DAILY PRAYER

Steve Brockman
January 2024
DAILY PRAYER
 CONTENT

1. Believing and Receiving

2. Come Boldly unto the Throne
3. Commanded to Pray
4. Intercessory Prayer
5. Jabez Prayer
6. Jesus’ Prayer for Us
7. Miracles of Prayer
8. Parable of the Unjust Judge
9. Place of Prayer
10. Posture in Prayer
11. Pray about Everything
12. Prayer Can Do the Impossible
13. Prayer in Public
14. Prayer in Secret
15. Prayer Is a Delight to God
16. Prayers by the Church
17. Praying in Jesus’ Name
18. Promises of Prayer
19. Rise Early to Pray
20. Thanksgiving
21. The Model Prayer
22. The Spirit Maketh Intercession for Us
 1. Believing and Receiving

Matthew 21:22 - “And all things, whatsoever yе shall ask in prayer,

believing, ye shall receive.”

Meaning: Our text verse is spoken by Jesus to His disciples after they
saw a fig tree, that Jesus cursed, wither away. The answer to the
disciple’s questioning minds was, “have faith and doubt not (Matthew
21:21). Faith takes God at His Word and does not get disheartened
because prayer is not immediately answered. Delay can be the test of
how strong your faith really is.
Application: Faith asks in accordance to God’s will and believes that
God will answer according to our specific request. Our world does not
need the wealthy, the intellectual, or people of great social influence, as
much as it needs men of faith and mighty prayer. Faith is increased by
the Word of faith and mighty prayer. Faith is increased by the Word of
God (Romans 10:17) and will be exercised through testing and trials (1
Peter 1:6, 7). C. H. Spurgeon said, “Faith sees God, and God sees faith.”
The list would be lengthy of those unseen by man but seen by God,
because they prayed believing.
Other Verses for Study: Mark 11:24; Luke 7:50, 17:5,6; Hebrews
11:1.6; James 1:5-7;5:15
Questions:
1. Faith takes God at His _________ .
2. What can be a test of the strength of our faith?
3. What will increase our faith?

“Faith does the impossible because it lets God undertake for us, and
nothing is impossible with God.”
 2. Come Boldly unto the Throne

Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of

grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need.”

Meaning: To come holdly means with all outspokeness, frankress,

bluntness, or confidence. In the Old Testament the priest would come
before God at the Mercy Seat with fear and trembling as he could be
struck to death, if he transgressed in anything. However, we may come
boldly to the throne of grace as Jesus blood has been shed and received
to give us access to God.
Application: We have no need to be bashful or ashamed when coming
to Gind. He is there to help. Whether it is for cleansing, healing,
protection, or provision, He is ever near, waiting for our petition. The
ability to come boldly before God is due to Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin.
Whether or not we make use of that ability, is up to us.
Other Verses for Study: Matthew 7:7-11; Romans 5:1,2, 8:15- 17;
Ephesians 3:12; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 10:19-23; 11:6
Questions:
1. What gives us access to God?
2. Why should we come boldly to the throne?
3. What is meant by the word “boldly”?

“He who does not push his plea does hot pray at all.”
 3. Commanded to Pray

I Thessalonians 5:17 - “Pray without ceasing.”

Meaning: God desires for His children to tommunicate with Him.
Matthew 6:8 says, “…your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,
hefore ye ask him” yet, He commands us to pray. Look at the following
commands to pray: Romans 12:12: “...continuing instant in prayer...”
Luke 18:1: “…men ought always to pray…” Colossians 4:2: “Continue
in prayer,” Luke 21:36: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always.”
Application: The question is asked, how can one “pray without
ceasing”? There are two possible explanations. First, live in a conscious
awareness of God’s Presence. We should be so close to God that talking
to Him is second nature. Whether praying alone or in a crowd, God is
acknowledged continually throughout each day. Secondly, praying
without ceasing means to never have a break in our pattern of prayer.
Other Verses for Study: Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 6:9; 7:7;
John 4:23; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; James 4:2
Questions:
1. We should live in a conscious awareness of what?
2. There should never be a time in our lives characterized by ________ .
3. Write out a verse that commands us to pray.

