– of significant Bible figures and how they may inform and strengthen our own prayers.
“The effective, fervent prayers of the righteous avail much.” (James 5:16-17)
INTRODUCTION:
The prayers outlined here will help to set standards for us who believe that there is a self-existent Creator of the Universe and everything in it. It may also entice non-believers to explore, to discover, and to engage in the reality of this spiritual aspect of life. We can turn to this Creator God of heaven for help in our life here on earth, in time of need. However, it is important that we study and learn the Scriptures, as well as develop and maintain a steadfast and steady relationship with the LORD our God on a regular basis, and not only when we are in trouble.
It is critical for those who would have access to the blessings of the Kingdom of Heaven to place their faith and trust in the Son of God, who is the Door, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the Good Shepherd, who gives access to the Heavenly Father and to the Heavenly Kingdom. We are encouraged to build our “house”- (life, faith, family, etc.)- on solid rock so that when the storms of life come, we can stand and not crumble. (See the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27) And in the Gospel of John Chapter 15:1-5, Jesus said: “I am the Vine and you are the branches. My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit is cut away; every branch that bears fruit is pruned so that it may bear more fruit. Abide in Me…for without Me you cannot bear fruit…”
Although Jesus is the ONLY BEGOTTEN Son of the Most High God who came down to earth from heaven, (-where He pre-existed time, and where He existed with His Father as THE WORD)—(John 1:1-5), -we see and we know that when He came to earth in human flesh, He stayed in contact with His Heavenly Father through regular prayer of various types, at various times, and under different circumstances. He lifted prayers of anguish, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for restoration, and all -night prayers. (He did an all- night prayer vigil after teaching and preaching to over 5,000 people and using five loaves and two fish to feed them.) That “all- night prayer”- seemed to have restored His strength of soul and empowered Him to walk on water, still the winds, and to calm the raging seas, as He was returning to be with His disciples who were caught in a violent storm at sea. Also, before He selected and called His twelve disciples, Jesus went apart to be alone with His Father in prayer all night. WHAT DO YOU THINK WAS HAPPENING BETWEEN HIM AND THE FATHER DURING THESE EXTENDED TIMES OF CONTACT THROUGH PRAYER?
Of course, most of us know about His forty days of fasting and prayer in preparation for His suffering and death by which He would purchase Salvation and Redemption for the whole world. He has shown us by His example, our need for building and for maintaining a strong and right relationship with our Creator. He is the WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. He is the “Vine”, and we are the branches. Those who stay attached to Him, will produce fruit. But those who are disconnected will wither, become fruitless, dry up, and are burned as rubble.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON TYPES OF EARNEST PRAYERS:
“THE SEVEN EARNEST PLEAS.” (See Thompson Chain Ref. Bible/ NKJV. Concordance #1072)
–The plea for help—Genesis 32: 26 (Jacob)
–The plea for intercession—Exodus 32:30-34 (Moses)
–The plea for wisdom—1st Kings 3:7-9 (Solomon)
–The plea for cleansing—Psalm 51:1-2 (David)
–The plea for the dying soul—Luke 23:42 (the thief on the Cross)
–The cry for Salvation – Acts 16:28-31 (the Philippian Jailer)
–The cry for deliverance—2nd Corinth. 12:8-10 (Paul)
***Jesus employed and applied all of these and more.
PRAYERS OF JESUS:
1. Matthew 6:9-15 & 16-18—The model prayer and fasting.
MAIN LESSONS:
–Revere, honor, and glorify the name of our Heavenly Father: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.” (Matthew 6:9b) — Exodus 20:7 tells us: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
–Mutual forgiveness: Just as we desire to have our sins forgiven and to have our prayers answered, we are required to first forgive those who have sinned against us. Therefore, unforgiveness on our part could prevent our prayers from being answered favorably: “Forgive our trespass as we forgive those who trespasses against us. For if we do not forgive others neither will our Heavenly Father forgive us our debts.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
–Make our requests and petitions known: We may do so audibly, or silently. Our prayers may also be accompanied by fasting. Sometimes we might lift our petitions with tears and with groaning…depending on the situation and circumstances. Pray also for our material and spiritual needs to be met. Jesus came that we might have life abundant and life eternal.
