prayer

©2019 dan bulkley | ask@lifechurchco.com

key principle: john 14:13-15, john 16:24, 26

john 14:13-15

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

john 16:24, 26

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf;

We can go to God only because of Christ’s work on the cross not because of our own merit. Jesus has opened the way into the holy of holies of God’s relational presence hebrews 6:19-20 so that we may approach the Lord with confidence though we are still not perfect exodus 19:20-24 hebrews 4:15-16 . Though we still sin, our requests are favorably received through Christ and in Christ’s pursuits; so as we walk with Him by His grace our requests supernaturally mature to match God’s will john 15:7 john 15:10 ephesians 4:15 titus 2:11-12 i john 5:14-15 .

supporting scriptures

hebrews 6:19-20

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

my notes:

exodus 19:20-24

The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the Lord to look and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.” 23 And Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it.’” 24 And the Lord said to him, “Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest he break out against them.”

hebrews 4:15-16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

john 15:7, 10

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.... 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

my notes:

ephesians 4:15

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

titus 2:11-12

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

i john 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

my notes:

key principle: matthew 6:5-13

matthew 6:5-13

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread,

12 and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

There is God-pleasing ways to pray and unpleasing ways to pray proverbs 28:9 proverbs 15:8 . Just as there are beneficial ways to communicate with other people colossians 4:6 . Prayer is at its simplest form talking with God.

supporting scriptures

proverbs 28:9

If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,

even his prayer is an abomination.

proverbs 15:8

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,

but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.

colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

key principle: james 4:3

james 4:3

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Petitions in prayer should be asked with the right pursuit i john 5:14-15 or we should never expect a favorable response james 1:6-7 psalm 66:18 . God cannot be manipulated; He will answer us accordingly ezekiel 14:1-6 . So we must wrestle in our prayers even in the midst of sin: confessing, requesting, interceding, discussing and thanking all the while making every effort to repent of our sinfulness psalm 32:1-11 hebrews 4:15-16 .

supporting scriptures

i john 5:14-15

14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

james 1:6-7

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

psalm 66:18

18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened.

ezekiel 14:1-6

1 Then certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. 2 And the word of the Lord came to me: 3 “Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? 4 Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols, 5 that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols.

6 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

my notes:

psalm 32:1-11

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,

and I did not cover my iniquity;

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly

offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;

surely in the rush of great waters,

they shall not reach him.

7 You are a hiding place for me;

you preserve me from trouble;

you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,

which must be curbed with bit and bridle,

or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

hebrews 4:15-16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

key principle: matthew 6:28-33

matthew 6:28-33

And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Our pursuit should be to seek God’s kingdom {His glory, honor, our relationship with Him, etc.} hosea 6:3 and live His way in all our circumstances of trials, opportunities and triumphs hosea 10:12 luke 11:10 . Even Jesus wrestled in prayer hebrews 12:4 luke 22:44 to submit His holy will to that of the Father matthew 26:39 ; so let us wrestle in prayer, partnering with our Lord against our sinful hearts to bend them to seeking the Lord in our concerns and desires.

my notes:

supporting scriptures

hosea 6:3

Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;

his going out is sure as the dawn;

he will come to us as the showers,

as the spring rains that water the earth.”

hosea 10:12

Sow for yourselves righteousness;

reap steadfast love;

break up your fallow ground,

for it is the time to seek the Lord,

that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

luke 11:10

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

hebrews 12:4

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

luke 22:44

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

matthew 26:39

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

key principle: luke 18:9-14

luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

We must seek to be humble and above all honest in prayer. Any other approach is offensively foolish before the All Mighty and All Knowing One hebrews 4:13 psalm 24:3-6 . He knows our hearts better than we do jeremiah 17:9-10 ii chronicles 6:29-30 . So trust the Lord enough to pour out your wicked heart openly to Him psalm 62:8 ; talking out your problems with Him rather than simply talking to yourself and relying on what you can do. Your prayers should be conversational like Habakkuk: pray and listen for God’s response in the back of your head as you lay your heart’s concerns out before Him isaiah 30:21 .

supporting scriptures

hebrews 4:13

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

my notes:

psalm 24:3-6

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to what is false

and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord

and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

jeremiah 17:9-10

The heart is deceitful above all things,

and desperately sick;

who can understand it?

