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Prayer is one of the dearest blessings Christians enjoy. We cherish our communication with the Father. He speaks to us through His Word and we speak to Him through prayer. Can you imagine a life without prayer? Or even a day? The purpose of this Bible-marking topic is 3-fold. First, it’s always good to be reminded of the power of prayer. Discouragement has a way of making us doubt what we know to be true. When those times come, these verses will strengthen our faith in prayer. Second, the busyness of life can cause us to rush through our prayers without giving them much thought. Our prayers can even become routine only. But reading a few Scriptures about prayer will help us not take this special blessing for granted. And third, you may have a friend or two you’d like to encourage. These verses will always be waiting for you to include in a note or share over coffee.
The Power of Prayer- 1 Thess. 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”
This beloved verse sits in the middle of a series of commands addressed to the elders. They have serious business to attend to, involving things like warning the unruly and being patient with everyone (see verse 14). God knew that prayer would be powerful enough to help them with those tasks. Underline the verse and write Phil. 4:6,7 at the end.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Circle the words “prayer” and “supplication.” In the margin write “Prayer= general term; Supplication= ardent, specific request.” Are you anxious? Prayer is powerful enough to replace anxiety with the peace of God. If we want that to happen, notice that we must pray about everything “with thanksgiving.” At the end of the verse, write James 5:16-18.
*For the sake of space, this passage will not be written here.
Circle the word “pray” and underline “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Again, notice the the type of prayer that is effective and accomplishes much. It’s “fervent” and from the lips of a “righteous” person. At the end of the verse, write Mark 14:38.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is wiling but the flesh is weak.”
Circle the word “pray” and underline “lest you enter into temptation.” In the margin, write “prayer protects” and at the end of the verse, write Col. 4:2-4.
*For the sake of space, this passage will not be written here.
Underline “continue earnestly in prayer.” Again, notice how we’re to pray. Circle “being vigilant” and “with thanksgiving.” Also underline “praying also for us.” Paul coveted the prayers of the Christians for his labors because he knew there was power in prayer. At the end of the verse, write 1 Tim. 2:1,2.
*For the sake of space, this passage will not be written here.
Notice the petition verb “I exhort.” This tells us that what he’s about to say is very important and acts as a command. Underline “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks.” Circle who we’re to be praying for– “all men,” “kings,” and “all who are in authority.” And then draw a squiggly line under the reason why we’re to be praying for them– “that we may lead a quiet a peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” At the end of verse 2, write Eph. 6:18.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…”
Underline “praying always with all prayer and supplication.” How powerful is prayer? It’s included in the instructions of how Christians are to arm themselves against the “fiery darts of the wicked one” (v. 16). At the end of the verse, write 1 Pet. 3:12.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers…”
Underline this statement. Christians don’t have to wonder if God is listening. At the end of the verse, write John 15:7.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Circle the word “if.” Again, notice the condition. At the end of the verse, write Eph. 3:20.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”
Paul was concluding a prayer (see v. 14) and this is how he felt about the One to whom he was praying. Underline “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” and write Luke 11:9-13.
*For the sake of space, this passage will not be written here.
Right after Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray (see vs. 2-4), He reassures them that their prayers are effective. Circle the words “ask,” “seek,” and “knock,” and underline all of verse 13. At the end of the verse, write 1 John 5:14,15.
*For the sake of space, this verse will not be written here.
Circle “confidence” and write “no doubt!” in the margin next to it. Circle “in Him” and put a square around the condition “according to His will.” At the end of the verse, write Isa. 65:24.
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.”
This beautiful passage is a great thought to end our study on prayer. Underline the entire verse. One of my favorite quotes is “If you only pray when you’re in trouble, you’re in trouble.” God wants His children to talk to him constantly, fervently, and thankfully. It’s for our own good, for the good of fellow Christians, and even for the good of those in authority. There’s power in prayer!
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