Principles of Prayer

Key terms 1 Ask: *aiteo (154/verb): to ask, beg, crave and desire (Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:9-10; John 14:13-14; Eph. 3:12; 1 John 5:13-15)

*aitema (155/noun): petition, request (Phil. 4:6; 1 John 5:15)

Confession: *homologeo (3670/verb): to agree, to say the same thing, to not deny, to confess (Heb. 13:15; 1 John 1:9)

Giving thanks: *eucharisteo (2168/verb): to give thanks, to feel thankful (Luke 22:17, 19; Rom. 1:8; Eph. 1:16; Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 5:18)

*eucharistia (2169/noun): giving of thanks (Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2; 1 Tim. 2:1)

Intercession: *enteuxis (1783/noun): an interview, petition, supplication (1 Timothy 2:1; 4:5); a technical term for approaching a king

*entugchano (1793/verb): to meet with a person, to make intercession for one (Rom. 8:27; 34; Heb. 7:25)

Praise: *ainesis (133/noun): praise (Hebrews 13:15)

*aineo (134/verb): to praise, extol, to sing praises in honor to God (Luke 2:13; 20; Acts 2:47; 3:8-9)

Prayers: *proseuche (4335/noun): prayers to God; worship (Acts 6:4; 12:5; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2, 12; 1 Tim. 2:1; 1 Pet. 4:7)

*proseuchomai (4336/verb): to offer prayers to God (Mark 13:33; Luke 6:12; 11:1-2; 18:1; 22:46; Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18; Col. 1:9; 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:17; 2 Thess. 1:11; 3:1; Jude 1:20)

Supplication: *deesis (1162/noun): need, want, asking, entreaty (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1)

*deomai (1189/verb): to want, to ask, to beg, of supplication (Rom. 1:10; 1 Thess. 3:10)

Introduction and Purpose

2 There are countless books available on the subject of prayer (some of them even good). My desire in presenting messages on this subject is not to provide a complete treatise on the subject. Instead I want to encourage us as believers to look at prayer, not as insurmountable or intimidating, but rather as a privilege and as an unbelievable opportunity to communicate with our Heavenly Father (the God of the universe) solely on the work of Jesus Christ and not our own merit. And that not only does EVERY believer have access to the throne of grace, but that our Father desires to hear from all of us.

The Basis of Our Prayers

We have access through Jesus Christ *prosagoge (4318/noun): admission; a leading or bringing into the presence of; associated with the thought of freedom to enter through the assistance or favor of another (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18; 3:12) -into the presence of the Father -we have freedom solely based on the blood of Christ and the Spirit

How many people would you say pray daily in one form or another all over the world? Thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions? Yet it only those prayers offered up by those whose sins have been cleansed by the blood of Christ that are heard. I don’t say this to create pride in us, but rather to emphasize the incredible privilege that has been afforded us by the finished work of Christ. Only the believer has access to the throne of grace and the God of the universe.

Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

As a result of Christ’s work for us, we have been justified by faith. Justification is the one type act of legally declaring the sinner righteous in the heavenly court of the Father only through faith in the gospel. Justification is not provided by the law or of works (Rom. 3:21-28; 4:1-5). And a result of justification is that we have peace with God. There are several types of peace mentioned in the word of God, but this peace is that which changes us from being unbelieving enemies of the Father to having a position of acceptance before Him:

The first great benefit enjoyed by those of us who have been justified by faith is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The war is over. Hostilities have ceased. Through the work of Christ all causes of enmity between our souls and God have been removed. We have been changed from foes to friends by a miracle of grace (The Believer’s Bible Commentary; William MacDonald).

And the result of the peace is access to the Father through Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus, besides being the Agent of the believer’s enjoyment of peace with God, is also the One through whom we have gained access (prosagoōge n, “privilege of approach” to a person of high rank; used elsewhere only in Eph_2:18; Eph_3:12) by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Though the phrase “by faith” is not supported by the best Greek manuscripts, it is the human means of the access. Believers in Christ stand in the sphere of God’s grace (cf. “grace” in Rom_3:24) because Christ has brought them to this position. He is their means of access (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

Eph 2:18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. -both: referring to Jew and Gentile having equal access to the Father

3 As we have looked at previously, Paul in chapter two of Ephesians is presenting the oneness of the new (brand new, not a revision) body of Christ which is the Church (Eph. 2:11-22). The barrier which existed under the Mosaic law dividing Jew and Gentile has been removed in this dispensation (however, that distinction will exist in the Kingdom) allowing for Gentiles to have equal and free access to the Father.

I wonder whether you have noticed that this little verse is a big verse? It is like a little atom. It has in it the Trinity. "For through Him [Christ] we both have access in one Spirit [the Holy Spirit] unto the Father [God the Father]." Jew and Gentile are on the same footing as sinners at the foot of the cross. In addition, through Christ they both have equal access to God, which is a glorious privilege for any human being. Paul makes it clear in Romans 5 that justification by faith is a benefit available to all. We have access to God through Jesus Christ, and that is wonderful. Now I don't think this means we can brazenly rush into the presence of God, but it does give us the real privilege to have access to the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. Any one believer has as much access to God as any other believer. People ask me why I didn't have a select few pray for me when I had my bout with cancer. Why did I ask everybody to pray? I did it because I believe in the priesthood of believers, that is, all believers have access to Him (Thru the Bible Commentary; J. Vernon McGee)

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Heb 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. *boldly (parrhesia/3954): cheerful courage, assurance

"Let us therefore come [with great freedom] unto the throne of grace." We can speak freely to the Lord Jesus Christ. I can tell Him things that I cannot tell you. He understands me. He knows my weaknesses, and I might just as well tell Him. I have learned to be very frank with Him. I have not attempted to become buddy-buddy with Him—I despise that approach. He is God, and I come to Him in worship and with reverence. But I am free to speak, because He is also a man. He is God, but He is a man, and I can come to Him with great freedom. I can tell Him what is on my heart. I can open my heart to Him. I suspect, therefore, that all these very pious and flowery prayers we make are not impressive to Him— especially when we are attempting to cover up what is in our hearts and lives. I wonder if the Lord doesn't tune us out when we do not come to Him with freedom and open our hearts to Him. That is one of the reasons our prayer meetings are not more effective. We come to Him rather restrained, without being open and sincere. "Unto the throne of grace." God's throne is a throne of grace. Formerly a throne of judgment, it is now a mercy seat, a throne of grace. (JVM)

4:16 Now the gracious invitation is extended: draw near with confidence to the throne of grace. Our confidence is based on the knowledge that He died to save us and that He lives to keep us. We are assured of a hearty welcome because He has told us to come. The people in OT days could not draw near to Him. Only the high priest could approach Him, and then only on one day of the year. We can go into His presence at any time of the day or night and obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. His mercy covers the things we should not have done, and His grace empowers us to do what we should do but do not have the power to do (BBC).

We are believer priests 1Pe 2:4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 1Pe 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

4 Now the figure changes swiftly from a spiritual house to the holy priesthood that functions in connection with the house. Believers are not only living building blocks in the house; they are holy priests as well. Under the Mosaic Law, the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. And even those who were priests were forbidden to approach the Presence of God. Only the high priest could do that on one day of the year (Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement) following the precisely ordained procedure outlined for the event by the Lord. In the new dispensation, all believers are priests with instant access to the Throne Room of the universe, day or night. Their function is to offer up spiritual sacrifices (in contrast to the animal, bird, and meal offerings of the Mosaic Law) (BBC).

1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1Pe 2:10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

As believer priests, we can not only access the throne of grace for ourselves, but we can intercede on the behalf of others as well.