— Pray for the goodness of the Heavenly Kingdom to come to us here on earth individually, corporately, nationally, in our families, and globally, for it all belongs to God and every good thing comes from Him: “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” (Matthew 6:10) All that is good on earth, comes from heaven above. We are not to take it for granted, but we should try to be mindful that Jehovah God is our Provider. (Jehovah Jireh)
2. John 17: 9-26:
–Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples and for all Believers:
THE MAIN POINTS OF THIS PRAYER:
–A Request for mutual glorification between Father and Son: — Father glorify me as I have glorified you…”
–That He will be restored to His former glory which He had before coming to earth in human form. (This suggests that this level of glorified spiritual existence is far greater than that of the earthly existence.)
–Jesus prayed that He may receive authority to give eternal life to all human flesh by revealing the Father to them. According to the Scripture it is by knowing the Father as revealed by Christ, the Son, that people receive life eternal. Jesus did say: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
–Jesus declared and affirmed that He has fulfilled His purpose on earth in totality and with perfect excellence as required by His Father.
–In His glorified form after His Ascension, Jesus is now interceding for those who have believed and received Him for who He is, for who He was, from whence He came, and for what He has done and accomplished.
— He has promised to pray/intercede for all who accept the Truth. He is the Truth. He will NOT pray for the world, but only for those who the Father has given to Him. These are those who accept the Word of Truth. His disciples and other followers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to pray for the Salvation of lost souls, to baptize them and to teach them what He has taught them.
–He has become our MEDIATOR, INTERCESSOR, AND GREAT HIGH PRIEST from where He is now ascended and seated at the right hand of Majesty on High.
–As the Father sent Him into the world and He was hated by the world; so now He is sending them/us into the world to continue His work.
— Now, His disciples are to pray to the Heavenly Father in His name for the world, the lost souls, for the church, for one another, for our loved ones and families. We are also to pray for our enemies.
–The church- (properly organized, formed, and functional), is now the BODY OF CHRIST in the earth left here to continue His work.
–His sanctified and chosen ones are assigned and commanded to go into all the world, to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching others what He taught them. (Matthew 28:19)
SANCTIFICATION:
–He prays that the Father will make them Holy or sanctified as He has been sanctified while He was in His earthly form here on earth.
–He also said that He would pray for those who would join the company of believers through the ministry of His original disciples. He would pray that they become one with the same love by which the Father loves the Son, so that the world will know that they belong to God.
–Eventually they/we will come to be with Him where He is. (To the Heavenly Kingdom)
SUMMARY:
***THEMES THAT FLOW THROUGH THIS PRAYER:
LOVE, UNITY, FAITH, TRUTH, HOLINESS/SANCTIFICATION, RESTORATION, AND GLORIFICATION.
It seems clear that Jesus lived a strong life of prayer with faith, with fasting, and with regularity unto His Heavenly Father while He was here on earth. I believe it is still His intention for His disciples of today, to endeavor to follow His example in order that they may be empowered to continue the work of the Father through Him, the Son. So, it is important that we stay attached to Him, the Vine, the Water of Life, the Bread of Heaven, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the Vine, if we are going to be kept, sustained, and be effective servants, ministers, evangelists, families, and just plain, everyday Christians.
QUESTION:
–What does this teach us about the structure and priorities of our own prayer lives and the prayer life of the church or other ministries?
3. Matthew 26: 36-42:
–Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane:
The darkness and gloom of the imminent end of his earthly life began to weigh heavily on him. He said:
– “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”
–He went a little further and fell on His face and prayed to His Father that if it be possible, let this “cup” -this fate, or this terrible demand, pass away or be removed from Him.
–But then He yielded to the Father saying: Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.
–When He returned, He found His disciples sleeping and upbraided them for not being able to watch with Him for even one hour.
–He cautioned them to “WATCH AND PRAY lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
–He went away a second time to pray that if it be possible, the Father would take this “cup” away from Him. Again, when He returned, He found them asleep.
–He went away a third time, saying the same words.
–At this point, Jesus yielded and acknowledged that His “hour” had come when He would be betrayed into the hands of sinners.
–Luke 22: 39-44, reports that in His anguish, an angel appeared to Him to strengthen Him.
–As He prayed more earnestly in anguish, His sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground. When He got up from prayer, He found His disciples sleeping from sorrow.
–Jesus asked them: Why are you sleeping?” Then He instructed them to: “Rise and pray.”
SUMMARY:
We see and hear of other prayers of Jesus, like those for the blessing of meals when He fed the 5,000, and when He instituted the New Covenant in His Blood, when He turned water into wine, and when He disguised Himself and walked with the two disciples on the evening of His resurrection as they journeyed on their way to Emmaus. At mealtime, Jesus revealed Himself as He blessed the bread and broke it with them. Jesus was in constant contact and connection with His Father through prayer.
