Lesson Nine - Prayer in Worship
Introduction to the Lesson
Another act of New Testament worship is that of prayer. When the early Christians assembled for worship this was one of the things they engaged in. Right after the church had been established, the record says, [Acts 2:42 (KJV) 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles* doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.], indicating the emphasis that was placed upon this part of worship.
The word prayer means intercession, mediation, supplication, or simply that of speaking or talking to the Lord. It is not only to be a part of our worship services, but it is also to be a part of our daily life. Paul writes, [Ephesians 6:18 (KJV) 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;] Again he says, [1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) 17Pray without ceasing.] This simply means that one should always have the spirit of prayer.
As we consider this all important subject, then let us list some major points:
1. Prayer is in the main reserved for Christians or children of God. This does not mean that a non-Christian cannot pray, should not pray, but the scriptures make it clear that prayer is a privilege and blessing that belongs to the Christian. We read, [John 9:31 (KJV) 31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.] Now observe the conditions stated in order for the Lord to hear one's prayer -- he must be a worshipper of God and one who is a doer of the Lord's will. Who is this? A Christian, of course. Besides, for what could a sinner pray? He couldn't pray that the Lord might forgive him of his sins because Christ said that one must believe and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16). He couldn't pray for faith because the scriptures have been given to produce that (John 20:30, 31; Romans 10:17). Neither could he pray for something else as a sinner.
As we turn through the New Testament and read the many passages of scripture that deal with prayer, then we will observe that they all are directed to the Christian. The Christian is God's child as a result of obedience (Galatians 3:26,27), and therefore may rightfully call upon God as his Father (Romans 8:15). If everyone had access to the Father through prayer, including both sinner and saint, then what advatage would the Christian have over the sinner? So you can surely see that the Christian has the distinct privilege of prayer and this is one of the spiritual blessings of being a Christian (Ephesians 1:3).
We have the widespread practice today of the sinner praying for the forgiveness of his sins and thereby becoming a Christian. However, this is not supported by the word of God but is merely the teaching of men.
2. Our prayers are to be directed to god through Jesus Christ. God is the Father and he is the giver of all blessings. It is only right that we should call upon him for help as well as to thank him for the blessings he has already bestowed upon us. However, we cannot go to God directly inasmuch as sin has come between us. On the other hand, that does not mean that we must look to some man, regardless of his status in life, to intercede for us. Instead, Jesus is our reconciliator, our mediator, our advocate, through whom we are to approach the throne of grace. Listen to God's word: [1 John 2:1 - 2 (KJV) 1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.] Again, [1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;] Therefore we should always pray in the name of, or by the authority of, Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18) .
3. We should pray in spirit and in truth. We have noticed in previous lessons that the Lord has said that we must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Since prayer is a part of worship, and the daily Christian life, then our prayers must be in spirit and in truth. Paul wrote the Corinthians [1 Corinthians 14:14 - 15 (KJV) 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.] That means then that our prayers must be with the understanding, that our minds must be on what we are saying, and that we are to be humble and sincere in them. Furthermore, our prayers must be in harmony with the scriptures. That is, we are not to ask the Lord to do that which would be opposed to his will. Christ said on one occassion, when some of his disciples had made a foolish request. [Matthew 20:22 (KJV) 22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.] Again he said, [Matthew 4:7 (KJV) It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.]
This is one reason why we cannot us what is called "Lord's Prayer."(Matthew 6:9-13). It would not be in harmony with the Lord's will for us to pray for the kingdom to come inasmuch as it has already come (Hebrews 12:28).
4. The contents of our prayers are clearly set forth in the scriptures. We should pray prayers of thanksgiving. [Philippians 4:6 (KJV) 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.]
We should pray in time of need. [Acts 12:5 (KJV) 5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.]
We should pray for the leaders of the country (Romans 13).
We should pray for one another. [James 5:16 (KJV) 16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.]
We should pray for the sick. [James 5:14 - 15 (KJV) 14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.]
And on and on we could go listing the many verses of scripture that speak of the various things and individuals that we should pray for. This would include the church, our families, the lost and so on.
5. The scriptures also give some warnings on prayer. Christ says, [Matthew 6:5 - 8 (KJV) 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.] Again, he warns, [Matthew 6:14 - 15 (KJV) 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.]
So in conclusion, prayer is a big subject whether we consider it as a part of our worship services or in everyday life. But as Christians we have the privilege to call upon God in both instances. Not only so, but the Lord expects it. As far as worship is concerned though, Christians cannot any more stay at home to have their prayers than they can stay at home and give of their money or partake of the Lord's Supper. Christians who will assemble for worship will pray at home. But people who will not assemble for worship will not pray at home either. Even if they do, it is to no avail until they learn to be faithful to the Lord.
Pray in faith -- ask and ye shall receive. Prayer is powerful!
QUESTIONS
Lesson 9, Prayer
New Testament Worship
1. Define the word prayer.
2. What role is prayer to play in our lives?
3. How often are we to pray?
4. For whom is prayer reserved?
5. Read and explain John 9:31.
6. For what could a sinner pray?
7. Who is a Christian?
8. Who may approach God in prayer?
9. Can a sinner be saved through prayer?
10. Through whom are we to pray to God?
11. What has Jesus become to us?
12. Explain the meaning of praying in spirit and in truth.
13. Is it possible for us to tempt the Lord through our prayers?
14. What is the "Lord's Prayer"?
15. Why can't we use this prayer?
16. Mention some of the things for which we should pray.
17. Who are some of the ones for whom we should pray?
18. Give some of the Lord's warnings on prayer.
19. Can Christians stay at home and have their prayers instead of attending assemblies?
20. How should we pray?
Another act of New Testament worship is that of prayer. When the early Christians assembled for worship this was one of the things they engaged in. Right after the church had been established, the record says, [Acts 2:42 (KJV) 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles* doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.], indicating the emphasis that was placed upon this part of worship.
The word prayer means intercession, mediation, supplication, or simply that of speaking or talking to the Lord. It is not only to be a part of our worship services, but it is also to be a part of our daily life. Paul writes, [Ephesians 6:18 (KJV) 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;] Again he says, [1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) 17Pray without ceasing.] This simply means that one should always have the spirit of prayer.
As we consider this all important subject, then let us list some major points:
1. Prayer is in the main reserved for Christians or children of God. This does not mean that a non-Christian cannot pray, should not pray, but the scriptures make it clear that prayer is a privilege and blessing that belongs to the Christian. We read, [John 9:31 (KJV) 31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.] Now observe the conditions stated in order for the Lord to hear one's prayer -- he must be a worshipper of God and one who is a doer of the Lord's will. Who is this? A Christian, of course. Besides, for what could a sinner pray? He couldn't pray that the Lord might forgive him of his sins because Christ said that one must believe and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16). He couldn't pray for faith because the scriptures have been given to produce that (John 20:30, 31; Romans 10:17). Neither could he pray for something else as a sinner.
As we turn through the New Testament and read the many passages of scripture that deal with prayer, then we will observe that they all are directed to the Christian. The Christian is God's child as a result of obedience (Galatians 3:26,27), and therefore may rightfully call upon God as his Father (Romans 8:15). If everyone had access to the Father through prayer, including both sinner and saint, then what advatage would the Christian have over the sinner? So you can surely see that the Christian has the distinct privilege of prayer and this is one of the spiritual blessings of being a Christian (Ephesians 1:3).
We have the widespread practice today of the sinner praying for the forgiveness of his sins and thereby becoming a Christian. However, this is not supported by the word of God but is merely the teaching of men.
2. Our prayers are to be directed to god through Jesus Christ. God is the Father and he is the giver of all blessings. It is only right that we should call upon him for help as well as to thank him for the blessings he has already bestowed upon us. However, we cannot go to God directly inasmuch as sin has come between us. On the other hand, that does not mean that we must look to some man, regardless of his status in life, to intercede for us. Instead, Jesus is our reconciliator, our mediator, our advocate, through whom we are to approach the throne of grace. Listen to God's word: [1 John 2:1 - 2 (KJV) 1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.] Again, [1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;] Therefore we should always pray in the name of, or by the authority of, Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18) .
3. We should pray in spirit and in truth. We have noticed in previous lessons that the Lord has said that we must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Since prayer is a part of worship, and the daily Christian life, then our prayers must be in spirit and in truth. Paul wrote the Corinthians [1 Corinthians 14:14 - 15 (KJV) 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.] That means then that our prayers must be with the understanding, that our minds must be on what we are saying, and that we are to be humble and sincere in them. Furthermore, our prayers must be in harmony with the scriptures. That is, we are not to ask the Lord to do that which would be opposed to his will. Christ said on one occassion, when some of his disciples had made a foolish request. [Matthew 20:22 (KJV) 22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.] Again he said, [Matthew 4:7 (KJV) It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.]
This is one reason why we cannot us what is called "Lord's Prayer."(Matthew 6:9-13). It would not be in harmony with the Lord's will for us to pray for the kingdom to come inasmuch as it has already come (Hebrews 12:28).
4. The contents of our prayers are clearly set forth in the scriptures. We should pray prayers of thanksgiving. [Philippians 4:6 (KJV) 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.]
We should pray in time of need. [Acts 12:5 (KJV) 5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.]
We should pray for the leaders of the country (Romans 13).
We should pray for one another. [James 5:16 (KJV) 16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.]
We should pray for the sick. [James 5:14 - 15 (KJV) 14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.]
And on and on we could go listing the many verses of scripture that speak of the various things and individuals that we should pray for. This would include the church, our families, the lost and so on.
5. The scriptures also give some warnings on prayer. Christ says, [Matthew 6:5 - 8 (KJV) 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.] Again, he warns, [Matthew 6:14 - 15 (KJV) 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.]
So in conclusion, prayer is a big subject whether we consider it as a part of our worship services or in everyday life. But as Christians we have the privilege to call upon God in both instances. Not only so, but the Lord expects it. As far as worship is concerned though, Christians cannot any more stay at home to have their prayers than they can stay at home and give of their money or partake of the Lord's Supper. Christians who will assemble for worship will pray at home. But people who will not assemble for worship will not pray at home either. Even if they do, it is to no avail until they learn to be faithful to the Lord.
Pray in faith -- ask and ye shall receive. Prayer is powerful!
QUESTIONS
Lesson 9, Prayer
New Testament Worship
1. Define the word prayer.
2. What role is prayer to play in our lives?
3. How often are we to pray?
4. For whom is prayer reserved?
5. Read and explain John 9:31.
6. For what could a sinner pray?
7. Who is a Christian?
8. Who may approach God in prayer?
9. Can a sinner be saved through prayer?
10. Through whom are we to pray to God?
11. What has Jesus become to us?
12. Explain the meaning of praying in spirit and in truth.
13. Is it possible for us to tempt the Lord through our prayers?
14. What is the "Lord's Prayer"?
15. Why can't we use this prayer?
16. Mention some of the things for which we should pray.
17. Who are some of the ones for whom we should pray?
18. Give some of the Lord's warnings on prayer.
19. Can Christians stay at home and have their prayers instead of attending assemblies?
20. How should we pray?