The Spirit of God intercedes for our prayers Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. *helps: to help in obtaining *weaknesses: feebleness *intercession: on our behalf

Have you gone to God sometimes in prayer when you actually did not know what to pray for? All you could do was just go to Him and say, "Father." You could not ask anything because you didn't know what to ask for. At times like this the Spirit "helpeth our infirmities." How wonderful that is! (JVM)

We are often perplexed in our prayer life. We do not know how to pray as we should. We pray selfishly, ignorantly, narrowly. But once again the Spirit comes alongside to assist us in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings which cannot find expression. In this verse it is the Spirit who groans and not we who groan, though that is also true. There is mystery here. We are peering into the unseen, spiritual realm where a great Person and great forces are at work on our behalf. And although we cannot understand it all, we can take infinite encouragement from the fact that a groan may sometimes be the most spiritual prayer (BBC).

I believe this is the Godhead working on our behalf to look at our response by faith to come to the throne of grace and providing the divine resource needed to correctly present our requests before our Heavenly Father.

Abiding and prayer Joh 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

5 As we have studied 1 John, we have defined abiding as resting with the result of that being oneness. As we continue to abide in the Son, we gradually become one with Him in desire and purpose. His thoughts become our thoughts, His desires become our desires. Therefore, our prayers will begin to line up with His person and will.

Joh 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Joh 14:14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Notice the purpose, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

1Jn 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1Jn 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1Jn 5:15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Our assurance will give us confidence in prayer, and believe me, we need confidence in prayer. This word confidence actually means "boldness." "This is the boldness that we have in him." This assurance will give boldness in prayer to the child of God. "If we ask any thing according to his will"—our prayer must be according to the will of God. If you and I are in fellowship with Him, walking with Him, then our prayer would be for God's will in every circumstance. George Muller put it like this: "Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness." It is not trying to get God to do something which He is reluctant to do, but prayer is to be our thinking His thoughts after Him. This is the thing which gives us confidence when we turn to God in prayer (JVM).

Types of prayer Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Php 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. *anxious (merimnao/3309): to have a distracting care -stop being anxious *prayer: worship *supplication: needs *thanksgiving: thankfulness *requests: specific requests, petitions *peace: the tranquil state of a soul as it is trusting Christ *understanding: thinking, judging, the perception of spiritual things *guard: to protect by a military guard, as to prevent a hostile invasion *hearts: the seat of desires, purposes, thoughts, passions *minds: thoughts *through Christ Jesus: by Christ Jesus

Here we have several types of prayer mentioned as it relates to the believer and anxiety. Those cares which come upon us and try to distract and draw us away from the love of the Father and Jesus Christ. First, notice that no situation is exempt from this solution (nothing and everything). Second, the believer is to offer up prayer which is worship. Third, we are bringing our specific needs and requests before Him brought on by these cares. Fourth, we are expressing our thankfulness, knowing that He cares for us and hears us and that He alone has the perfect solution to this situation. Fifth, the result is a tranquility of soul which exceeds our evaluation of the situation. It is a peace which cannot be comprehended by our natural thinking. And sixth, the Lord puts a guard around us to protect us from enemy attacks against our internal man (our hearts and minds).

No trouble is too small. Take everything to Him in prayer. 6 1Pe 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 1Pe 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. *casting: to place upon *care: distraction, anxiety *cares: to have an interest in, to be concerned about, watchful care "He careth for you" literally means that it matters to Him concerning you. Peter is talking about anxiety. The Lord Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will rest you" (see Mat_11:28). Bring your burden of sins to Him, and He will save you. Then come to Him later on, and He will meet you and help you with your problems. Cast your care upon Him. Paul told the Philippian believers, "Worry about nothing; pray about everything." That is, take it to the Lord in prayer, and leave it there—don't pick it up again (JVM).

1Th 5:16 Rejoice always, 1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing, 1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. *rejoice: be glad, joyful *always: at all times *without ceasing: without intermission *in everything: in all situations *give thanks:

Continual prayer is not prayer that prevails without any interruption, but prayer that continues whenever possible. The adverb for continually (adialeiptoō s, also in 1Th_1:3) was used in Greek of a hacking cough. Paul was speaking of maintaining continuous fellowship with God as much as possible in the midst of daily living in which concentration is frequently broken. The two previous commands deal with one’s time (“always” and “continually”); this one deals with his circumstances. Christians are to give thanks to God in every circumstance of life. The fact that God works everything together for good for those who love Him (Rom_8:28) is the basis for this entreaty (BKC).

Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Heb 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

*by Him: or through Him, the One who is our High Priest *continually: constantly, always *offer: bring to the altar *sacrifice: that which is offered up (in our role as believer priests/1 Peter 2:5) *praise: adoration *fruit: that which is produced *giving thanks to His name: His name emphasizes the person

In the NT all believers are priests. They are holy priests, going into the sanctuary of God to worship (1Pe_2:5), and they are royal priests going out into the world to witness (1Pe_2:9). There are at least three sacrifices which a believer-priest offers. First, there is the sacrifice of his person (Rom_12:1). Then, here in verse 15 is the second: the sacrifice of praise. It is offered to God through the Lord Jesus. All our praise and prayer passes through Him before it reaches God the Father; our great High Priest removes all impurities and imperfections and adds His own virtue to it.

7 To all our prayers and praises Christ adds His sweet perfume; And love the censer raises These odors to consume. —Mary B. Peters

The sacrifice of praise is the fruit of those lips that acknowledge His name. The only worship that God receives is that which flows from redeemed lips. The third sacrifice is the offering of our possessions. We are to use our material resources in doing good, and in sharing with those who are in need. With such sacrificial living God is well pleased. It is the opposite of accumulating for self. The race of God's anointed priests Shall never pass away; Before His glorious Face they stand And serve Him night and day. Though reason raves, and unbelief Flows on a mighty flood, There are, and shall be, till the end, The hidden priests of God. His chosen souls, their earthly dross Consumed in sacred fire, To God's own heart their hearts ascend In flame of deep desire; The incense of their worship fills His Temple's holiest place; Their song with wonder fills the Heavens, The glad new song of grace. —Gerhard Tersteegen (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Psa 50:23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;

Rev 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Rev 5:7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Rev 5:8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Rev 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, Rev 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." Rev 5:11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, Rev 5:12 saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!" Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Rev 22:2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the 8 nations. Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. Rev 22:4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. Rev 22:5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, Jas 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. *count: to think *joy: calm delight *fall into: to be surrounded by *trials: test, a proving *testing: proving *patience: endurance, patiently enduring

Jas 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. *perfect: bring to completeness *complete: no part lacking

Jas 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. *lacks: to destitute of *wisdom: knowledge acquired by experience *ask: require of *liberally: simply, bountifully *without reproach: revile, scold

We all lack wisdom. And the wisdom that James is describing here is that which is needed when we find ourselves surrounded by circumstances which are there to test us (the idea of falling into a pit). The purpose of the testing is not punitive (for punishment) but to produce in us spiritual patience and endurance so that we may be mature in all areas, not lacking in anything. The wisdom that is being offered here, which is necessary for us to pass through the testing period victoriously, is freely offered by our Heavenly Father. It is not only offered freely, it is bountiful in its nature and He does not scold us for asking. The only condition is that we cannot be double minded in our asking.

"That giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not." God is in the business of giving out wisdom "liberally," that is, simply. He will just simply help you out in times like that. He "upbraideth not" means, according to Marvin R. Vincent in his Word Studies in the New Testament, the "pure, simple giving of good without admixture of evil or bitterness." If we lack wisdom, let's go to God who will hear and answer our prayer (JVM)

Our Lord’s prayer for us Joh 17:13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. Joh 17:14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Joh 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. Joh 17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Joh 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 9 Joh 17:18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. Joh 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. Joh 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; Joh 17:21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. Joh 17:22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: Joh 17:23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Joh 17:24 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. Joh 17:25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. Joh 17:26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

Prayer for believers Eph 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, Eph 1:16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: Eph 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, Eph 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Eph 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Eph 3:15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 10 Eph 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, Eph 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, Eph 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— Eph 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Eph 3:21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Php 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, Php 1:10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, Php 1:11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Col 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Col 1:10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Col 1:11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

1Th 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 1Th 1:3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

1Th 3:11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 1Th 3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 1Th 3:13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

2Th 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 2Th 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.