Why we should pray.
Prayer is not to change God’s plan but to help us become part of His plan.
How we should pray.
– Privately? Matthew 6:6, 1 Timothy 2:8, Ephesians 6:18
– Corporately? Matthew 18:19, Acts 1:14
Ask older Christians for prayer! James 5:14
– Attitude? Philippians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 10:4
– Without ceasing, without wavering, effectual and passionately! 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 1:6, James 5:16
Two examples from the Old Testament…
Exodus 12:21-22
1. Prepare to pray
2. Appropriate, plead the blood of Jesus
3. Be out front, praying preemptively
The more preemptive prayers we pray the less reactionary prayers would be needed!
Anointing with oil is simply marking something for a purpose.
In the Old Testament oil was used as marking things, or even people, as holy “vessels” to be used by God and for His work or glory.
In the New Testament people were anointed for healing, but it is still symbolic of choosing.
Isaiah 61:1, Exodus 28:41, 40:9, James 5:14, Mark 6:13
Why God doesn’t answer all prayers the way we want.
God knows things we don’t know and plans things so much bigger than we can imagine.
Church 29:11 