QUESTIONS:
What does this experience of Jesus with His disciples tell us about depending on even our most trusted human friends and confidants in our most desperate and greatest time of need?
–When we face great challenges and we “wrestle” with God to remove them, but He doesn’t, then we call on our friends to join in support and to hold us up, but they fall asleep; what should we do?
–According to Luke, the Father sent an angel to strengthen Jesus. Do you believe He will do the same for us in our battles and times of desperate need and trials in this earthly life?
— How important is it for us to give thanks and bless our food when we gather to share our meals? Why?
THE PRAYERS OF OTHERS:
DANIEL:
Daniel Chapters 9 and 10 —Prayers of deep contrition, confession, and repentance for personal, family/ancestors, and national sin:
–Daniel, while in exile in Babylon for many years, determined to seek the LORD concerning the appointed time for deliverance and return to Jerusalem as was prophesied by the Prophet, Jeremiah.
–Daniel 9:3 –He begins His preparation to seek the LORD for answers:
–He sets His face toward the LORD to make request and supplications with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. (This is serious business!)
–He made confession to the LORD, exalting the mighty power of His God who keeps covenant and who is full of mercy and compassion for those who love Him and obey His commandments.
–He repented not only for his own sins and iniquities, but also for the rebellion, disobedience, and rejection of God’s precepts, judgements, and the unfaithfulness of His people. …YES, ALL ISRAEL HAS TRANSGRESSED.”
–Because of all these things disasters have come upon us, for we have not turned to the LORD our God that we might understand his truth.
–In verse 16, Daniel continued to pray that Jehovah God in all His righteousness would turn away His anger and fury and let His favor be restored to His people and nation. He lifted his prayers, not because of any righteousness of his own, but because of his confidence in God’s great mercy. He was pleading for God to listen and to answer.
–JEHOVAH GOD RESPONDED SPEEDILY TO DANIEL: Daniel 9:20…)
–While Daniel was still speaking, the Angel Gabriel came to him and informed him that he was sent to give him skill and understanding, “…For you are greatly favored and loved by God.”
–The Angel Gabriel then gave Daniel the interpretation of the vision regarding the time frame for the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem. It would happen when God was finished dealing with their transgressions and with the end of their sin. (Dan. 9: 20-25) The human heart, mind, and intentions needed to be sufficiently changed and transformed toward obedience to the Almighty.
SUMMARY:
Daniel decided to do everything he could to ensure that his prayer and request reached the ear and heart of Jehovah God. He had a very important request that needed an immediate answer. Like Esther, he would make a personal sacrifice in to hear from the LORD.
QUESTIONS:
–How did Daniel prepare himself to seek the LORD?
–Why do you suppose the answer came so quickly?
–What spiritual qualities did Daniel seem to possess?
–How thorough and deep was Daniel in his confession?
–Do you think that in time of national crisis, the pattern of Daniel’s prayer may be a good model for healing and restoration. — Please explain.
–Although some clarity and information may be given quickly from heaven, it does not mean that correction of transgression is complete. The correction and cleansing of people’s heart, mind, attitude, and behavior need to be complete before restoration and rebuilding can take place.
DANIEL 10: Daniel’s 21 day fast.
— As he was by the River Tigris, Daniel saw in a vision, a being who looked like the Son of God (as described by John –the Evangelist in Revelation 1:14-19
FURTHER DIVINE COMMUNICATION WAS GIVEN TO DANIEL SAYING THAT THE APPOINTED TIME OF DELIVERANCE WOULD BE LONG.
–An angel spoke to Daniel in a vision telling him that he was greatly loved of God and that his prayer was heard by God very quickly. However, the answer was delayed because of spiritual resistance from demonic spirits.
–Arch Angel Michael was dispatched to help in the battle against the principalities and powers of darkness that were obstructing the messenger of God.
–The answer to Daniel’s question was somewhat disappointing, for they would have to stay in exile in Babylon for a while longer.
JOEL:
Joel 2: 12-24 —A CALL FOR NATIONAL CLEANSING TO AVOID DESTRUCTION: A call came to the prophet, Joel, from the LORD instructing him to tell the priests and ministers of God to call for a solemn assembly of repentance and to sanctify a fast. For God was about to send a terrible destruction upon the land. They were to weep between the porch and the altar that God might relent and reverse the destruction He had planned against His disobedient and rebellious people.
INSTRUCTIONS:
–Let the Priests and ministers of God ask the LORD to spare the people from this impending doom!
–Through their sincere repentance and obedience, it is possible the LORD will relent and turn from His severe wrath.
–Then they shall rejoice with gladness and say: “The LORD has done great things for us.” God will again send an abundance of rain –the former and the latter rain which will cause everything to grow and produce bountifully.
SUMMARY:
When God’s people begin to stray like lost sheep from a caring and loving shepherd, He finds no pleasure in destroying them. So, He sounds the alarm to warn them to stop and to return to the fold, so to speak. It is not that God wants to punish His people, but to restore the unto Himself.
QUESTIONS:
–How does sincere contrition, confession, and repentance affect human relationship with the Holy God?
–What usually happens when people and nations respond appropriately to God’s instructions?
–What is it that our Heavenly Father wants to do when He directs and warns His people to correct their ways?
THE PRAYER OF KING JEHOSHAPHAT OF JUDAH WHEN FACED WITH THE ARMIES OF MOAB, MT. ; SEIR, AND AMMON, ALL AT ONCE:
— 2ND Chronicles 20: 3-16:
— His first human response was FEAR.
–NEXT, Jehoshaphat turned himself to seek the LORD for guidance and direction.
–He called his entire nation to PRAYER, FASTING, AND WORSHIP, to get an answer from the LORD.
–As they worshipped, The LORD gave a word to the Prophet Jahaziel, saying: “Do not be afraid or dismayed you people of Judah, people of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. Do not be afraid of this great army.
–They were given the geographical lay of the land and told where to gather in the Valley of Tekoa.
–The strategy was a divine one. Their weapons would not be material, but spiritual. They should position themselves and go out against these mighty armies; for the battle would not be theirs but the LORD’S. Stand still and watch the Salvation of the LORD.
–WORSHIP: The king and all the inhabitants of Judah bowed their heads to the ground and worshipped the LORD.
–PRAISE: The Levites, the Kohathites, and the Korahites, stood up and praised the LORD with strong and loud voices.
–They arose early in the morning and went out to the Valley of Tekoa.
–He encouraged his people to be strengthened in faith saying: “Believe in the LORD your God and you will be established, and you shall prosper.
–He appointed choirs to sing in the beauty of holiness as they went before the armies into battle.
–HERE IS WHAT THEY WOULD SING:
–“Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever!” —We can make this our victory chant as well when we are facing our giants, forces and attackers.
RESULT:
–As they worshipped and sang praises, the LORD set up ambush against their enemies so that they turned against one another and killed one another.
–On the next day Jehoshaphat and his army took three days to gather the spoil.
SUMMARY:
When the people of God come under severe attacks it is human to feel afraid. But then our next step is to seek the LORD for help. The divine arsenal of weapons possessed by the people of God include: Prayer, fasting, worship, praise, encouragement, and faith that acts fearlessly.
QUESTION:
–How can / should we push past the emotion of fear and move toward strength, faith, and victory?
OTHER SIGNIFICANT PRAYERS OF ANCIENT BIBLE FIGURES:
THE PRAYER OF HANNAH:
1ST Samuel 1:9-11, 2:1-11
–When she prayed in anguish and made a vow to the LORD that He might give her a son whom she would return to serve in the Temple all the days of his life.
Hannah was taunted by her sister Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah, the priest. Each year when they made the journey to Shiloh to appear before the LORD to offer a sacrifice, Hannah was taunted and ridiculed by her sister who had children, but Hannah none. Although Elkanah favored Hannah and gave her a double portion of the offering, she would not be consoled because the LORD had closed her womb.
On one particular year, Hannah decided to seek the LORD from the depths of her soul. She prayed deep, anguished prayers with tears before God and asked for a male child. She made a vow that she would give him back to the LORD to serve Him in the Temple all his days.
Eli, the priest saw Hannah praying deeply and thought she was drunk. She explained that she was seeking God for this favor. “Eli understood and said to her: “Go in peace and may the God of Israel grant your petition.”
Hannah accepted the prayer of Eli. So, in faith she got up and went her way. The next morning the family arose and worshipped before the LORD.
After a while, Hannah conceived and bore a son, whom she named: Samuel.
When the child was weaned, she kept her vow and returned Him to the Priest, Eli, to be in service to the LORD in the temple.
