How to Pray 06/17/09

How to pray Rev. Esther R. Scott June 17, 2009 We know that prayer is communication with God. It is a devout request or petition to a deity. The act of offering devout petitions, expressions of adorations especially to God. It is spiritual communion, koinonia, with God and awareness of His presence as in praise, thanksgiving and confession. When we pray, we come into a oneness with God. John 17:21. We can pray in the spirit, tongues as well. Prayer is violence Matt 11:12. (read) Violence "blazo" Geek, to force, to crowd oneself, to press. "Biastes" Greek, a forcer, energetic. Prayer is an invading force to overrule the powers of darkness. A swift or great force that causes change and presses through flesh, soul and spirit. It gives you power to overcome temptation and causes God to move upon this Earth. Prayer is a foundation. (Giving, tithing, prayer, fasting.) God lives in the praises of His people, Ps 22:3. The anointing destroys the yoke, Is 10:27. Now let us study on How to Pray. I. With our whole heart A. Jer 29:13, Matt 22:36-37, Joel 2:12, Ps 119:145 B. Matthew 6:5-8 not like hypocrites 1. Hypocrites defined, "hupokrites" and actor under an assumed character a stage player. (Charlton Heston is NOT Moses.) To speak under a false part. 2. Key phrase.. ."that they may be SEEN of men." Recognition. a. Within their hearts hypocrites want to be recognized. The Lord is not telling us NOT to pray out. Jesus did. Just not to purposely want to be seen. "Let's get Janie to pray. She prays soooo good! Now THAT'S a praying woman." (They won't correct the statement either.) Pride. b. Jo 11:41-42, Matt 27:46-47, Lu 23:46 II. Our attitude A. Should be as though we are talking privately with God. Just you and the Lord, no show-off. 1. Are you wanting recognition or concerned about what people will think about your prayer? Are you "entering into thy closet"? "tameion" private room, secret chamber, inner chamber. B. No vain repetitions as the heathen do. Vain Greek"maten" Folly, to no purpose 1. Other forms of this word mean empty sounding, fruitless. Unproductive, worthless, useless, having no real basis or worth, empty, unreal. Showy. No purpose, praying just to pray. 2. Once you start repeating Stop!!! Empty words. God is not deaf. ".. .they shall be heard by their much speaking." God looks at faith not at long prayers. God knows your need before you ask. 3. There are 3 types of prayers, flesh, soulish, and spirit. Lu 11:13.