Instructions on Prayer Matt. 6:5-15 -Read verses What is prayer or what does it mean to pray?

-To implore, to ask for by prayer, to say prayer, as to God; an entreaty; supplication, a humble request, as to God (Websters New World Dictionary) -Spiritual communication with God through His son Jesus Christ where a saved individual humbly calls upon His Lord for guidance, mercy and to make requests for himself or others while magnifying God as Almighty and honoring and glorifying Him. -Prayer comes from the heart -Through our prayers we have direct access to commune with God, Christs sacrifice gives us this access that is why when we pray we pray in His name. Is there a right and a wrong way to pray? Yes/No -Yes in the methods and modes of our prayers. This means that when we pray we should have the right mind set and heart (intentions behind our prayers) -Are we praying to bring attention to ourselves or do we pray to glorify God and to bring honor to Him? Matt. 6:5 And 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. Matt 6:6 But 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. -We need to have sincerity in our prayers -We need to have faith that our prayers will be answered Matt 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. -Prayer should be approached in a humble manner. We should acknowledge that we are wretched sinners saved by grace. -When we lower ourselves we can better glorify God.

-No; as long as our intentions are true there should be nothing that we cant come to God in prayer about. -Prayer is personal, a conversation between you and God. We should open our hearts to God when we pray. -If there is something that you feel is important than you should pray about it. The Lords Prayer is a good model showing how we should structure our prayers. Matt. 6:9-13 Matt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. -Acknowledgement that God is your heavenly Father and Almighty, helps us to make sure that our prayers are directed to Him. Also helps us to establish our frame of mind, because we are in His presence and that acknowledgement should make us realize that we are at His mercy. Matt 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. -Our desire should be that Christ will return to this Earth sooner rather than later. For the sooner He comes the sooner we will be taken out of this world and out of the bonds of sin. -It should also be our desire to be with our Lord. -Acknowledges that God is in control and helps us to submit ourselves to His will. Matt 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. -Ask God to provide us with those things that we need. Notice that the present is being addressed. This day We are not promised tomorrow, so all we can do is tend to those things that are happening today and ask Gods guidance through the day at hand. Matt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. -If we do not ask forgiveness of sin then we cant expect Him to answer our prayers. Sin hinders our prayers as it hinders our walk with God. -We should also not have grudges in our hearts when we come to God in prayer. If you have something against your neighbor, then that matter should be resolved before you approach God in prayer. We have to forgive those that have done wrong to us before we can ask God to forgive us for doing wrong against Him

-I think it is a good idea to ask forgiveness of our sins individually instead of in a general manner. This helps us to indentify our sins that we might not commit them again in the future, but it also helps us to humble ourselves. -Forces us to admit that we are sinners. Matt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. -Ask God to deliver you from danger and keep you on paths of righteousness. We in and or ourselves cannot stay away from sin; we need Gods grace and guidance to keep us from evil. Examples of what we should pray for: -Gods will in our lives -Thank Him for blessings that He has bestowed upon us -His mercy -Pray for the lost, that they might be saved -Forgiveness of sin -Guidance throughout our daily walk -Grace, that we would overcome trials and temptations -Traveling mercy -Family, friends and other loved ones -For our nation and its leaders -Strength to endure persecution -His church that we would stand against evil -Nation of Israel, because they are His chosen nation -Wisdom (understanding of His word) -For one another Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. James 5:16 Confess 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. -Our pastor and other speakers (Sunday school teachers and opening message) -His return. Strength and knowledge to be doing what He commands us to do ?-Patience, but pray for strength to overcome trials that we will face in gaining patience -Our enemies
Matt 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.