PRAYER SERIES- LESSON ONE

GOD’S HOUSE OF PRAYER- MATTHEW 21:12-16

On two occasions in scripture, because of what men’s actions had caused the temple of God to become, Jesus saw the need to cleanse the Temple of those whose only reason to be there was to make it a “...house of merchandise.” (John 2:16). On the second occasion, some three years after the first cleaning, He said. “...It is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer...” (Matthew 21:13).

Jesus quotes Isaiah 56:7

“Even them will 1 bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer . . .for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”

The house of God today has been called and known for many things, but seldom for its prayer power. Yet Jesus said, “My house is the house of prayer,” (Luke 19:46).

In order for the house of God to be known in the last days as a prayer house, just as it was in the time of Christ, the temple, you and I, individually and corporately must he cleansed.

I.          CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE

Because men made the Temple in Christ’s day a “...den of thieves. . .“ (Matthew 21:13), He not only overthrew tables, but also cast out the money changers. Physical judgments from God will come upon the children of God only after the Lord has tried other methods of cleansing.

            A. Methods of Cleansing

1. The Word (John 15:3: Ephesians 5:26-27)

Cleansing here is not taking place in the garments of the church but upon the Body itself. God’s Word judges us through its convicting and correcting power.

2. Suffering in the flesh (I Peter 4:1)

This suffering is not sanctioning sickness for believers or anything of that nature. But this is a suffering by telling your ungodly fleshly yearnings
“NO!”

3. Judgment (1 Peter 4:17-19; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14)

It is only after repeated warnings and wooings that God resorts to other methods of cleansing.

               B. Results of Cleansing

                  Notice the many marvelous things that took place in the house of God after it was cleansed.  It is only after the Spirit of Prayer is given its primary place that these things can happen.

1. Miracles — verse 14

                        2. Revelation — verse 15

                                     • This was the only way the children knew that Jesus was the Son of David.

                       3. Salvation — verse 15

                                     • They said, Hosanna or ‘Save us now!”

                       4. Humility — verse 16

                       5. Strength — verse 16

                       6. Praise — verse 16

                       7. Persecution — verse 15

                       Everyone is not going to like it when you really pray and seek God

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

Let’s examine a few instances in the life of Jesus Christ and the early church that will show us how important prayer really is.

A. In the life of Jesus.

1. At His baptism (Luke 3:31-22)

                        2. In the wilderness (Luke 5:16)

                        After giving out power He felt it necessary to hide away and be refreshed Himself.

                        3. All night (Luke 6:12-13)

                        Only after all night Prayer did Jesus choose the twelve disciples.

                        4. On the Cross

a. Father forgive them...” (Luke 23:34)
b. “Why.. .Forsaken” (Matthew 27:46)
c. “Into thy hands...” (Luke 23:46)

“It is in persevering prayer that we walk with and are made partakers of His very Spirit. Prayer is one form of crucifixion, of our fellowship with Christ’s cross, of giving up our flesh to death. Christ prayed Himself to the cross. He prayed on the cross. He even prays as the fruit of the cross.” - Andrew Murray

B. In the Early Church

                         Prayer was important to the early church. There are many instances where we find them praying.

                                   1. Prayed preparing for the Holy Ghosts (Acts 1:14)

                                   2. Miracle at hour of prayer (Acts 3: 1-11)

                                   3. Noted before High Priest (Acts 4:13; Mark 3:14-15)

                                   4. Result of Test (Acts 4:23, 24, 31)

                                   5. Continually (Acts 6:4)

                                   6. Stephen’s Martyrdom (Acts 7:59)

                                   7. Saul during and after conversion (Acts 9:5-6, 1 ic)

                                   8. Peter over Dorcas (Acts 9:40)

                                   9. Peter on the Housetop (Acts 10:9)

                                  10. The church for Peter (Acts 12:5)

LESSON ONE: UPDATE

1. According to Isaiah, God’s house will be called of all nations a house of what?

2. Jesus cleansed the temple by physically casting out those who sold and bought. Name three other ways discussed in the lesson that God cleanses His church.

1.

2.

3.

3. According to Matthew 21:14-16 what are seven results of God’s House being cleansed to become a prayer House? 
                                                                                                                                                                                                      

            1.

            2.                                          

            3.                                            

            4.

                        5.

                        6.

                        7.

            4. What did Jesus do before He chose His disciples according to Luke 6:12-13?

5. What three prayers did Christ pray on the Cross?

                        1.

                        2.

                        3.

6. Name five instances when the early church prayed?

                        1.
                        2.
                        3.
                        4. 
                        5.

PRAYER SERIES - LESSON TWO

CAUSES OF SUCCESS AND FAILURE

It prayer is to be successful there must be scriptural guidelines. If what you are doing is not succeeding hut failing, then you must investigate the reasons why. But before we do, there are two areas that I want to point out that are not responsible for either success or failure.

I.          POSITIONS AND VOLUME

            A. Positions

1. On the face — “And they fell upon their faces...: (Number 16:22. 45: 20:6)

2. Standing — And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence
    of all the congregation...” (1 Kings 8:22)

    “And when you stand praying...” (Mark 11:25)

3. Kneeling — “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast and kneeled down and prayed...” (Luke 22:41)

    “He arose from before the alter of the Lord. from kneeling on his knees... (1 Kings 8:54)

4. Hands lifted — “Stood.. .and spread forth his hands toward heavcn...’ (I Kings 8:22)

    “with his hands spread up to heaven.” (1 Kings 8:54)
    “lifting up holy hands...” (I Timothy 2:8)

5. Sitting — “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication... and it filled the house where they were sitting...” (Acts 1:14: 2:2)

6. Face between Knees —“and put his face between his knees...” (1 Kings
18:42)

B. Volume

                        1. Unheard vocally — “Now Hannah, she spake in her heart: only her lips moved, but  her voice was not heard. (1 Samuel 1:13)

            2. Lifted voice — “And when they heard that, they listed up their voice to God with one accord...” (Acts 4:24)

II.        CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESS
    

Now let’s look at a few of the reasons that will contribute to successful prayer.

A. Humility (2 Chronicles 7:14); Centurion (Matthew 8:8): Syrophoenician (Matthew 15:22. 25.)

B. Wholeheartedness (Daniel 10:12: Jeremiah 29:13: Deuteronomy 4:29)

C. Faith (Hebrews 11:16): Blind man (Matthew 9:29-30: Mark 4:25-29)

D. Righteousness (James 5:16: 1 Peter 3:12)

     “...fervent prayer of a righteous man...” Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:3)

E. Praying in the will of God

            1. His Word is His will.
           

2. The Spirit gives personal things (1 John 2:27)

F. Praying specifically

III.       CAUSES OF FAILURE

A. Sin (Psalm 66: 18 and Isaiah 59:1. 2)

Saul — “And Saul asked counsel of God. . . . But he answered Him not that day.” (1 Samuel 14:37)

“And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not...” (1 Samuel 28:6)

B. Lack of mercy — “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but not be heard.” (Proverbs 21:13)

C. Despising the Word — “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law even his prayer shall be abomination” (Proverbs 28:9 — See Saul. I Chronicles 10:13).

D. Blood guilty — “And when ye spread forth your hands. I will hide mine eyes from you: yea when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” (Isaiah 1:15)

            David (2 Chronicles 22:8)

E. Instability (James 1:5-8)

F. Wrong reason (James 4:3)

G. Unforgiving Spirit (Mark 11:25)

H. Not God’s Will (I John 2: 15-17)

                        1. Moses — “Thou canst not see my face — for there shall no man see me and live.”

2. Moses (Deuteronomy 3:26)

3. David (2 Samuel 12:14-18)

LESSON TWO: UPDATE

1. The six positions of one’s body discussed in this lesson are:

a.                                             b.                                             c.
d.                                             e.                                             f.

2. What Bible character from this lesson is an example of humility in prayer?

3. The Bible says without what it is impossible to please God?

4. What kind of prayer prayed by a righteous man avails much?

5. Name two ways to know the will of God?

6. What are the six reasons for success in prayer that we discussed?

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

7. According to the lesson, what Bible character illustrates sin resulting in prayer failures?

8. According to Proverbs we must hear the cry of whom or we will not be heard?

9. Isaiah tells us if our hands are full of what then our prayers will not be heard?

10. Name the eight causes our lesson gives for prayer failure.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

PRAYER SERIES - LESSON THREE
TYPES OF PRAYER
(Philippians4:6: 1 Timothy 2:1: Ephesians 6:18)

In the following lesson, we shall discuss what the above scriptures plainly demonstrate — there is more than one type of Prayer. Ephesians 6:18 in the Moffat Translation says. “Praying all kinds of Prayer.” If we understand this fact then many things will become apparent to us. One writer so wisely said “you cannot play football by baseball rules.” That is to say both are games but both have different guidelines. It is the same about intercession. supplication, petition, etc. They are all prayer but it must be understood that there are different guidelines.

I. THE PRAYER OF FAITH

The Greek word translated prayer here is used of prayer in general. However it also denotes a prayer or a vow (James 5:15 — Acts 18:18). This means that once this has been done it is complete. That’s what the implication is.

