CONCEPT
Prayer
Is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a “beseeching the Lord” (Ex. 32:11); “pouring out the soul before the Lord” (1 Sam. 1:15); “praying and crying to heaven” (2 Chr. 32:20); “seeking unto God and making supplication” (Job 8:5); “drawing near to God” (Ps. 73:28); “bowing the knees” (Eph. 3:14).
Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold intercourse with us, his personal control of all things and of all his creatures and all their actions.
Acceptable prayer must be sincere (Heb. 10:22), offered with reverence and godly fear, with a humble sense of our own insignificance as creatures and of our own unworthiness as sinners, with earnest importunity, and with unhesitating submission to the divine will. Prayer must also be offered in the faith that God is, and is the hearer and answerer of prayer, and that he will fulfil his word, “Ask, and ye shall receive” (Matt. 7:7, 8; 21:22; Mark 11:24; John 14:13, 14), and in the name of Christ (16:23, 24; 15:16; Eph. 2:18; 5:20; Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 2:5).
Prayer is of different kinds, secret (Matt. 6:6); social, as family prayers, and in social worship; and public, in the service of the sanctuary.
Intercessory prayer is enjoined (Num. 6:23; Job 42:8; Isa. 62:6; Ps. 122:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; James 5:14), and there are many instances on record of answers having been given to such prayers, e.g., of Abraham (Gen. 17:18, 20; 18:23-32; 20:7, 17, 18), of Moses for Pharaoh (Ex. 8:12, 13, 30, 31; Ex. 9:33), for the Israelites (Ex. 17:11, 13; 32:11-14, 31-34; Num. 21:7, 8; Deut. 9:18, 19, 25), for Miriam (Num. 12:13), for Aaron (Deut. 9:20), of Samuel (1 Sam. 7:5-12), of Solomon (1 Kings 8; 2 Chr. 6), Elijah (1 Kings 17:20-23), Elisha (2 Kings 4:33-36), Isaiah (2 Kings 19), Jeremiah (42:2-10), Peter (Acts 9:40), the church (12:5-12), Paul (28:8).
No rules are anywhere in Scripture laid down for the manner of prayer or the attitude to be assumed by the suppliant. There is mention made of kneeling in prayer (1 Kings 8:54; 2 Chr. 6:13; Ps. 95:6; Isa. 45:23; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60; 9:40; Eph. 3:14, etc.); of bowing and falling prostrate (Gen. 24:26, 52; Ex. 4:31; 12:27; Matt. 26:39; Mark 14:35, etc.); of spreading out the hands (1 Kings 8:22, 38, 54; Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 88:9; 1 Tim. 2:8, etc.); and of standing (1 Sam. 1:26; 1 Kings 8:14, 55; 2 Chr. 20:9; Mark 11:25; Luke 18:11, 13).
If we except the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matt. 6:9-13), which is, however, rather a model or pattern of prayer than a set prayer to be offered up, we have no special form of prayer for general use given us in Scripture.
Prayer is frequently enjoined in Scripture (Ex. 22:23, 27; 1 Kings 3:5; 2 Chr. 7:14; Ps. 37:4; Isa. 55:6; Joel 2:32; Ezek. 36:37, etc.), and we have very many testimonies that it has been answered (Ps. 3:4; 4:1; 6:8; 18:6; 28:6; 30:2; 34:4; 118:5; James 5:16-18, etc.).
“Abraham’s servant prayed to God, and God directed him to the person who should be wife to his master’s son and heir (Gen. 24:10-20).
“Jacob prayed to God, and God inclined the heart of his irritated brother, so that they met in peace and friendship (Gen. 32:24-30; 33:1-4).
“Samson prayed to God, and God showed him a well where he quenched his burning thirst, and so lived to judge Israel (Judg. 15:18-20).
“David prayed, and God defeated the counsel of Ahithophel (2 Sam. 15:31; 16:20-23; 17:14-23).
“Daniel prayed, and God enabled him both to tell Nebuchadnezzar his dream and to give the interpretation of it (Dan. 2: 16-23).
“Nehemiah prayed, and God inclined the heart of the king of Persia to grant him leave of absence to visit and rebuild Jerusalem (Neh. 1:11; 2:1-6).
“Esther and Mordecai prayed, and God defeated the purpose of Haman, and saved the Jews from destruction (Esther 4:15-17; 6:7, 8).
“The believers in Jerusalem prayed, and God opened the prison doors and set Peter at liberty, when Herod had resolved upon his death (Acts 12:1-12).
“Paul prayed that the thorn in the flesh might be removed, and his prayer brought a large increase of spiritual strength, while the thorn perhaps remained (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
“Prayer is like the dove that Noah sent forth, which blessed him not only when it returned with an olive-leaf in its mouth, but when it never returned at all.”, Robinson’s Job.
▶Sermons
Audio
I'm Asking GodAaron Hurst · 48:11Aaron Hurst's sermon emphasizes the importance of asking God for healing, honesty, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Principle of PrayerAdrian Rogers · 34:26Adrian Rogers emphasizes the irreplaceable role of prayer in the Christian life, outlining its reasons and the importance of persistence in seeking God's will.
A New Beginning in Prayer (Video)Al Whittinghill · 59:48Al Whittinghill emphasizes that prayer is the essential, life-transforming practice that connects believers to God's power and presence, calling for a renewed, heartfelt commitment to prayer as the foundation for spiritual growth and revival.