SUMMARY:
Hannah prayed deeply with tears, sorrow, and grief that God would give her a son. She made a vow to give him to God to serve in the Temple all his days. When the priest affirmed her prayer and request, she acted on faith, so she got up and joined her family for a meal. The next morning, she gathered in worship with the family.
QUESTIONS:
—What was Hannah’s motivation to pray such deep and anguished prayers?
—Why do you think God heard and answered her petition?
Unlike the other prayers we have reviewed, we do not see that Hannah fasted wearing sackcloth and ashes. But instead, we see that she agonized in prayer and made a very sincere and serious, self-sacrificing vow unto Jehovah her God.
TAKE NOTE:
When she received the blessing of a male child, Hannah kept her vow to the LORD.
—How important is it for people to keep their vows to the LORD?
—How is God likely to treat such people in the future? –(Psalm 66:13-14)
***Scripture also tells us that it is better not to vow at all than to vow and not keep it. ***
THE PRAYER OF QUEEN ESTHER:
Esther 4: 15-17
–When she committed to intervene for the protection of the Jews who Haman had plotted to destroy.
–Esther went to the king at great risk to her life to save her people from destruction.
–Because Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, would not bow to Haman, a pompous and arrogant officer of King Ahasaurus, he hatched a plot to destroy the Jews.
–When Mordecai heard of it, he prevailed upon His niece, Esther, to intervene for her people. But she was afraid of violating protocol. Eventually, Mordecai reasoned with her and told her that if she refused, God would raise up other help for them… Besides, she might have been elevated in this kingdom for such a time as this.
–Then she relented saying: “If I perish, I perish; but I am going to see the king.
—She sent a message to Mordecai to gather all the Jews in the province and to sanctify a fast for three days. No one should eat or drink.
— Then Esther approached the king and explained her situation.
–It turned out that Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews, turned against him and his own family. The gallows that he built to hang Mordecai and all the Jews, served for his own destruction and that of his family.
SUMMARY AND QUESTIONS:
—What can we learn from this account about plotting evil against the people of God wrongfully?
—Why do you think Esther needed the whole Jewish community fasting and praying for her as she took this great step and risk?
—Do you think Esther was placed in the King’s palace and in his favor by accident? EXPLAIN?
Esther was a young woman of courage, commitment, and great love for her people. She was willing to risk her very life to save them. At the same time, she had the full commitment and support of her community. How do you think their unity in prayers and fasting helped her effort on their behalf?
OTHER PRAYERS we might explore and examine for our own enrichment, strengthening, and application:
1. GENESIS 20: Abraham prayed for King Abimelech’s wife and female members of his household that they would be able to have children. Abraham understood that the wife and female members of Abimelech’s household could not conceive because Abimelech, in error, attempted to become affectionate with –Sarah, Abraham’s wife.
SUMMARY AND QUESTIONS:
It seems harsh that the Omniscient Jehovah God would shut up the womb of the females in Abimelech’s household because he made an honest mistake. However, do not miss God’s goodness and mercy toward Abimelech; for the LORD showed him his error in a dream and had Abraham (God’s friend) to intercede for him and for his household, so that they were healed and were able to conceive and bear children.
–How did Abimelech know that Sarah was not Abraham’s sister but his wife?
–What does this account tell us about, human frailty and God’s mercy?
2. DAVID: Most of the prayers in the Book of Psalms were written by David—the shepherd boy, the player of the harp, the slayer of the giant –Goliath, the mighty warrior, the worshipper, and one who praised God unashamedly in dance. … and much more. Yet, at times he found himself out of grace with His God. However, he was quick to repent when he realized his sin. He was a praying man of faith who loved His God. Though he was often pursued and persecuted by enemies, he overcame them by his faith in Jehovah, the Almighty God and by his courage. He wrote prayers of petitions, outcry, repentance, penitence, praise and thanksgiving, warfare, and pleas for mercy and favor, etc.
— PSALM 51: A PENETENTIAL PSALM for cleansing.
(2nd Samuel 11:3-15)
— A prayer of confession and repentance when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had Uriah, her husband killed in battle.
–PSALM 70: A prayer for speedy relief from adversaries.
–Psalm 119: –The longest Psalm/Prayer in the Bible, beseeching God for guidance, protection from enemies, seeking divine help to subdue his fleshly desires and for transformation of his mind to conform to God’s will and obedience to the Commandments.
–Psalms 109, a Psalm of retribution.