“Prayer at stated times is good and right; we will never outgrow the
need of it while we remain on earth. But this kind of prayer must be
supported and perfected by the habit of constant, unspoken prayer.”
 4. Intercessory Prayer

James 5:16 - “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for
another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much.”

Meaning: We have an obligation to pray one for another. An intercessor

is one who pleads on behalf of another. Jesus did this for Peter (Luke
22:32); Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23-
32); Moses for the children of Israel (Exodus 32:11-14); Paul for
Onesimus (Philemon 10-18); and the list could go on and on. Samuel
said it would be a sin for him if he did not intercede for Israel (I Samuel
12:23).
Application: People are changed, encouraged, helped, strengthened,
healed, brought back to God, saved, protected, and given a second
chance because of prayers offered up to God on their behalf. What God
might not do for a person, He will do for you, if you prayed for him. Lot
was spared because of Abraham’s prayers, as was Aaron because of
Moses’ prayers. The closer a person is to God, the more power they have
to intercede for another. Just as a lawyer intercedes before a judge for his
client, so we are commanded to intercede before God for others!
Other Verses for Study: Job 16:21; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 1:9; II
Thessalonians 3:1; I Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 13:18
Questions:
1. What is an intercessor?
2. Name three examples of intercessors in the Bible?
3. What gives more power to intercessory prayer?
 “The Christian must pray for all things, of course, but prayers for
people are infinitely more important, just as people are infinitely more
important than things.”

5. Jabez Prayer

1 Chronicles 4:10 ““And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh

that thou wouldest bless me indeed. and enlarge my coast, and that
thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from
evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he
requested.”

Meaning: Only two verses in the Bible talk of Jabez. One verse says he
“was more honourable than his brethren” (1 Chronicles 4:9), and the
other verse (1 Chronicles 4:10) tells us of his prayer to God. Jabez
prayed for four things, all of them being for himself. Praying for self is
not selfish, but necessary. It was Apostle Paul who told Timothy, “Take
heed unto thyself” (1 Timothy 4:16). It is only when we are clean, holy,
and right that we can help others to be clean, holy, and right.
Application: Jabez requested four different things. First, he said “Bless
me indeed.” That would be to ask for God’s blessing on your life, both
physically and spiritually. Then Jabez asked God to enlarge his coast.
Here we need to ask God to give us more influence and opportunity for
service. Thirdly, Jabez asked that God’s hand would be with him. This is
praying for God’s hand to be on us for good. We should want His hand
of protection, correction, and direction. Lastly, Jabez asked God to keep
him from evil. Though we should ask to be kept from physical harm, it is
most important to be kept from sin that will hurt us spiritually.
Other Verses for Study: Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 5:19; Psalm 35:1-4;
40:1-5; Matthew 6:5-13
Questions:
1. What did Paul tell Timothy?
2. What is meant by asking God to enlarge our coasts?
3. We should want God’s hand of and

“As long as they live should Christians pray, for only while they pray
do they truly live.”

6. Jesus’ Prayer for Us

John 17:20 “Neither pray I for these alone. but for them also which
shall believe on me through their word”
Meaning: John chapter 17 begins with “These words spake Jesus, and
lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Jesus prayed for the disciples and
“for them also which shall believe on Christ through their word. The
very next verse (v. 21) reveals three things that Christ prayed on our
behalf, and all three prayer requests are set off by the word “that. Jesus
knows what we need, therefore, what Jesus prayed for, for us, must be
important.
Application: First, Jesus prayed “that they all may be one” (John
17:21). God wants us to be united, not divided. “How good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
Secondly, Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one in us. Being at one
with God was not referring to salvation because He was already praying
for believers. He was praying that we would be close to God (James
4:8). Lastly, Jesus prayed, “That the world may believe that thou hast
sent me.” Jesus wants us to be soul winners. He prayed that we would
tell the world about Him.
Other Verses for Study: Mark 1:35; Luke 22:31,32; John 17:9-26; I
Timothy 2:1
Questions:
1. God wants us to be not
2. Jesus prayed that we would be to God.
3. Who does Jesus want us to tell about Him?
“Prayer is not our trying to change God’s mind. It is learning what is
the mind of God and asking accordingly.”