- A New Beginning In Prayer· 1:16:27
Al Whittinghill emphasizes that a transformative new beginning in prayer, rooted in spiritual sight and communion with God, is essential for believers to effectively engage in God's kingdom work and overcome life's distractions.
- Called to be a WatchmanAl Whittinghill · 1:14:02
Al Whittinghill calls believers to embrace their divine calling as watchmen through prayer and spiritual authority, urging them to fully surrender to God's power to impact their families, churches, and the world.
- Fainting with Fear with the World or Praying (Clip)Al Whittinghill · 0:31
Al Whittinghill emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer as the key to overcoming fear and despair in uncertain times.
First Baptist Atlanta in 1991 on Prayer - Part 4Al Whittinghill · 46:02Al Whittinghill emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and its role in aligning believers with God's will through a deeper understanding of His nature.
- Groaning In Prayer (Clip)Al Whittinghill · 0:30
Al Whittinghill teaches that heartfelt groanings in prayer, even beyond words, are powerful cries that God hears and responds to.
- Heart Felt Prayers for Deliverance (Clip)Al Whittinghill · 0:41
Al Whittinghill emphasizes the power of heartfelt, persistent prayer in seeking God's deliverance, illustrated through the Israelites' cries in Egypt.
- Revival： The Pumping Of The Feet· 1:18:38
Al Whittinghill emphasizes that true revival begins with an intimate relationship with Jesus, leading to a multiplying harvest of disciples and a transformative impact on the church and nation.
- (Clip) Bowing Of The Knee For RevivalAl Whittinghill · 2:17
Al Whittinghill emphasizes that true revival comes only through humble repentance and bowing the knee before God, rather than relying on human effort.
- The Gift of Tears in Authentic PrayerAl Whittinghill · 1:04:02
Al Whittinghill teaches that authentic prayer involves heartfelt tears which unlock God's power to bring spiritual breakthrough and revival.
- The Glory Of Praying In Jesus' Name· 1:14:31
Al Whittinghill teaches that praying in Jesus' name is a powerful, authoritative practice given by Christ to His followers to bring about God's will and glorify the Father through the Son.
- The Great Awakening In America· 1:15:20
Al Whittinghill emphasizes the vital role of fervent prayer as the foundation for spiritual revival and divine intervention in America, drawing from historical awakenings and biblical teachings.
- The Secret Weapon of Prayer· 1:21:38
Al Whittinghill reveals that persistent, Spirit-led prayer is the secret weapon God uses to transform hearts and change the world in challenging times.
- Why Is Genuine Revival Important for the Church in our Generation？Al Whittinghill · 4:50
Al Whittinghill emphasizes that genuine revival is imperative for the church to restore intimacy with God, renew passion, and fulfill its divine purpose in every generation.
- Why Our Prayers Aren't AnsweredAl Whittinghill · 55:42
Our prayers aren't answered because we're not living a holy and righteous life, and we need to deal with any sin or unrepented issues in our lives.
What can we Learn from Revelation Chapter 5？Alan Baker · 4:59Alan Baker reveals the profound spiritual truths in Revelation 5, emphasizing the worthiness of Christ to open the scroll, the power of prayer, and the call to heartfelt worship.
Ephesians 1 15-23Alan Martin · 43:45Alan Martin emphasizes Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 for believers to receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation, highlighting the importance of a personal, experiential knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit.
It Shall Be GivenAlan Martin · 47:22The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and sincerity in seeking God to fulfill the Great Commission and meet the needs of others.
- The Peace of the BelieverAlan Martin · 47:39
Alan Martin teaches that the believer's peace is a divine, holistic harmony granted through Christ that surpasses worldly understanding and is to be actively pursued in all relationships.
(Audio Book) The Weapon of PrayerAmy Carmichael · 2:09Amy Carmichael illustrates the powerful impact of persistent prayer in overcoming spiritual opposition and protecting the vulnerable.
Text
Pray Without CeasingA.B. SimpsonDeveloping a habit of prayer and bringing everything to God moment by moment is essential for a life of dependence on Him.
- (The Holy Spirit) 23. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE DAYS OF THE RESTORATIONA.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson explains how the Holy Spirit powerfully worked through prayer and providence during the Old Testament period of Restoration, preparing the way for Christ's coming.
- (The Life of Prayer) 1. THE PATTERN PRAYERA.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson teaches that true prayer begins with recognizing God as Father and is learned through persistent practice, using the Lord's Prayer as the perfect model.
- (The Life of Prayer) 2. ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYERA.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson passionately encourages believers to persist in prayer, trusting in God's faithful and generous response as exemplified in Scripture.
- (The Life of Prayer) 4. THE PRAYER OF FAITHA.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson teaches that faith is the foundational spiritual force that holds the Kingdom of God together and empowers believers to receive God's promises through prayer.
- (Walking in the Spirit) 12. THE SPIRIT OF PRAYERA.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson teaches that the Holy Spirit is the divine Advocate who guides and empowers believers in prayer, interceding on their behalf when they do not know how or what to pray.
- Watch and PrayA.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of praying wisely and using the light God has given us to make decisions.
- Whatsoever Ye Shall Ask the Father in My Name, He Will Give It YouA.B. Simpson
The sermon emphasizes the power of Jesus' name as the key to acceptance and the substitute for our worthiness, allowing us to receive God's acceptance.