–Psalms of praise and thanksgiving: –Psalms 146, 147, 148, 150, 136, 138…
SUMMARY:
Scripture tells us that the LORD referred to David as: “A man after His own heart.” Yet David sinned in terrible ways. When he repented, God forgave him. However, the consequences seemed to have remained in his family life. God kept the vows and promises he made to David, despite His human failures. (Psalm 89.)
QUESTIONS:
–Where was David, and what was he doing when he saw Bathsheba and was enticed by her beauty?
–According to the Scripture, it was the season for battle, but David stayed home and sent Joab, his army commander to war.
–What can we deduce from this temptation and idleness or disengagement from God’s purpose and will?
3. NUMBERS 11: 1-14: Moses prayed for the people who complained and angered God. On their departure from Sinai, they yielded to intense craving and remembered the food they had in Egypt. Moses became distressed and heavily burdened at the people’s complaints. So, he cried out to God, for the burden was too much for him alone to bear. As a result, fire broke out among them and around the outskirts of their camp. When they cried out to Moses, he prayed to God and interceded on their behalf so that the fire was quenched.
Moses asked the LORD: “Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid this burden of these people on me? …Where am I to get meat to give all these people? …I am not able to bear all these people alone…”
Then the LORD directed Moses to select and to ordain seventy elders to help him.
SUMMARY:
In his humanity, Moses felt overwhelmed by the demands of the people and wanted to know why he did not have God’s favor with him. He seemed a bit frustrated and angry with the LORD and tried to reason with Him. He felt inadequate to continue the journey to the place Jehovah had promised.
QUESTIONS:
–Is it O.K. to cry out to God when we feel humanly inadequate to carry out His assignment?
–Do you recall what Jesus did when He faced monumental challenges or was weary and spiritually depleted from intense ministry?
–Why do you believe God allowed Moses to come to this place of weakness?
–What did the merciful God do in response?
–When have you ever come to the end of your proverbial rope? How did you respond?
4. JONAH 2:
— Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the great fish.
Jonah was swallowed up by a great fish after he refused to obey God’s instructions to go to Nineveh and warn the people of impending destruction if they did not repent and return to their God. Jonah refused and went the opposite way to Tarshish. Yet, the LORD pursued Jonah after he decided to have the sailors throw him overboard. God had prepared a great fish to swallow him up for three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish:
–“I cried to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me. Then I said, I have been cast out of Your sight. Yet I will look again toward Your Holy Temple… You have brought up my life from the pit. …Salvation is of the LORD. …So, the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out on dry land. …
–Jonah 4:2-6: God’s stubborn, defiant, and disobedient prophet
SUMMARY AND QUESTIONS:
Even after the God of mercy was patient and kind to Jonah, he still wanted vengeance upon the lost people of Nineveh. He was still angry that God wanted him to go and warn them of the fate that awaited them if they did not repent and turn back to God.
QUESTIONS:
–What was Jonah’s greatest character flaw?
–What is likely to happen to those who attempt to run away from God and go their own way?
–Why did God deliver Jonah out of the belly of the fish?
5. 1st KINGS 8:27-49:
–Solomon’s prayer on behalf of Israel at the lavish and extended consecration of the Temple he built unto the LORD.
“…O LORD my God, LISTEN TO MY PRAYER which I pray before You today. –Let Your eyes be upon this Temple night and day…Hear the prayer of Your servant and of Your people which are made toward this place. …Hear in heaven, and when You hear, FORGIVE. …When Israel is defeated in battle because of their sin…When the heavens are shut up…When there is famine. …When one knows the plague of his own heart, and spreads out his hand toward this Temple, then hear from heaven and forgive and act… Whenever Your people sin against You and return to You with all their heart, then hear from heaven their prayers and supplications and maintain their cause.
–(v. 62-66) Then Solomon offered sacrifices of thousands of bulls and sheep and dedicated the house of the LORD. The King also dedicated the middle of the court and held a feast for fourteen days. After all this, everyone went away joyful and glad.
SUMMARY:
–The King held a lavish and lengthy celebration, lifted strong prayers and supplication to Jehovah his God for all Israel and even for foreigners who were among them. He consecrated the Temple as a monument where God’s Spirit would reside, and anyone who turned to this place in time of need, would have their prayers answered.
QUESTIONS:
–Why was Solomon so lavish and bountiful in his celebration and consecration of the Temple he built unto the LORD?
–Who was the one who first wanted to build this Temple unto the LORD and why was that not acceptable unto God?