10 “I the Lord search the heart

and test the mind,

to give every man according to his ways,

according to the fruit of his deeds.”

ii chronicles 6:29-30

whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own sorrow and stretching out his hands toward this house, 30 then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind,

psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us.

isaiah 30:21

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left

key principle: genesis 32:24-32, luke 18:1-8

genesis 32:24-32

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh.

my notes:

luke 18:1-8

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Never give up wrestling in prayer over the things that trouble your soul romans 15:30 colossians 4:12 . God wants you to work out your faith philippians 2:12-13 luke 11:5-13 so that there is harmony between you and Himself amos 3:3 job 22:21-28 . So continually cast your cares on the One Who loves you i peter 5:7 until He either grants your immediate desire or fulfills the Spirit’s ultimate desire within you to change your heart to understand His will as good, perfect and pleasing romans 12:2 ii samuel 2:15-23 .

supporting scriptures

romans 15:30

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

luke 11:5-13

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

amos 3:3

“Do two walk together,

unless they have agreed to meet?

my notes:

job 22:21-28

“Agree with God, and be at peace;

thereby good will come to you.

22 Receive instruction from his mouth,

and lay up his words in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty you will be built up;

if you remove injustice far from your tents,

24 if you lay gold in the dust,

and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed,

25 then the Almighty will be your gold

and your precious silver.

26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty

and lift up your face to God.

27 You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you,

and you will pay your vows.

28 You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you,

and light will shine on your ways.

i peter 5:7

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

my notes:

ii samuel 2:15-23

Then they arose and passed over by number, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16 And each caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side, so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is at Gibeon. 17 And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

18 And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle. 19 And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is it you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.” 21 Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 22 And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” 23 But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.

key principle: i timothy 2:1-4

i timothy 2:1-4

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

God is pleased to have us intercede for others, wrestling in prayer over them colossians 4:12 and giving thanks to God for them. This is essential in building our relationship with God and with others ii corinthians 9:14 . We partner with each other as we all wrestle our hearts romans 15:30 with God unto the unified mind, love, spirit and purpose of God philippians 2:1-2.

supporting scriptures

colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

ii corinthians 9:14

while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.

romans 15:30

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

philippians 2:1-2

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

key principle: i thessalonians 5:16-18

i thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

It pleases God that we continually fellowship with Him as He truly is {ALWAYS WITH US} psalm 139:5-10 just as we would on a walk with a friend galatians 5:25 philippians 4:4-5 . We should seek an ongoing, grateful, rejoicing conversation with our Lord as we go about our lives in His business i corinthians 10:31 .

supporting scriptures

psalm 139:5-10

You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

galatians 5:25

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

philippians 4:4-5

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

my notes:

i corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

key principle: philippians 4:6-9

philippians 4:6-9

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

We are to faithfully pray and take corresponding action nehemiah 4:9 as we participate with the Lord’s working in our lives and through our lives ii peter 1:4 galatians 5:16 galatians 5:25 . Its in our calling on Him, His response and then our response back, etc. that builds up our relationship with Him i kings 8:38-40 and magnifies how glorious He is psalm 50:15 . Our ongoing relationship produces His evident fruit john 15:7-8 so that others may also believe and know the Lord i kings 8:59-60 . So in our relationship with the Lord of prayer and active response we shine the light of His good dealings with us ii corinthians 4 so that we may be properly grateful and give Him thanks while declaring His praises with full confidence i peter 2:9-12 .

supporting scriptures

nehemiah 4:9

And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

ii peter 1:4

by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire

galatians 5:16, 25

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

i kings 8:38-40

whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, 39 then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind), 40 that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land that you gave to our fathers.

psalm 50:15

and call upon me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

john 15:7-8

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

i kings 8:59-60

Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires, 60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.

i peter 2:9-12

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Essential Features of a Praying Heart

SEEK a genuine relationship with God

HUMBLE yourself before God

ASK for what you want

CONFESS your sins that are revealed to you

DISCUSS your views with God

INTERCEDE on other’s behalf

PERSEVERE in prayer until you experience God’s blessing

ACCEPT and approve God’s will for you

OBEY God’s convictions

THANK the Lord for all His circumstances for you

DECLARE God’s praises to Him, yourself and everyone else

my notes: