The Method of Prayer

June 3, 2008 by: Roger Bain | The Bain Journal Leave a reply

“Nothing of eternal consequence happens apart from prayer.”

WHAT IS PRAYER?

Greek Words for Prayer

1. Proseuchomai – Prayer that is directed to God. – Phil. 1:9; Eph. 6:18; Heb. 13:8
2. Aiteo – Prayer that makes a request of God. – Matt. 7:7
3. Deomai – Prayer that expresses a deep desire or need. – Luke 10:2; 22:32
4. Epikaleo – Prayer that calls upon God for help. – Acts 7:59; Rom. 10:13
5. Entunchano – Prayer that pleads with God for results. – Rom. 8:27; 11:2; Heb. 7:25
6. Enteuxis – Prayer that requests favor from a sovereign God. – 1 Tim. 2:1; 4:5

SEVEN KINDS OF PRAYER

1. Prayer of intercession for others.
2. Prayer of worship to God.
3. Prayer of agreement for communion.
4. Prayer of petition for things.
5. Prayer of confession for forgiveness.
6. Prayer of salvation for sinners.
7. Prayer of faith for miracles.

WHAT PRAYER DOES GOD RESPOND TO?

1. God responds to our prayer when we are yielded to Him. – Mark 14:36; 1 John 5:14
2. God responds to our prayer when we pray “in Jesus’ name.” – John 14:13, 14; 15:16
3. God responds to our prayer when we pray with faith. – Heb. 11:6
4. God responds to our prayer when we are abiding in Christ and the Word of God. – John 15:7
5. God responds to our prayer when we are persistent in prayer. – Luke 18:1; Col. 4:2
6. God responds to our prayer when we pray humbly. – Psalm 10:17; Luke 18:14
7. God responds to our prayer when we pray in sincerity. – Psalm 145:18
8. God responds to our prayer when we are united with others in prayer. – Matt. 18:19; Acts 12:4
9. God responds to our prayer when we have a proper reverence for Him. – Psalm 145:19
10. God responds to our prayer when we pray with great intensity. – Acts 12:4; Luke 22:44; Rom. 15:30; Col. 4:12

WHAT ARE THE HINDRANCES TO GETTING ANSWERS TO PRAYER?

1. Known or unconfessed sin will hinder the effectiveness of our prayers. – Psalm 66:18; Isa. 59:1,2
2. Rejecting the clearly revealed will of God will hinder the effectiveness of our prayers. – 1 Sam. 8:18; Prov. 28:9
3. Praying with a wrong motive will hinder the effectiveness of our prayers. – James 4:3
4. Harboring idols will hinder the effectiveness of our prayer. – Ezek. 14:3
5. An unforgiving spirit will hinder the effectiveness of our prayer. – Mark 11:25, 26
6. Failure to respond to the needs of the poor will hinder the effectiveness of our prayer. – Prov. 21:13
7. Domestic conflict will hinder the effectiveness of our prayer. – 1 Peter 3:7

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