–When the LORD helps us to complete a great task, how should/might we respond?
6. ACTS 9:1-19:
–Ananias prayed for Paul to receive his sight and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
On one of Paul’s journeys to persecute Christians, he was on his way to Damascus when he encountered the Risen Christ. He was thrown from his horse and was struck blind for several days. He heard a voice from heaven saying to him: “Paul, Paul, why do you persecute me?” When he asked whose voice it was, he was told: “I am Jesus who you are persecuting.”
–There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Holy spirit instructed him to go to Paul, to lay hands on him, and to pray for him that he might regain his sight. When Ananias did so, what appeared like scales fell from Paul’s eyes and he regained His sight. Then later, Paul became a great witness for the Christian faith and a great missionary who spread the Gospel throughout the land. He established churches, raised up leaders, and suffered many things for the sake of Christ and the Gospel of Grace.
–Ananias prayed: “Brother Saul, (This was his name before he was called and renamed Paul) –the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the way, has sent me to pray that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, Paul received his sight and was baptized. “ (Acts 9: 17-19)
SUMMARY:
Paul had a radical conversion experience that convinced him of the reality and authenticity of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. After much preparation, he managed to spread the Gospel to many unbelievers who knew him when he was an unbeliever and a persecutor of the faith.
QUESTIONS:
–Why do you believe so many came to faith in Christ through Paul’s preaching?
–Is this same Holy Spirit active today, if so, what is He able and willing to do in these current days?
18.. LUKE 1: 36-38:
–Mary is called to bear the Messiah of Israel and to be the Savior of the world.
–In response to the Annunciation, Mary agreed to be the mother of the Son of God…God with us/ Immanuel.
–Jehovah God had chosen Mary to be the pure and consecrated vessel who would bear the Savior of the world. She was betrothed to Joseph but was not yet married to him. The miracle was that she—as a human being in flesh, miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and would bring forth the Son of God to redeem humanity from sin.
-Luke 9:30-31:
–The Angel Gabriel spoke to Mary saying: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold you shall bear a Son and shall call His name “Jesus.”
–“Mary said to the angel: “Behold the maidservant of the LORD! Let it be to me according to Your word.” This was a prayer of surrender and willing obedience.
SUMMARY:
Unlike Jonah the disobedient prophet, Mary was willing and obedient. It was promised in Genesis 3:15 where God said that Satan would bruise the heel of the seed of a woman, but He/Jesus, would bruise the serpent’s head. Mary was that woman who was a virgin. She knew not a man in a marital way. For she was chosen by God to be the one who would fulfill God’s promise of redemption.
QUESTIONS:
–Why was Mary’s conception unique?
–How did Mary feel about the message of the angel’s Annunciation? (Luke 1:46-55) –Mary’s Magnificat, a song of rejoicing and praise.
PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI:
Philippians 1: 3-11:
They and their ministry are an encouragement to Paul and Timothy. They brought him joy because of their loyalty, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness. Therefore, he prayed for them and praised them regularly and generously.
He prayed:
–for their fellowship in the gospel.
–He is confident that the God who began a good work in them will be faithful to complete it until the Day of Jesus Christ.
–He is pleased that they are partakers of him in Grace whether he is in chains or free.
–That their love may abound more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
–That they will approve the things that are excellent and be sincere without offense.
–That they will be filled with the fruits of righteousness by Jesus Christ to the glory and honor of the Father.
SUMMARY:
As a loving father, Paul prayed for the church daily. He was concerned for their well-being, stability, and faithfulness in fellowship. He encouraged them and corrected some of his churches. He warned others of the threat of infiltration by false teachers and prophets. But this particular church at Philippi, stands out as being worthy of his special praise and recognition.
QUESTIONS:
— As church leaders are responsible for praying for their members, do members have a responsibility to pray for, to support, and to encourage their leaders? Why and how so?
–What is the mutual benefit of both leaders and members of the church community?
–How does your organization/ministry/church as members of the Body measure up in comparison to the Philippian Church and its members in relation to Paul and those who help him in ministry?
–Where is there room for growth and improvement in our own ministry and in the churches at large today in this regard?
PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS:
Ephesians 1: 15
–After hearing of their steadfast faith in Christ Jesus, and their practice of love toward one another, Paul is moved to pray:
–That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Himself.
–That the eyes of their understanding be enlightened.
–That they might know the hope of their calling.
–Know what is the riches of the glory that is the inheritance of the saints.
–That they may know the exceeding greatness of His power toward all who believe according to the working of His mighty power that He worked in Christ, whom He raised from the dead and seated Him in heavenly places far above all principalities and powers, dominion and might, and above every name in heaven or in earth.
–The Father has put all things under His feet and made Him head of the church of which we are His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all things.
SUMMARY:
Paul was enthused and encouraged to learn of the progress and faith in love for God and for one another in the church at Ephesus. This motivated him to pray with gratitude and thanksgiving for them. He outlined in his prayer the spiritual priorities he desired for them:-Knowledge, wisdom, strength, empowerment, revelation, and more. He is proud of them and desires the best for them and their ministry.
–May Jehovah God grant such Grace to the leaders of today’s churches to empower us to do likewise, so that the church universal will rise up to its full potential.
QUESTIONS:
–What might move the heart of leaders to pray for their ministries in this way?
–What might leaders do when they receive bad reports of stagnation, trouble, strife, or other disturbances in the church?
–How does Paul want the Ephesians to understand and to know Christ in the fullness of His authority and power? –Why?
PAUL’S PRAYER AND COUNSEL FOR THE CHURCH AT THESSALONICA:
1st Thessalonians 1:11: “…Therefore, we also pray always for you that:
–God would count you worthy of this calling.
–fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and work of faith with power.
–That the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him according to the Grace of God the Father.”
1st Thessalonians 5:12b -23:
–How to develop and maintain good Christian Character and a strong prayer life that keeps us connected to the sovereign Creator God of the universe:
“…Be at peace among yourselves, uphold the weak, be patient with all, do not render evil for evil but pursue what is good.”
–Rejoice always
–Pray without ceasing
–In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God…
–Do not quench or restrain the operation of the Holy Spirit in the church.
–Avoid every type of evil.
–“May the God of peace sanctify you completely – (heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit,)- preserve you blameless and faithful until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
SUMMARY:
With the many demands and responsibilities of the Clergy in our day, how can they give this kind of care to their flock? Such attention and prayers are necessary if the church is to grow and prosper. It simply must become a high priority for leaders.
It is also necessary for the members of the congregations to always pray for their leaders. There can be no place for disunity and strife if the church, as the Body of Christ is to flourish and be healthy.
QUESTION:
–How can each individual help to foster such an atmosphere and relationship in the Body of Christ?
–What is our responsibility as members?
CLOSING COMMENT:
During this Lenten season, and in all other seasons of the church, prayer is, and has always been, a key part of the Christian practice and experience. Many prayers may be lifted, but we don’t know how many are being answered, if any. We can have more confidence and see better results if we imitate the pattern and principles of these prayers modeled above. It seems appropriate and critical in these particular times of national distress and confusion, climate devastations, violence against the innocent, and political chaos, that both believers and unbelievers should delve more deeply into what other nations of other eras, seasons, and times have managed to do to regain stability and favor, return to peace, and learn that there is a Divine Presence– the Creator God who hears and answers the prayers of the righteous. Jesus has set the example for us. LET THE CHURCH ARISE AND PRAY THE EFFECTIVE FERVENT PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. AMEN!
PRAYER:
LORD, teach us how to pray with faith so that we will receive favorable and encouraging answers from You in heaven fulfilled right here on earth. We entreat Your favor upon our lives, Salvation for lost souls, mercy for all who call upon Your Name, and wisdom for ourselves, for family, and for our leaders. So, let there be peace on earth and goodwill to all people. Let us prosper and be in good health and not be afraid, for we put our trust in You. We receive all this and more, because we ask it all of You, Abba-Father, in the Name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and by the advocacy of the Holy Spirit. AMEN!
NOTE: This study may be used as a treasury of prayers for personal spiritual knowledge and for growth, for strengthening the prayer life of any ministry, or for Lenten series study on a broader basis. We can learn how the ancients prayed, and under what circumstances, so that we might model our own prayers similarly and expect to receive favorable results. However, a lot will depend on the condition of our heart, our mind, soul, and spirit, our intentions and our, relationship with our God.
PREPARED BY: Rev. Brenda R. Berry/ Presbyterian Pastor Emeritus- 2019
B.A., M.Div.
Author: “WISDOM…Where Are You”?
Previous Elementary and Secondary School Teacher
Previous Corp. Project Manager of a Fortune 500 Company
Website: BRENDARBERRY.COM
***All references are taken from the NKJV Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible.