How To Pray?

HOW TO PRAY

It is the privilege of every Believer to pray. Prayer is so important that Jesus taught his disciples how to pray (see Luke ch. 11) The main reason we see no results when we pray, is we don’t know how. In the book of James it states “you don’t have, because you don’t ask.” and “you don’t have because you don’t need it.” (James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? [2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. )

God isn’t some “sugar daddy” your motives must be pure. God knows what you need before you even before you ask. (Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.)

Successful prayer can be summed up by remembering the ACTS of prayer.

A- Adoration of God. Praise Him for everything that He has done.

C-Confession of sins. The Bible says if we confess our sins He will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)

T-Thanksgiving. Thank God in advance. One must first believe that God hears your prayers and that He wants to give you what you ask for.

S-Supplications. (that’s a fancy word for requests) Notice this is last. That’s for a reason.

Prayer is talking to God. You don’t have to talk in old English to talk to God. He will understand you anyway.

******* INTERCESSORY PRAYER

This is a prayer a Believer makes on behalf of someone else. In the book of James we are told to pray for each other (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.)

Circumstances can be changed in people’s lives through intercessory prayer. In the book of James it tells us to not only pray for each other, but the effectual (or capable, effective, powerful) prayers of a righteous man avails much. Who is righteous? Believers are! We know that His blood that was shed on the cross cleanses us from all unrighteousness therefore, Believers are made righteous! (not by anything we did on our own, but what Jesus does inside us)

******* PRAYER OF SALVATION (or “sinners” prayer)

This is the starting point of a Christian life. In the book of Matthew when the man told Jesus he would follow Him after he buried his father, and Jesus told him to follow now and let the dead bury the dead (Matthew 8:21-22 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [22] But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.) Jesus was talking on a spiritual level and when He said “let the dead bury the dead” He meant the spiritually dead.

The words of this prayer may vary. One needs to realize that they have sinned (Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God) and their sins separates them from God. The only way to cleanse our sins and get back to God is by the cross. (John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.) By believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God, and He died on the cross for our sins and God raised Him from the dead 3 days later, you will be saved.

An example of this is as follows;

“Dear Lord Jesus;

I know I’m a sinner. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you died on the cross, paying the debt for my sins. On the third day God raised you from the dead. I repent of my sins and ask you to create in me a clean heart.”

******* THE WRONG MOTIVE

Many times prayer is made with a doubting heart. “Well, I’ll pray, but I doubt it will do any good.” or people pray and in their hearts they have already failed. (told ya it wouldn’t work.)

Some people think more about impressing other people than praying to God. You know the type. They want people to hear them pray. Jesus talked about this type in Matthew. He told us not to be like them, because the only reward they will get will come from the people they are trying to impress! (Matthew 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) Now, that doesn’t mean that it’s wrong to pray in public, but always remember you are having a conversation with God and He sees your heart. (Psalm 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.)

A “prayer closet” (Matthew 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.) indicates that it is just between you and God.

******* THE LORD’S PRAYER

This prayer was given as an example, nothing more. (Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [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.)

There is nothing “magic” about it. It doesn’t matter how many times you repeat it. God herd you the first time. As a matter of fact, we are taught to avoid repeating the same old prayer. (Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.)

******* “TOKEN” PRAYERS

There are certain times when due to tradition-like before meals or before bed-that people feel “obligated” to pray. These are “token” prayers.

One must guard these prayers don’t become rutene and you just do it because it is always “done like that”. There is certainly nothing wrong with token prayers, but always remember who you are praying to. The almighty God!

******* THE NAME OF JESUS

We are told to ask in the name of Jesus and the Father will hear. (John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.) That is why we pray the name of Jesus.

******* PURPOSE OF PRAYER

(Philip. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.) When the verse says “be careful for nothing” it doesn’t mean that God will spoil you. Jesus pointed out things in nature-the birds and flowers as an example of God’s love-to explain what is meant by “be careful for nothing”.

How would you like it if your kids only talked to you when they wanted something and ignored you the rest of the time? Prayer is often approached with this mindset. Prayers of thanksgiving are powerful things.

The purpose of prayer, be it thanksgiving or a petition of personal want, is communion with the creator of the universe-almighty God!

****** CLOSING PRAYER

“Dear God, maker of Heaven and earth;

I praise you in all things. The Heavens declare the works of your hands.

Thank you for hearing my prayers. I know that you hear me when I pray, and thank you for the grace by which I am saved.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS

AMEN

You Will Never Walk Alone Lyrics

Along life's road there will be sunshine and rain
Roses and thorns, laughter and pain
And 'cross the miles, you will face mountains so steep
Deserts so long and valleys so deep

Sometimes the journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember, I want you to know

You will never walk alone as long as you have faith
Jesus will be right beside you all the way
And you may feel you're far from home but home is where He is
And He'll be there down every road, you will never walk alone
Never, no, never

The path will wind, you will find wonders and fears
Labors of love and a few falling tears
Across the years there will be some twists and turns
Mistakes to make and lessons to learn

Sometimes the journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember wherever you may go

You will never walk alone as long as you have faith
Jesus will be right beside you all the way
And you may feel you're far from home but home is where He is
And He'll be there down every road, you will never walk alone

Jesus knows your joy, Jesus knows your need
He will go the distance with you faithfully

You will never walk alone
He will be right beside you all the way
And you may feel you're far from home
He'll be there down every road

You will never walk alone as long as you have faith
Jesus will be right beside you all the way
And you may feel you're far from home but home is where He is
And He'll be there down every road, you will never walk alone
Never, no, never, you'll never, oh you'll never
Never walk alone

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrew 11:1)

Indeed! You will never walk alone as long as you have faith in Jesus, you will never walk alone. I like the lyrics of this song. I was touch by this song because I had few experience before. One of them was a time when I felt Jesus was far away from me when I encounter some problems. I can't feel Him around me and I always felt empty and cold or rather lonely. I've forgotten about Him who is in my life helping me and beside me all along. I've been worrying too much on my problems and those problems are just like "smoke" that can covers me from Jesus. I dint realise it actually can isolate me in darkness once again.
Thank God until a time when I walked back home, something just strikes my mind. This words came to my mind, "Have Faith In Him."
I was happy and sad at the same time that why I struggled with my problems each week until now then I realise all along I'm walking with my problems and not my faith in Jesus. Once I realise it, I've made a promise to God that no matter what will happen, always pray and have faith in Him. From then on, Thank God that my faith in Him is getting better and better. Although I can't feel His presence sometimes, but I believe that He is always around helping me.

His light shines forth when I'm in darkness. He light up His way and guide me in His path. Thank God that I have you in my life. A king that holds my hand and walk beside me. You never leave me, you never forsake me.

Songs: My Heart, Your Home and Throught It All Lyrics plus Here I Am Lord, My Life Is In Your Hands

Artist: Hillsongs
Song: My Heart, Your Home


Come and make my heart your home,
come and be everything and lord i know,
search me through and through,
till my heart becomes a home for you

A home for u.... oh...
A home for u... oh...
let everything i do...
open up a door for u to come through,
and my heart will be a place where u wanna be


Throught It All

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with your hand
And lead me in your righteousness

And I
Look to you
And I
Wait on you

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'll carry in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

Everlasting.. Father I love you.
Ever living.. Saviour I love you.

Her Am I Lord

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?


Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.


I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.


Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?


Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.


Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

Finest bread I will provide,
'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?


Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.


My Life Is In Your Hands

You don't have to worry
And don't you be afraid
Joy comes in the morning
Troubles they don't last always
For there's a friend in Jesus
Who will wipe your tears away
And if your heart is broken
Just lift your hands and say

Oh
I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

With Jesus I can take it
With Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

So when your tests and trials
They seem to get you down
And all your friends and loved ones
Are nowhere to be found
Remember there's a friend in Jesus
Who will wipe your tears away
And if you heart is broken
Just lift your hands and say

Oh
I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

With Jesus I can take it
With Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

Why Jesus' Disciples Refused to Keep Silent

Speaking out about Jesus meant the disciples risked being tortured, even killed. Why didn't they keep silent?

THE TWELVE APOSTLES:
1. Andrew - crucified
2. Bartholomew - beaten then crucified
3. James, son of Alphaeus - stoned to death
4. James, son of Zebedee - beheaded
5. John - exiled for his faith; died of old age
6. Judas (not Iscariot) - stoned to death
7. Matthew - speared to death
8. Peter - crucifed upside down
9. Philip - crucified
10. Simon - crucified
11. Thomas - speared to death
12. Matthias - stoned to death
(source: Fox's Book of Martyrs)

Each of the 12 apostles left families and careers, often traveling alone to distant countries, declaring that Jesus died and came back to life. For proclaiming Jesus' resurrection, they were beaten, imprisoned, and many killed in torturous ways.

Did they have any basis for declaring this? Yes. It is undisputed that after the crucifixion of Jesus, the tomb was empty three days later, just as Jesus' predicted. The controversy focuses on what became of Jesus' body? Some say that Jesus' disciples stole his body and concocted a story that he rose from the dead. However, if the disciples made it all up, each of them allowed himself to be executed--for what they knew to be a lie. It doesn't make sense. Would you die for something you knew was a lie?

What does make sense are the historical facts. Jesus had been humiliated, beaten, whipped, nailed to a cross, where he died on display before the public. A spear was thrust into his side just to make sure he was dead. He was buried in a stone tomb, with Roman soldiers to guard the tomb, assigned by the religious establishment who feared an attempt to steal the body. But on the third day, the guards had fled, the tomb was open, and the only remaining evidence were the burial clothes inside the tomb, laying there empty.

Starting that day, the disciples said they saw Jesus physically alive multiple times. So had hundreds of others. They had lengthy conversations with him and ate with him--all after witnessing his death by beating, crucifixion and spearing. When ordered not to speak about Jesus' resurrection, they responded, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard!"

These disciples risked their lives to speak out about what they had no doubts about--that Jesus had risen from the dead, proving that he was everything he claimed to be...the Son of God.

What do you think? You will hopefully never be executed for believing in Jesus like the first disciples were, but you can become just as sure of the truth of his resurrection, and understand why it mattered so much to these twelve men.

Christians website.

1. The Hope website: http://christiananswers.net/hope/thehope-full-length.html

I got this website from Sister Rene. Hope this website will help you in your spiritual growth, questions or doubts.

2. www.blueletterbible.com

I found the website in yahoo.

3. www.bibleversesite.com

To encourage your friends through bible verses can use Bible Verse Site.

May you continue to grow in the Lord.

Why Go To Church? Got it by Email

If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're
spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious,
there is still hope!

Why Go To Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained
that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years

Now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons.
But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think
I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at
all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor"
column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until
someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some
32,000 meals.
But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of
those meals.
But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I
needed to do my work.
If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be
spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to
something!

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives
the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

All right, now that you're done reading, send it on!!! I think everyone
should read this!! "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say,"Jesus,
could you get that for me?!!"