7. Miracles of Prayer

Genesis 18:14 “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time
appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and
Sarah shall have a son.”
Meaning: Prayer can do anything God can do, thus all things are
available to a man who prays. Our text is the story of Abraham and
Sarah being told they would have a child. The Lord’s question to
Abraham, “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” Is a reminder that God
can do anything. Isaac was born to a mother of 90 years old and to a
father who was 100 years old, because God can do the impossible.
Application: The Bible is full of prayer miracles. A few would include
the sun standing still, fire falling from Heaven, children born to the
barren, the blind, deaf, and lame healed, and people brought back to life.
The God of the Bible is the God of today, and He is still capable of
performing miracles (Hebrews 13:8). Some miracles were performed
because of the prayers of those afflicted, others were performed in
answer to the prayers of the friends of those afflicted. Our lack of faith is
the only thing that can limit the hands of Almighty God.
Other Verses for Study: Psalm 24:1; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew
19:26; Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 4:13
Questions:
1. All things are available to whom?
2. What will limit Almighty God?
3. What is the last miracle you prayed for that God answered?
 “Prayer and miracles go hand in hand: one is the cause, the other is
the effect.”

8. Parable of the Unjust Judge

Luke 18:7 “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day
and night unto him, though he bear long with them?”

Meaning: Jesus gave this parable of the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8 to
teach, “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” The story is of a
widow who asked an unjust judge to avenge her of her adversary.
Though he was unjust, he did so because of her “continual coming.”
How much more will God avenge His own children that cry unto Him
day and night” though He bear long with them?
Application: There is power in persistent prayer. Jesus knew that we
would grow weary in praying. Through this story we see that her
widowhood, weakness, friendlessness, and enemies did not account for
anything with the unjust judge, but her persistence did! Unbelief will
squelch persistent prayer. “He that cometh to God must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews
11:6). God’s answers to prayer may be delayed, but not denied unless we
stop coming to Him with our requests.
Other Verses for Study: Genesis 18:16-33; 32:26; Matthew 15:21-28;
Luke 11:1-10; Hebrews 11:6
Questions:
1. Why did Jesus give this parable?
2. There is power in _________ prayer.
3. What will keep a Christian from persistently praying?

“Persistence is made up of intensity, perseverance, and patience.”

9. Place of Prayer

Genesis 19:27 “And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place
where he stood before the LORD”

Meaning: Notice the three words in our text: “to the place.” Abraham
had a particular place he met with God. When we make an appointment
to see someone, we set a place to meet. When Jesus met with God, the
Bible says He “departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark
1:35). We should find a place to meet with God where it will be just us
and Him.
Application: Though we should pray throughout the day when there are
people all around, there needs to be a time and place when there are no
distractions for us to talk to God. That place could be in a room, a park, a
church, or even in an automobile. It is as important that it always be the
same place, as much as it is that it be someplace everyday. Find a place
to meet with God alone each day, and be there.
Other Verses for Study: I Kings 19:4, 9; Psalm 24:3; 26:8; 91:1;
Daniel 2:17-20; 6:10; Matthew 6:5, 6; John 4:20-24; 18:2
Questions:
1. Jesus prayed in a _________ place.
2. We should find a time and place to meet with God where there are no
what?
3. Where is your favorite place to meet with God alone?
 “Secret praying is the test, the gauge, the preserver of man’s relation
to God.”

10. Posture in Prayer

Luke 22:46 “And said unto them. Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye
enter into temptation.”

Meaning: Since the Bible commands us to pray without ceasing, at all

times, and about everything, it would be impossible to be always on our
knees. The Bible teaches that people prayed standing, kneeling, bowing
down, with hands spread forth, on their faces before God, and even
while walking. The one posture that outwardly shows worship and
humility is kneeling or bowing down before God.
Application: Jesus is speaking to His disciples in verse 46 after
returning from praying alone and finding them sleeping. In the book of
Matthew, we have the account of this story and Jesus said, “the spirit
indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41). The temptation
to sleep while praying can be great, so Jesus told his disciples to “rise
and pray.” Enoch is the great example of one who “walked with God.”
No matter what posture we choose for prayer, the key is to pray. God
hears prayers whether we are standing, sitting, kneeling, or walking, so
we should pray in whatever position we are able.
Other Verses for Study: Genesis 5:24; Numbers 16:22; I Kings 8:22;
Psalm 95:6; Isaiah 1:15; Mark 11:25; Luke 22:41; I Timothy 2:8
Questions:
1. What posture outwardly shows worship and humility?
2. How did Jesus tell His disciples to combat the temptation to sleep
while praying?
3. Enoch was a great example of what?

“The knees may not always be bent, the lips may not always be vocal
with words of prayer, but the spirit is always in the act and
communication of prayer.”

11. Pray about Everything

Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
paths.”

Meaning: Whatever course we choose in life or whatever decision we

must make, we are to know the mind of God concerning the matter
before we take action. “In all thy ways” includes even the most minute
decision. If we would stop to ask God’s will. He would direct us in the
way we should go. God is interested in every aspect of our lives, not just
the big decisions.
Application: We should pray about what we eat, where we go, what we
wear, and what we say. The children of Israel made a bad decision when
they made a league with the Gibeonites, but it was because they “asked
not counsel at the mouth of the LORD” (Joshua 9:14). God promised to
give wisdom to the person who asks (James 1:5). Consider Him Who is
ever present with you, and never take one step without His advice or
permission.
Other Verses to Study: I Samuel 30:8; I Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 32:8;
Proverbs 16:9; Jeremiah 10:23; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; I
Thessalonians 5:17
Questions:
1. God is interested in _________ aspect of our lives not just the
_______ decisions.
2. What does God promise to do if we will acknowledge Him?
3. What bad decision did Israel make because of not acknowledging
God?

“Prayer is the oral expression of desire. The deeper the desire, the
stronger the prayer.”

12. Prayer Can Do the Impossible

Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Meaning: Prayer gave King Hezekiah fifteen years longer to live; gave
Joshua extra time when the sun stood still; gave Elijah fire from Heaven;
gave Elisabeth and Zacharias a baby; gave Daniel an angel to shut the
mouths of lions; and the list could go on and on. Prayer does the
impossible, because prayer solicits God, Who can do the impossible. Our
text verse is the angel’s response to Mary’s question of how she could
birth a son seeing she knew not a man. God does the impossible!
Application: Only God can move a mountain, but only prayer moves
God. The reason we don’t ask God to do the impossible is because we
lack faith. Faith looks to God and rests fully on the promises of His
Word. God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or
think” (Ephesians 3:20) if only we would pray and believe.
Other Verses for Study: Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 19:26; 21:21, 22;
Mark 11:24
Questions:
1. Why do we not ask God to do the impossible?
2. On what does faith rest?
3. What are you asking God to do, that without Him would be
impossible?

“Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside
the will of God.”

13. Prayer in Public

Matthew 6:5 - “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the
hypocrites are: for they love to pгау standing in the synagogues and in
the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say
unto you, They have their reward.”
Meaning: Public prayer is not wrong, if it is done right. Jesus, Solomon,
David, and Elijah, all prayed in public, but they never lost focus of the
One to Whom they were praying. When we pray in public, we are not
praying to man, but to God. When our prayers are made to be seen and
heard by man, we have gained an empty reward. Public prayer offered in
pride is an abomination to God.
Application: We must pray publicly with humility. The story of the
Pharisee and the publican is a good reminder of how we should pray.
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself” and he was the only
one who heard it. “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the
humble” (James 4:6). Public prayer should lead others to an audience
with God over specific matters without drawing attention to self. Pride
will make public prayer ineffective for the offerer and the one for whom
the prayer is offered.
Other Verses for Study: II Chronicles 6:13-15; 7:14; Psalm 42:4; 95:6;
Proverbs 16:5; Matthew 18:20; Luke 18:9-14; Acts 1:13, 14; 20:36
Questions:
1. We must pray publicly with _________ .
2. What will make public prayer ineffective?
3. What kind of person likes to pray to be seen of men?

“Pride, self-esteem, and self-praise effectually shut the door of

prayer.”

14. Prayer in Secret

Matthew 6:6 “But thou, when thou pravest, enter into thy closet, and
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret;
and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

Meaning: The phrase, “thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward
thee openly” is mentioned three times in Matthew 6, concerning giving,
praying, and fasting. Public prayer if not sincere, can be for one’s own
recognition, but not so with private prayer. When we pray in secret it is
just us and God. Robert Murray McCheyne who was known for his
praying said, “I can do no good to those who come to seek from me if I
have forgotten my time alone with God in the early morning. I feel it is
far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near
Him before it is near another.”
Application: Praying in secret is life-changing. We see this in the night
that supplanting Jacob wrestled with God in secret until morning. After
such a time, he was turned into a prevailing prince who had power with
God (Genesis 32:24-32). How can we expect to grow into God’s
likeness if we fail to spend any time alone with Him. The secret to
prevailing prayer is prayer in secret!
Other Verses for Study: Genesis 5:21-24; I Kings 19:4-18; II Kings
4:33; Matthew 14:23; Luke 3:2; Acts 9:40; 10:9
Questions:
1. What three things will God see secretly and reward openly?
2. What was Jacob turned into because of secret prayer?
3. Where and when do you pray in secret?

“When we go ill in the prayer closet, we commonly do so everywhere

else.”

15. Prayer Is a Delight to God

Proverbs 15:8 - “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the

LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”

Meaning: The word “delight” means a pleasure or acceptance. God is

pleased with prayers, specifically when they are offered by the upright.
All the prayers of God’s children are heard, but not all of them are
pleasing to Him. Just as an carthly father is happy to answer the request
of an obedient child, so our Heavenly Father delights in the prayers of
His children who walk uprightly.
Application: Knowing that the prayer of the upright is His delight,
should be a motive to be upright and to pray. God promised in I John
3:22, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”
Disobedience to God’s Word breaks fellowship, while obedience to
God’s Word encourages it. The closer we are to God, the more of a
delight our prayers are to Him, and the more apt they are to get
answered!
Other Verses for Study: Psalm 2:8, 9; 27:8; Proverbs 15:29; Matthew
6:6-8; Luke 11:9-13; John 4:23; James 5:16
Questions:
1. In whose prayers does God delight?
2. What is the prerequisite for getting our prayers answered as
mentioned in 1 John 3:22?
3. What breaks fellowship with God?

“Men would pray better if they lived better.”

16. Prayers by the Church

Acts 12:5 “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made
without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”

Meaning: The story of Acts 12 is Peter in prison about to be murdered

by King Herod. Many from the church of Jerusalem gathered at the
house of Mary, John Mark’s mother, to pray for his release. Because of
the church praying, God sent an angel to the prison to escort Peter out of
jail. Peter went to where they were praying and “declared unto them how
the Lord had brought him out of prison” (Acts 12:17).
Application: Great things happen when the church prays. Prior to
Pentecost and 3,000 people being saved, there was a church praying in
an upper room (Acts 1:14). Prior to bold preaching, personal soul
winning, and sacrificial giving, there was a church prayer meeting (Acts
4:31-37). Prior to the ordination of the first deacons, the church prayed
(Acts 6:6, 7). When the first missionaries were sent out, the church
prayed (Acts 13:1-3). We underestimate the power of joint prayer
through the members of a local church.
Other Verses for Study: Matthew 18:20; Luke 11:1-13; Acts 12:1-19; I
Thessalonians 5:25; II Thessalonians 3:1; James 5:14
Questions:
1. What are two things that happened when the church prayed?
2. The church at Jerusalem prayed without __________ for Peter.
3. Can you remember when you last prayed with someone at church and
who prayed with you?

