Friday, September 23, 2005

HOW TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER LIFE


(Adapted from a message by our friend Dr. Stephen F. Olford . . . now with the Lord).

Text: Luke 18:1

"Pray when you feel like it; pray when you don't feel like it; pray until you feel like it." -- Dr. W. Graham Scroggie

1. Pray in the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20)
2. Prayer the Scriptures. (John 15:7)
3. Pray with a system (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:9-13)
Adoration -- "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name . . . " Here is reverence and penitence in prayer.
Dedication -- "Your kingdom come. Your will be done." Here is allegiance and obedience in prayer.
Supplication -- "Give us this day . . ." Here is trustfulness and thankfulness in prayer.
Intercession -- "Forgive us our debts ..." Here is confession and concern in prayer.
Preparation -- "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Here is contest and conquest in prayer.
Veneration -- "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen!" Here is wonder and worship in prayer.
4. Have a prayer list for the saints, sinners, subjects and situations. (1 Timothy 2:1-7)
5. Pray to sensibilities:
A. Make sure you are physically ready for prayer. (Mark 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 9:27a)
B. Make sure you are morally ready for prayer. (Psalm 66:18)
C. Make sure you are spiritually ready for prayer. (John 15:7)

Good words to ponder about your personal prayer life.

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