy’s part of the story.

Thoughts about hearing from God

He may speak through the Spirit’s prompting - It will never be contrary to what He says in his word.

He always speaks through his word.

Barrier our prayers

Unconfessed sin -

Enemy lies to us

road back - confessing sin

Unbelief

Selfish motives. don’t have because you don’t ask. ask and don’t receive because it is selfish prayer.

Not forgiving others -

Practical suggestions

Do you want to develop a vibrant prayer life?

Pray for it every day - it is possible to get sidetracked. Majid story.

Ask others to pray for you.

Confess sin - to God, to others

Forgive those who have sinned against you.

Read biographies about men and women of prayer - John Wesley, St. John of the Cross, George Mueller, Teresa of Avila