“Oh the untold benefits that come to a church from the quiet prayerful
members! Least known on earth but best known in Heaven.”

17. Praying in Jesus’ Name

John 14:13 - “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Meaning: The closing words to our prayers “in Jesus name,” is not some
magical quote or a vain repetition. When we say “in Jesus name” we are
saying, “my prayers can be answered because of Jesus.” Without Jesus,
we would have no access to the Father, and without praying “in Jesus
name,” we have no right to have our prayers answered.
Application: Jesus’ name is like a signature on a check. The name at the
bottom of the check guarantees the receiver the amount of the check.
When We end our prayers in Jesus’ name, we are saying He is the
guarantee for what we are asking. Even now Jesus is at the right hand of
the Father making “intercession for us” (Romans 8:34). How much more
would our Heavenly Father do for us if we would pray in the name of
His Son. The Father is glorified in the Son.
Other Verses to Study: John 14:14; 15:16; 16:23-24; I Timothy 2:5;
Hebrews 7:25; 10:19
Questions:
1. Who gives us access to the Father?
2. Where and what is Jesus doing right now?
3. Our Heavenly Father is glorified in what?

“There cannot be any point of contact between absolute deity and

fallen humanity except through Jesus Christ, the appointed mediator:
that is God’s door; all else is a wall of fire.”

18. Promises of Prayer

Luke 11:9 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek,
and ye shall find; knock, and if shall be opened unto you.”

Meaning: God’s Word is a great help in prayer. It allows us to pray

according to His will. It was E. M. Bounds who said, “There is no limit
to the provisions included in the promises to prayer, and no exclusion
from it’s promises.” If we but ask, seek, and knock, we have been
promised it shall be given, shall be found, and it shall be opened unto us.
Since God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) the Bible is a coupon book ready to
give to those who ask, according to what He has promised.
Application: Prayer puts our faith in the promises of God into practice.
Faith is simply taking God at His Word, and “believing, ye shall
receive” (Matthew 21:22). Even though God’s promises are “exceeding
great and precious” (II Peter 1:4), without prayer, they are like fruit
within reach that goes unpicked. Prayer takes hold of the promise! Great
things can happen as a result of God’s promises and the Christian’s
prayers. The Bible and prayer go together, they compliment one another.
The Bible gives us the unction to pray, and prayer gives us the answer
that has been promised.
Other Verses for Study: Jeremiah 29:12, 13; Matthew 21:22; Luke
11:10; John 14:14; 15:7; James 4:2, 3; II Peter 1:4; I John 3:22
Questions:
1. God cannot _________ .
2. Faith is simply what?
3. _________ takes hold of the _________ .

“By taking hold of the Promiser. prayer releases the personal

promise.”

19. Rise Early to Pray

Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he
went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”

Meaning: Thankfully we can pray anytime of the day or night.

However, the scripture gives significant number of examples of those
who prayed in the morning. David, Jacob, Abraham, Gideon, Moses, and
Jesus are just a few examples of those who met God in the morning! It
has been said, “A soldier puts his armor on to go to battle, not to go to
bed.” Our text gives us three thoughts concerning Jesus’ prayer time in
the morning. It was before sunrise, away from others, and in a particular
place.
Application: Rising early to pray will do several things for you. It will
keep you from being distracted by people, phone calls, or events of the
day. The morning is the most peaceful and quiet time of the day. Starting
the morning with prayer will set your spirit right for the remainder of the
day. C. H. Spurgeon was right when he said, “It is a good rule never to
look into the face of man in the morning ‘til you have looked into the
face of God.”
Other Verses for Study: Genesis 19:27; 32:24-31; Psalm 5:3; 55:17;
57:8; 63:1; Proverbs 8:17
Questions:
1. Jesus departed into a _________ place to pray.
2. What is one good reason for praying in the morning?
3. Name one Bible example who prayed in the morning:

“I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my
soul near Him, before it is near another!”

20. Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God.”