The thing that I know about this kind of prayer is you never have to worry about “Should I pray it again?” Why? Because before you can pray it again the answer will already be there making it unnecessary to ask more than once (See Elijah — I Kings 18:36-38).

II. SUPPLICATION

The prayer of supplication taken from the Greek word ‘deesis” means petition, request: stressing the sense of need. From the following scripture references we see that it will more often than not be done more than once:

A. Parable of widow woman (Luke 18:1)

B. Anna — “severed God with . . .prayers night and day.” (‘Luke 2:36. 37

C. Paul’s prayer for Israel (Romans 10:1)

E). Paul’s prayer for himself (2 Corinthians 12:8)

E. Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39. 42. 44: Hebrews 5:7)

F. “The in-working, zealous supplication of a righteous man is effectively capable of producing results.” (James 5:16) Example: Elijah — (1 Kings 18:41-45)

III. INTERCESSION

The prayer of intercession in Greek (enteuxis. entunchano) first of all comes from the Greek word, which is a technical term for approaching a King on the behalf of others. The second word means. to meet with in order to converse: to fall in with.” Then the word used of the Holy Spirit’s intercession (hyperentunchano) speaks of a higher intercession, the Spirit Himself’.

A. Parable of friend at midnight (Luke 11:5-8)

B. Abraham for Lot (Genesis 18:23-33. 19:29)

C. Moses for Israel (Exodus 32:7-14: 31-34

D. Jesus (Hebrews 7:25: 1 Timothy 2:5)

E. The Spirit Himself (Romans 8:26)

I want to emphasize that the prayer mentioned here is not the tongues prayer of my spirit as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:14. But again it is the Greek (hyper entunchano) or not human spirit intercession but “The (Holy) Spirit Himself” with groanings that cannot he uttered. If you read Acts 2:4, you see they began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance. But here it is not them or they hut Him!!!

IV. IN TONGUES

A. Received when baptized in the Holy Ghost.

Tongues are first demonstrated in connection with the baptism in the Holy Ghost. Take note of the fact that in these three instances everybody that was filled spoke in tongues.

1.  “…and they all.., began to speak.” (Acts 2:4)

2.  “…heard them speak with tongues…“ (Acts 1O:44-46

3.  “…they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6)

B. Exercised as manifestational gift

1. ‘For to one is given by the spirit…divers kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:8. 10)

2. Sign to unbeliever—Miraculous manifestation (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)

C. Exercised in Prayer

Some of you would argue with me because I believe that every believer who is filled with the Holy Ghost will speak in tongues. However, you cannot argue the fact that every believer who speaks in tongues is filled with the Holy Spirit.
I do not believe that born again believers who have not had this experience arc not saved. But I do know that until you have this experience and continue in it there is an area of prayer that you are not able to enjoy.

1.  “…speaketh to God...” (1 Corinthians 14:2.4—edifies Himself)

2.  “…pray in an unknown tongue...” (1 Corinthians 14:13-15)

3.  “…praying in the Holy Ghost…” (Jude 20)

V. PRAYER OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP

We are told in the model prayer to pray:

“Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name.’ (Matthew 6:9 Thafs worship.

Then we’re told to conclude by saying:

“For thine is the Kingdom. the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:10)

That’s Praise.

A. Church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-4)

B. In Philippians Jail (Acts 16:25)

C. Prayer and Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Luke 24:50- 53

VI. WARFARE (Daniel 10:12-13)

A. “We wrestle...against principalities, powers...” Ephesians 6:12)

B. “Praying always. . . for all saints...” (Ephesians 6:18)

C. “Whatsoever ye bind on earth...” (Matthew 18:18: Matthew 12:29)

VII. UNITED PRAYER (Matthew 18:19,20)

A. Two of you shall agree (Matthew 18:19. 20). For where two are…there am I...

LESSON THREE: UPDATE

1. What Prophet received an immediate answer to his prayer for fire?

2. Is it true or false that the prayer of supplication is prayed only once?

True or False (circle one)

3. How many times did Paul ask God to remove his thorn in the flesh?

4. Jesus prayed how many times saying the same words?

5. Is it possible to intercede for yourself? 

True or False (circle one)

6. Name four great intercessors in scripture. 
     

a.

b.

c.

            d. 

7. In the book of Acts, name three times when believers spoke in tongues.

a.

b.

c.

8. At Ephesus what else did they do in addition to speaking in tongues?

9. What did Paul and Silas do in Jail that caused God to free them?

10. How many days did Daniel fast and pray before receiving an answer in Daniel 10?

11. In the lesson we discuss what seven types of prayer?

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.