Effective Fervent Prayer Part 1
Essence of Prayer – Relationship
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
I.Essence of Prayer – Relationship
- (Luke 11:1 NIV) “Lord, teach us to pray…”
a. Prayer for the new covenant believer is not something we have to do to please God. Prayer is a benefit we have and should take advantage of because of the relationship and favor we have with our heavenly Father.
~Prayer without the foundation of relationship becomes formulas and mechanics that are ineffective.
b. The 1st and primary purpose of prayer is to establish and maintain an intimate relationship with the Lord.
c. Prayer is communion or fellowship with God based on God’s Word. Prayer and God’s Word go hand in hand.
d. The best way to understand this fellowship is by understanding a loving husband/wife or parent/child relationship.
~Communion is daily, ongoing and fits into your normal day.
~(Rom. 12:12; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17 all AMPC)
~At times it’s appropriate and even necessary to isolate yourselves alone for times of intimacy.
~Not all times are spectacular or sensational.
~There are times of joy, sadness and correction.
2.(Jas. 5:16b) “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
a. Some things that make prayer ineffective.
~Praying to be seen or for show. (Matt. 6:5-6 NLT)
~Vain repetitious prayers. (Matt. 6:7-8 NLT)
~(1) Speaking to God about the mountain but not to the mountain. (2) Doubt in the heart that what you say will be done. (3) Does not believe you receive when you pray.
(Mark 11:23-24)
~Misunderstanding of God’s willingness to bless you. (Luke 11:5-13 NIV; 18:1-8 NIV)
~Not knowing God’s will. (1 John 5:14-15 AMPC)
[Pastor Lee Stokes]