Meaning: Normally we pray for things such as our needs, emergencies,

lack of funds, bad health, or a change of circumstances, God says to pray
about everything, but to do it with thanksgiving. We should be thankful
for the mountains and the valleys, the good and the bad, the light and the
darkness, and for judgment, as well as for grace. Having a thankful spirit
is most difficult when circumstances are undesirable. David is one of the
greatest Bible examples of being thankful in adversity!
Application: Thanksgiving is the act of rendering thanks or expressing
gratitude for favors or mercies. If all we received from God was
salvation, we have more to be thankful for than we will ever deserve.
Ingratitude is the failure to acknowledge a kindness. God’s mercies are
new every morning. Never a day should go by that we do not say “thank
you” to God for all of His love, compassion, care, miracles, and
workings in our lives.
Other Verses to Study: Psalm 50:14; 95:2; 100:4; 116:17; 147:7; I
Corinthians 15:57; II Corinthians 9:11; Colossians 4:2; I Timothy 2:1;
Revelation 7:12
Questions:
1. When is being thankful most difficult?
2. What is ingratitude?
3. When was the last time you told God “thank you”, and for what was
it?

“Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soll out of which
thanks naturally grows. A proud man is seldom a grateful man. for he
never thinks he gets as much as he deserves.”

21. The Model Prayer

Luke 11:2 “And he said unto them. When ye pray, say, Our Father
which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done. as in heaven, so in earth.”

Meaning: The model prayer is found twice in scripture. First in

Matthew 6:9- 13, when Jesus taught the disciples in the Sermon on the
Mount. The other is in Luke 11:1-4, when the disciples said to Jesus
“Teach us to pray.” The model prayer is not words to recite, but a pattern
to follow when we pray. Jesus said, “After this manner therefore pray
ye” (Matthew 6:9), which means “in this way.” Each phrase of the
model prayer gives us a subject or topic for which to pray.
Application: In short, the subject we should pray concerning each
phrase of the model prayer are as follows: “Hallowed be thy name” -
begin with praise to God. “Thy kingdom come” - acknowledge the
Lord’s return. Thy will be done” - ask for God’s will in your life. “Give
us this day our daily bread” - ask for daily needs. “Forgive us our debts”
- confess your sins. Lead us not into temptation” - ask God to help you
to avoid and say “no” to sin. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power
and the glory” - end with praise to God.
Other Verses for Study: Matthew 6:5-13; 7:11; Luke 11:1-13; Romans
8:15; Galatians 4:6; James 4:2,3
Questions:
1. The model prayer is not words to recite, but a _________ to follow
when we pray.
2. Each phrase of the model prayer gives us a _________ or _________
for which to pray.
3. How should our prayers begin and end?

“He who knows how to pray has his hand on the leverage which
moves the universe.”

22. The Spirit Maketh Intercession for Us

Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we
know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Meaning: Not only does the Christian intercede on the behalf of others,
but the Holy Spirit intercedes before God on the behalf of every
Christian. The Holy Spirit’s intercession for us is with groanings which
cannot be uttered, and is according to the will of God (v. 26, 27). The
confidence of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together
for good” is because we know that the Holy Spirit is interceding on our
behalf.
Application: Where we are weak in prayer, the Holy Spirit helps us. We
might not know exactly what to say to God or how to say it, but the Holy
Spirit says it for us. We could not have a better representative before
God than the Holy Spirit. We can hinder our Intercessor, the Holy Spirit,
when we grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30), vex Him (Isaiah 63:10), resist
Him (Acts 7:51), tempt Him (Acts 5:9), quench Him (1 Thessalonians
5:19), or lie to Him (Acts 5:3). The Holy Spirit is the believer’s
indwelling Advocate to help with his ignorance and infirmities!
Other Verses for Study: Luke 22:31, 32; Romans 8:15, 34; Galatians
4:6, 7; Ephesians, 6:18; Hebrews 7:25; Jude 20
Questions:
1. The Holy Spirit’s interceding for us is always according to what?
2. What are two things that will hinder the Holy Spirit interceding for
us?
3. With what two things does the Holy Spirit help us?

“Every mighty movement of the Spirit of God has had its source in the
prayer chamber.”