Index:
I. Inward Discipline
1. Prayer
1.1 Need for Prayer
1.2 The Purpose of Prayer
1.3 Persistence in prayer
1.3.1 LUKE 11: 5-8-the Friend at midnight
1.3.2 LUKE 18:1-14-the Persistent widow
1.3.3 Ask, seek and knock- LUKE 11: 9-13
1.3.4 The disciple’s prayer-Matthew 6:9-13
2. To whom should we pray?
2.1 The Father
2.2 The Lord Jesus
2.3 God
3. How Should We Pray?
3.1 In the Spirit
3.2 With Our Mind and With Our Spirit
3.3 Not to Impress Others
3.4 With Faith
3.5 Letting Go Of Unforgiveness
3.5 Letting Go Of Unforgiveness
3.6 With A Pure Heart
3.7 With Praise And Thanks To God
3.8 Persistently
3.9 Humbly
3.10 Earnestly
3.11 In Submission
3.12 By Ourselves
3.13 In Groups
4. In Whose Name Should We Pray?
5. What Should We Pray?
6. When We Don't Know What To Pray
7. Why Should We Pray?
8. Who Can Pray?
9. Where Can We Pray?
10. In What Positions Can We Pray?
11. For Whom Can We Pray?
12. When Can We Pray?
13. How Long Can We Pray?
14. Who Listens To Our Prayers?
15. What Happens When We Pray?
16. Examples Of Prayer
17. Calling On The name Of The Lord
New Testament
Old Testament
2. Meditation
2.1 Meditation produces
2.2 Purpose of Christian Meditation
2.3 How to meditate? (Practical Requirements)
2.4 Reading, reflecting, responding and resting in meditation
3. Fasting
3.1 Fasting according to Bible
3.2 Fasting in the Old Testament
3.3 Fasting in the New Testament
3.4 Types of Fasting
3.5 Need for Fasting
There are 12 major disciplines that God wants in our lives. Out of these four are inward disciplines and the remaining are outward disciplines. This topic is a study about the first three inward disciplines.
I. Inward Discipline:
Prayer
Meditation
Fasting
Study
Discipline is the spiritual change in our life.
First Discipline:
1. Prayer.
1.1 Need for Prayer:
Lord does not permit us to say “Why” because He wants us to go more and deeper in prayer life.
S.D.Gordan: “You can work more after your daily prayers, but without it you cannot work more in life. Prayer is holding the cup of victory in hands.”
John Wesley: “God does not do anything, but to answer the prayers of His people on earth. If this is true then I will reduce my sleeping time. I will change my life style. I will also skip my one or two meals.”
E.M.Bounds (Power Through prayer): “God is the creator of this world. As the number of prayers on earth will increase, the world will be transformed into a better place to live. The power against the evil forces will be Holy Spirit. The prayers of His beloved are invested in Heaven.”
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honour.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalms 08:1-9
Adam was the ambassador of God on Earth and so are we in the present world. God does not share His glory with anyone as per His nature. But He made man on His Tselem (image). “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.” (1 Corinthians 11:07).
Shamar: Protection
Doya: Glory (Greek)
God uses people to accomplish His work on Earth and therefore is in search for people to make His family. “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you”. (2 Thessalonians 03:01). God searches for intercessors and the righteous. Our chief end is to pray for He alone can answer.
Andrew Murray: (Necessity of Prayer). “God has a firm connection with our prayers. It is only intercession that has the ability to bring the Power of the Lord to earth, which can further help the Church to quit the worldly habits”.
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD." (Ezekiel 22: 30-31)
As far as purity of God is concerned, He wants that the sinful should be punished, but his humility states that sinful be forgiven and saved.
Three ways to understand Intercession:
The Plan of God at the Beginning.
Destruction of that plan because of Sin.
The solution of God.
According to the doctrine of Salvation, Jesus wants that the entire Human Race be saved completely till the time of the Second Coming.
1.2 The Purpose of Prayer
To spend time with our Father
To allow Him to spend time with us
To speak with Him
To allow Him to speak
To become involved in the purpose of God
The unending cycle of idea and action—Celtic Prayer
Where there is no new idea or insight then there is only sterile repetition of what has worked before
We become dependent on our previous successes-or what has worked before
We live on yesterday’s food-which was good for yesterday
Prayer allows God to give us what is needed for TODAY-specifically
Some insights from people of prayer:
Go and sit in your cell and your cell will teach you everything-Abbot Moses
A woman who remained in one small room-never going out-When she was asked why are you sitting here she answered: “I am not sitting. I am on a journey”
Prayer is a state of continual gratitude-St John of Kronstadt
Understand that you have within yourself, upon a small scale, a second universe: within you there is a sun , there is a moon and there are also stars –Origen
1.3 Persistence in prayer:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”. (Mark 11: 24)
This verse has been interpreted differently-specifically that we only need to pray once-but the Bible does not say we only need to pray once . This is something we have interpreted and added. We reason that asking a second time is a lack of faith-but the practice and other teaching contradict this conclusion.
1.3.1 LUKE 11: 5-8-the Friend at midnight
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
o We should pray and NEVER GIVE UP !
o V 8-persistence is really translated as shamelessness—Greek anaiadeia
o The context of the prayer is one of community --and there is a distinction between the host(with whom the guest staying) and the man in the village who was asleep-who refused to give his bread
o The neighbour wants to avoid shame –and will therefore respond to his friends shamelessness
o 1.This is the attitude of God to prayer-INTEGRITY –and a desire to avoid the shame of not giving when asked by his friend
o We can be assured of an answer-if your neighbour will meet your need –so will God
1.3.2 LUKE 18:1-14-the Persistent widow –shows a similar principle
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
o Once again Jesus is saying –if unwilling men and women will give help-how mush more will God
o If a child asks for bread would you give him a stone –how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
James 1:17-“Every good and perfect Gift comes down from the Father of heavenly lights”
1.3.3 Ask, seek and knock- LUKE 11: 9-13
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
o Askingly ask, seekingly seek, knockingly knock ie KEEP ON ASKING, KEEP ON SEEKING AND KEEP ON KNOCKING
o Everyone –can be understood as even the outcast is entitled –even though he does not work !We hate to come to God –over and over –because of our pride –but this is exactly what the parables of Jesus teach us to do—in an attitude of SHAMELESSNESS.
o Our tendency is to think of prayer –as a NO FUSS practice-when really it is DESPARATION for God to act-and the painful cry and effortful exertion towards God
1.3.4 The disciples prayer-Matthew 6:9-13
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one
The prayer is given in response to the disciples request –teach us how to pray
It can be seen as set in the arena of attack and counter attack –to attack stan means to provoke counter attack
Our Father in heaven
Prayer is seen as corporate-”our”
ABBA-simple, intimate and secure –something no Jew dared to do
Hallowed be your Name- may your name be revered –referred to as Holy-made Holy
This refers to” I am that I am”-and the names of God El Shaddai, Elohim etc.
To know someone’s name was to have power over them in the Old Testament
Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven
This is the prayer that is asking for the rule of God-(Greek-basileia)-to come upon the Earth-the kingdom of God is righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit
Give us today the bread of tomorrow
The kingdom to come in spiritual, emotional, financial, physical and social reality –the specific that we need in our lives
Forgive us our sins, even as we forgive those who sin against us-
we may need to make things right with others –which affects whether our prayer is heard----husbands and wives to be at peace/ Elijah was heard because of his righteousness-“the fervent prayer of a RIGHTEOUS man achieves much” -James
Deliver us from the EVIL ONE—
this is in the context of counter attack
1.3.5 Intercession
The word Intercession in Greek means, “Stay” i.e. staying in the presence of God. Intercession releases Angels from Heaven and moves the hand of God. It is a serious responsibility because the one interceding takes the entire burden of the other person. Therefore he needs to be a strong person in spirit. Intercession releases protection for people of God and sets limits for the life of other people. A leader should have personal intercessors for keeping him under prayer cover. In tribulations and trials, leaders need strong intercessors. Disciples of Christ fell asleep during the time of tribulation, when Jesus was praying to God the Father. Although they were in prayer throughout but they were physically tired.
KAIROS. Greek word that means time of Tribulations
CHRAMOS. Greek word which means the Standard Time.
Greek Words for Intercession:
ANECHOMAI:
It means lifting up or bearing burden for others. In intercession we lift up burdens on behalf of others and pray for them.the law of Christ.” Galatians 06:02
BASTAZO:
This means to lift up and carry the burden and separate it from the source. Life of Jesus is a true picture of that. In the Old Testament the entire sins of the people were placed on the lamb, which was then sacrificed for all. This represents Jesus Christ.
PAGA:
This means to remove burdens at a distance. We not only lift burden for the one whom we are interceding, but are also crucified in his place.
The sin of the world refers to the sin of Adam. He lifted and carried our sins on the cross. Therefore now it is our responsibility to enhance His work for we represent Him.
Jesus is our intercessor before Father God. He is our usher, our solicitor before Him. He understands our feelings, hopes and desires because He has spent life like a common man on earth 2000 years ago.
The enemy is crushed down with intercession.
CHYIL: (Hebrew) means an army
DARAK: (Hebrew) Stretching the bow, Crush.
TATEO: (Greek) Warfare, crush
set your foot, as I promised Moses. Joshua 01:
For Oswald Chamber's view about Prayer and Intercession click Oswald Chambers - Prayer from the Menu ( Top Right hand side)
2. To whom should we pray?
2.1 The Father
Mathew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is
possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mathew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
John 17:25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.
Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2.2 The Lord Jesus
Luke 5:33-35 They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” Jesus answered, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”
Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Acts 1:24-25 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8:22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
Acts 8:24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
Romans 10:11-14 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
1Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.
Philippians 2:10-11 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
2.3 God
Acts 10:2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Acts 10:4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
Acts 10:31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
1Corinthians 11:13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
3. How Should We Pray?
3.1 In The Spirit
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
3.2 With Our Mind And With Our Spirit
1Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
1Corinthians 14:15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
3.3 Not To Impress Others
Mathew 6:5-8 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Mark 12:40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”
Luke 20:47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”
3.4 With Faith
Mathew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jas 5:15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
3.5 Letting Go Of Unforgiveness
Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.’”
1Timothy 2:8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
3.6 With A Pure Heart
Jas 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
2Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way
3.7 With Praise And Thanks To God
Ephesians 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Colossians 1:3-4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
1Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1:4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.
3.8 Persistently
Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
3.9 Humbly
Luke 18:10-14 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
3.10 Earnestly
Luke 22:44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Acts 6:4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
1Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
James 5:17-18 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops
1Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
3.11 In Submission
1Corinthians 11:4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head.
1Corinthians 11:5 And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head—it is just as though her head were shaved.
1Corinthians 11:13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
1Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
3.12 By Ourselves
Mathew 14:23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Mathew 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Mathew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Mathew 26:44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 6:46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Mark 14:32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
Mark 14:39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
3.13 In Groups
Luke 9:28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 4:24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
Acts 20:36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed
Acts 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.
4. In Whose Name Should We Pray?
John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23-28 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:10-11 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
5. What Should We Pray?
Mathew 5:44-45 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Mathew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Mathew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Mathew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
Mathew 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Mathew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Mathew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Mathew 24:20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mathew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 13:18 Pray that this will not take place in winter,
Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 11:9-13 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 21:36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the
evil one.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
John 17:18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
John 17:19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
John 17:20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message..
John 17:21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
John 17:23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Acts 1:24-25 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
Acts 4:24-31 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:“ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8:15-16 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Acts 27:29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
Romans 1:10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
Romans 15:31-32 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
1Corinthians 14:13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
Ephesians 1:16-18 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should
Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Colossians 1:3-4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—
Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Colossians 4:3-4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
1Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
1Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you.
2 Thessalonians 3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
Philemon 1:6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ
Philemon 1:22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:17-18 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops
3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
6. When We Don't Know What To Pray
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
1Corinthians 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
1Corinthians 14:4-5a He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues
1Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
1Corinthians 14:15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
1Corinthians 14:16-17 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
1Corinthians 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1Corinthians 14:19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Tongues then, are more for private worship, the purpose of which is self edification
If you address somebody with a tongue, you should interpret
7. Why Should We Pray?
Mathew 5:44-45 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Mathew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Mark 9:28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.’”
Mark 14:38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Luke 22:46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
James 5:14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Acts 8:15-16 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 13:7-9 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.
1Corinthians 14:2&4&5a For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues
Ephesians 1:17-18 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 1:19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
2 Thessalonians 1:12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Hebrews 13:19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
James 5:14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.
8. Who Can Pray?
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’ ? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’’”
Romans 10:11-14 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Acts 9:11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.
1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head.
1 Corinthians 11:5 And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head—it is just as though her head were shaved.
1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
1 Timothy 5:5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
9. Where Can We Pray?
Mathew 14:23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Mathew 21:13 “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’’”
Mathew 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Mark 6:46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’ ? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’’”
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Acts 10:9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
Acts 16:13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.
Acts 16:16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.
Acts 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.
10. In What Positions Can We Pray?
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Luke 22:41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
Luke 22:45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
Acts 6:6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them
Acts 9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
Acts 13:3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 20:36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed
Acts 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.
1Timothy 2:8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
James 5:14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
11. For Whom Can We Pray?
Mathew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
Mathew 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Mathew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Mathew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
2 Corinthians 9:14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Colossians 1:3-4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—
1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brothers, pray for us.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
12. When Can We Pray?
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.
Acts 10:2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Romans 1:10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
1 Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 5:5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
13. How Long Can We Pray?
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Ephesians 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
14. Who Listens To Our Prayers?
Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
Acts 10:31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
Revelations 5:8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelations 8:3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand.
15. What Happens When We Pray?
Luke 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning
Acts 2:42-43 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
16. Examples Of Prayer
Mathew 6:9-15 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Luke 11:2-4 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ”
Luke 18:10-14 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
John 17:1-26 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Acts 4:24-31 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:“ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
17. Calling On The name Of The Lord is The Same As Prayer
Acts 9:11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Romans 10:11-14 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.
1 Kings 18:24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) . The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”
2 Kings 5:11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
1 Chronicles 16:8 Give thanks to the LORD (Jehovah), call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalms 80:17-19 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O LORD (Jehovah) God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD (Jehovah), call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done
Psalm 116:4 Then I called on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) : “O LORD (Jehovah) , save me!”
Psalm 116:13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) .
Psalm 116:17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) .
Isaiah 12:3-4 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD (Jehovah), call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Jeremiah 33:2-3 “This is what the LORD (Jehovah) says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Zephaniah 3:8-9 Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD (Jehovah), “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them—all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger. “Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
Joel 2:29-32 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD (Jehovah). And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD (Jehovah) has said, among the survivors whom the LORD (Jehovah) calls.
God's NAME is Jehovah.
It is used 6528 times in the Old Testament.
Where the word Jehovah appears in the Old Testament, it is usually translated as LORD.
This is the case with most translations of the Bible including the NIV and KJV.
Some versions of the Bible such as the 'Darby Version' translate the Hebrew word 'Yhvh' as 'Jehovah' or 'Yahweh'
Second Discipline
2. Meditation:
There are two kinds of meditations
· Meditation on Scriptures
· Meditation on God
Meditation is the second school of Discipline. It has been used in the Bible 58 times. It means to concentrate on the Scripture, Word, & Work of the Lord. One should move ahead in repentance for it brings forth a positive change in the character. “Your Word should insulate me”. This is the essence of Christian Meditation. It therefore means to listen and understand The Word of God. Meditation can also be referred to as Pondering. I is beyond our thinking and analysis. Prayer is talking to God. Meditation involves God but not exactly talking to Him.
i. This is the quiet time, which we without any hurry can spend with God. Or, to produce silence in lives so as to hear the voice of God. Wisdom is imparted during silence. Buddhist Monks used to make their disciples sit in front of them for hours, facing one another and looking into one another’s eyes. This was their way of transferring wisdom.
ii. Meditation is Spiritual exercise of the Mind that enables us to listen to the voice of God. This discipline helps us to pray properly. Our thought life can be well controlled and managed by meditation. We live in a distraction oriented world. God wants us to focus on His Word, while the devil brings distraction in lives. “Deep calleth unto deep”. Meditation makes us a deep person in God. The word meditation in Bible has been used 51 times and its biblical meaning is:
· Listening to God’s Word.
· Reflecting on God’s Work.
· Repeating God’s Law.
All these result in changed behavior. Moses fasted for 80 days. This is the longest fasting time period in Bible. He therefore spent straight 80 days in meditation.
Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long. Psalms 119: 97
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me. Psalms 119: 101-102
6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night. Psalms 63:06
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises. Psalms 119: 148
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalms 01:02 (Meditation on the Word)
63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Genesis 24:63 (Meditation in open spaces)
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah 06:01
9 But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot. Jeremiah 20:09
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this the crowd followed Him on foot from the towns. Mathew 14:13
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.1 Timothy 04:15 (Meditation on Things)
10On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, Revelations 01:10 (John being in the Spirit)
2.1 Meditation produces:
· Detachment from the world. We let go the things that we are attached to.
· Attachment with God.
2.2 Purpose of Christian Meditation:
With meditation we learn to sit in the presence of the Lord comfortably. The purpose of meditation is to create an environment for the Lord to communicate. Thereby to enter that fire which has the power to demolish sin. It helps one to clear his mind from worldly desires and thoughts; for the Lord to fill it with His Word.
To know God and hear Him
To bring us knowledge and understanding for our personal development.
To bring inner-peace and satisfaction.
To awaken Spiritual Perception Modern Life does not have time so our spiritual perception becomes dull. In the rush of things we loose our healing and peace of mind. Silence is difficult to achieve We lack the desire to come aside from things and meditate. Meditation demands our efforts.
Inner healing is received from meditation. Anger, anxiety and stress are demolished. It gives peace to the spirit and is therefore a good school for healing in all areas of personality. It is therefore to be learnt. It is that prayer which helps us to pray continuously and as per Paul it means living in meditative spirit. It is a personal and a deep connection with God to reveal His will. God wants us to get deeper and deeper in meditation so as to come nearer to Him. This school of Discipline is higher than prayer and fasting. God gives proper guidance during meditation. Gifts of the Holy Spirit start operating tremendously. Every time we go deep, God brings definite change in our lives. Meditation takes us to a higher level of Grace. It is a door way to Grace. It clears thoughts, purifies and sanctifies them.
Before the Lord moves us into higher dimensions of gifts, He wants us to be purified with meditation. All sinful habits to be removed from our lives. Once we hear the voice of God, we can never be a failure. Learn to hear the voice for yourself and then for others. Since gifts of the Holy Spirit are pure, but vessels are impure. Therefore one should avoid such mistakes. Thus with meditation we welcome the Holy Spirit in our lives. Bill Bright produced the film, “Jesus” which was further translated into many languages and many were saved. We have to be strong and follow the guidance of the Lord. The prerequisite for meditation is to have time so to exercise this discipline. Church Fathers used the word “Oteum Sentium”, which means Holy Leisure. Therefore to make the spirit, soul and body holy and clean.
2.3 How to meditate? (Practical Requirements)
1. As per Church Father’s method, concentrate on a certain passage of the Scriptures so as to move deeper in its meaning and understanding. “Meditato Scripturum”. In theology it means to concentrate on a certain verse or passage from the Bible for it takes us into the realm of Baptizo and thus allows logos to be converted into Rema. Unless we meditate no logos comes out.
2. Another body language of meditation is lifting the hands up and down. This signifies taking out negative things and bringing in positive changes in life.
3. Sit comfortably. We need a posture that is free from tension, so that we can sit or lie down, stand, walk and breathe deeply. These things make the mind more relaxed.
4. We should have a specific place for meditation. Preferably nature, since nature is language of God.
5. Sitting position is preferred for meditation. Position of the body being a body language, shows our current state of mind. Addiction and speaking too much unnecessarily shows tension in the spirit. Therefore bring yourself in an easy state and sit on a chair to mediate. Hands should be kept on the knees to relax the body. This method is as per Church Father’s experience. Time, place and position are thus important.
6. Creation and nature are the best objects for meditation. For example concentrate on a flower, mountains or eagles. This is a third form of meditation in which we compare things.
7. Concentrate and meditate on the political conditions or the past days and happenings. God will therefore reveal His further actions in the respective areas.
8. Meditation is a channel for personal improvement. Meditation for our souls is like reaching the highest mountains, but before that several small mountains must be crossed.
2.4 Reading, reflecting, responding and resting in meditation:
1). Reading: What word catches my attention?
Relationship with God:
· information
· acquaintance level
(Hear)
In order to listen to God we must stop talking. Quietening down is required.
2). Reflecting: What is God saying to me?
Relationship with God:
· Sharing about yourself
(Knowing)
This is a disciplined part because God shares about Himself.
3). Responding: What is my response?
Relationship with God:
· secrets
· friendship
· commitment
(Understanding)
This includes a dialogue with God, what God wants from us.
4). Resting in God: Let God's word rest in me. Let it transform me.
Relationship with God:
Being together without words
Union
(Wholeness)
· Choose a word to consent or allow God to act within you and bring His presence.
· The word represents your attention to be in God's presence and to yield to God so that He can act.
· The word should be chosen during a period of prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to give us a word that is suitable for us.
· Do not change the word. That would be to start thinking from again.
· Sit comfortably
· With Closed eyes.
Third Discipline
3. Fasting:
Other religions also have these four disciplines, but our focus is according to the limits, values and standards of the Bible.
Fasting is the most difficult discipline amongst the four. According to research in the period between 1860-1950 few books were written on fasting. This shows that after 50s this discipline has been revived. In the Middle Ages (10th-17th Century) fasting was taken to high extremes. It was legalized and was further enforced on people. So many people avoided it. After 50’s it was re-introduced on regular basis.
Secondly Media has promoted fasting so much that people think that fasting cannot be done. These are two reasons for the ignorance of Fasting among the Church. All the prophets and above all, Jesus fasted. It was important for Him and so is for us. Fasting is a private matter and therefore it should not be shared with people outside the Church.
3.1 Fasting according to Bible:
Bible does not give any commandment that one has to fast. But rather there are passages that encourage fasting. Biblical definition of Fasting is “ to abstain from food only for spiritual purposes”. Fasting weakens the body but strengthens the spirit. We learn to control our lives. Once we simply learn to control our speech and conversations, doors for devil are shut in our lives. He can never have any control over our lives. Fasting takes us into spiritual arena to strengthen up the spirit.
Greek-nestia –meaning not to eat-used in New testament
3.2 Fasting in the Old Testament:
Several annual fasts i.e. day of atonement-Leviticus 16:29-God ordained
29 "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or an alien living among you
After the Exile-4 more annual fasts –which marked disasters in Jewish history
Practiced by the nation—
when in danger of war-King Jehosaphat calls the nation to fast when invaded
during a plague—Joel 1 and 2
DANIEL 9—his fasting for the nation Israel
Fasting as a means of HUMBLING before God was lost and gave way to legal bondage and ritual.
3.3 Fasting in the New Testament:
Day of Atonement –is the only annual fast
The only record of Jesus fasting was when He was in the wilderness for 40 days
Matthew 4: The Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness. His call to ministry-brought the initiation of the fast during the temptation—the FLESH became exposed –highlighted his weaknesses
Moses and Elijah fasted for 40 days
There is a new fast –in the New Testament how can the guests of the bridegroom fast when he is with them?
In Mark 2, Jesus is saying that the ritualistic observance is ineffective it should be SECRET and not for show-like the Pharisees
Book of Acts-fasting is used to select missionaries and elders. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13: 2-3. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14: 23
Apostle Paul-refers to the discipline of fasting on a number of occasions-“in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;” 2 Corinthians 6:5
3.4 Types of Fasting:
Prayer is followed by fasting. Fasting means to avoid any solid/liquid food, other than plain water for a certain proportion of time.
2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 04:02
It is the right path to move in Spiritual Realm.
Normal Fast: According to Jewish Customs, Jesus was taking water in wilderness/ desert. This is called normal fast. As per Jewish traditions this was kept for two days in a week.
Partial Fast: Another fast is that of Daniel, called Partial Fast. He had limited amount of food and water for 21 days.
3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. Daniel 10:03
Absolute Fast: According to Bible Scholars, this fast should not be more than 3 days. No food or liquid is taken. Moses according to the guidance of God was in absolute fast for 40 days. In total Moses fasted for 80 days. This is the longest time of fasting in the History. But this made him worthy enough to watch the back of God The Father and still remain alive. For no one can bear the sight of God. Ester was dark and not beautiful. She was the least of all the choices, available for the King. She never qualified as a queen. So the entire nation went into absolute fast. With extreme pressures in life go for absolute fast.
4. Involuntary Fast: This type of fast is the one that we are forced to keep. “When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water.” Deuteronomy 09:09
5. Public (Corporate) Fast: Sometimes fasting can be done publically. "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the LORD by fire.” Leviticus 23:27. Originally Jews were bound to fast once a year but they increased that to 20 days in a year. Fridays and Wednesdays were their fasting days. “Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.” Joel 02:15, “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” Ezra 08:21-23. Pharisees fasted on Mondays and Thursdays according to Jewish calendar. Group prayer and fasting is very important because the effect is multiplied. This can be dangerous without oneness of spirit amongst the members. They all should have a similar mind, vision and purity. This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace." Zechariah 08:19. “Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD. Judges 20: 26
Along with fasting another discipline originated known as Watching, i.e. staying awake in prayer all night long and in whole night prayers. From 01pm-03:00p.m. magicians cast their charms and spells. For the abundance and success in Ministry it is good for us to pray at that time. Fight the powers of darkness at this quiet time.
5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 2 Corinthians 06:05
27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 2 Corinthians 11:27
3.5 Need for Fasting:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Mathew 06:16
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” Mathew 09:15
If the blessings of the Lord are missing in our lives we need to fast to get them. Fasting has been appointed since Church-age.
2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:02-03
Paul had Compulsory and Voluntarily fasting in life.
A person with genuine calling never stops for anything. Calling is so precious, important and deep. As per our calling, the positive motive behind the mission should be defined clearly. Obedience and Sacrifice are the prerequisites for the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Thus fasting should be God centered, i.e. only for spiritual strength. The best mode to worship God is with fasting and prayer.
37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 02:37
5 "Ask all the people of the land and the priests, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? Zechariah 07:05
Fasting should be focused on God alone. Our lives today are in cheap grace. We only want to get things from the Lord. We are running for blessings and not the One who blesses. This is a sin against God. False religion has a sign, i.e. they want to consume the best of everything. Fasting can change the nature of a person in this regard. With fasting we follow and concentrate on the Blesser. It is a true connection with the Lord. The nature of Jesus should be transferred in our lives. Fasting makes us humble. Love, forgiveness and Long-suffering are the three major attributes that the Lord wants us to have. Long-suffering is achieved more with fasting. Physically we move against the natural style of body and abstain from food. World gives us criticism and we strengthen ourselves with fasting.
10 When I weep and fast,
I must endure scorn; Psalm 69:10
Human beings are full of pride that originated from Satan. This creates hindrances in life. We therefore need to be spiritually sensitive. We realize our weaknesses during fasting because the inner-man comes to the surface and all the filth on the surface is wiped out. Fasting makes us clean in a new way.
Jesus answered, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Mathew 04:04.
Change your diet from bread to the Word of God. This is the essence of Fasting. There is a complete change in our diet from bread to the Word of God.
32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. John 04:32-37
Fasting therefore creates a spiritual balance in our lives.
I. Inward Discipline
1. Prayer
1.1 Need for Prayer
1.2 The Purpose of Prayer
1.3 Persistence in prayer
1.3.1 LUKE 11: 5-8-the Friend at midnight
1.3.2 LUKE 18:1-14-the Persistent widow
1.3.3 Ask, seek and knock- LUKE 11: 9-13
1.3.4 The disciple’s prayer-Matthew 6:9-13
2. To whom should we pray?
2.1 The Father
2.2 The Lord Jesus
2.3 God
3. How Should We Pray?
3.1 In the Spirit
3.2 With Our Mind and With Our Spirit
3.3 Not to Impress Others
3.4 With Faith
3.5 Letting Go Of Unforgiveness
3.5 Letting Go Of Unforgiveness
3.6 With A Pure Heart
3.7 With Praise And Thanks To God
3.8 Persistently
3.9 Humbly
3.10 Earnestly
3.11 In Submission
3.12 By Ourselves
3.13 In Groups
4. In Whose Name Should We Pray?
5. What Should We Pray?
6. When We Don't Know What To Pray
7. Why Should We Pray?
8. Who Can Pray?
9. Where Can We Pray?
10. In What Positions Can We Pray?
11. For Whom Can We Pray?
12. When Can We Pray?
13. How Long Can We Pray?
14. Who Listens To Our Prayers?
15. What Happens When We Pray?
16. Examples Of Prayer
17. Calling On The name Of The Lord
New Testament
Old Testament
2. Meditation
2.1 Meditation produces
2.2 Purpose of Christian Meditation
2.3 How to meditate? (Practical Requirements)
2.4 Reading, reflecting, responding and resting in meditation
3. Fasting
3.1 Fasting according to Bible
3.2 Fasting in the Old Testament
3.3 Fasting in the New Testament
3.4 Types of Fasting
3.5 Need for Fasting
There are 12 major disciplines that God wants in our lives. Out of these four are inward disciplines and the remaining are outward disciplines. This topic is a study about the first three inward disciplines.
I. Inward Discipline:
Prayer
Meditation
Fasting
Study
Discipline is the spiritual change in our life.
First Discipline:
1. Prayer.
1.1 Need for Prayer:
Lord does not permit us to say “Why” because He wants us to go more and deeper in prayer life.
S.D.Gordan: “You can work more after your daily prayers, but without it you cannot work more in life. Prayer is holding the cup of victory in hands.”
John Wesley: “God does not do anything, but to answer the prayers of His people on earth. If this is true then I will reduce my sleeping time. I will change my life style. I will also skip my one or two meals.”
E.M.Bounds (Power Through prayer): “God is the creator of this world. As the number of prayers on earth will increase, the world will be transformed into a better place to live. The power against the evil forces will be Holy Spirit. The prayers of His beloved are invested in Heaven.”
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honour.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalms 08:1-9
Adam was the ambassador of God on Earth and so are we in the present world. God does not share His glory with anyone as per His nature. But He made man on His Tselem (image). “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.” (1 Corinthians 11:07).
Shamar: Protection
Doya: Glory (Greek)
God uses people to accomplish His work on Earth and therefore is in search for people to make His family. “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you”. (2 Thessalonians 03:01). God searches for intercessors and the righteous. Our chief end is to pray for He alone can answer.
Andrew Murray: (Necessity of Prayer). “God has a firm connection with our prayers. It is only intercession that has the ability to bring the Power of the Lord to earth, which can further help the Church to quit the worldly habits”.
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD." (Ezekiel 22: 30-31)
As far as purity of God is concerned, He wants that the sinful should be punished, but his humility states that sinful be forgiven and saved.
Three ways to understand Intercession:
The Plan of God at the Beginning.
Destruction of that plan because of Sin.
The solution of God.
According to the doctrine of Salvation, Jesus wants that the entire Human Race be saved completely till the time of the Second Coming.
1.2 The Purpose of Prayer
To spend time with our Father
To allow Him to spend time with us
To speak with Him
To allow Him to speak
To become involved in the purpose of God
The unending cycle of idea and action—Celtic Prayer
Where there is no new idea or insight then there is only sterile repetition of what has worked before
We become dependent on our previous successes-or what has worked before
We live on yesterday’s food-which was good for yesterday
Prayer allows God to give us what is needed for TODAY-specifically
Some insights from people of prayer:
Go and sit in your cell and your cell will teach you everything-Abbot Moses
A woman who remained in one small room-never going out-When she was asked why are you sitting here she answered: “I am not sitting. I am on a journey”
Prayer is a state of continual gratitude-St John of Kronstadt
Understand that you have within yourself, upon a small scale, a second universe: within you there is a sun , there is a moon and there are also stars –Origen
1.3 Persistence in prayer:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”. (Mark 11: 24)
This verse has been interpreted differently-specifically that we only need to pray once-but the Bible does not say we only need to pray once . This is something we have interpreted and added. We reason that asking a second time is a lack of faith-but the practice and other teaching contradict this conclusion.
1.3.1 LUKE 11: 5-8-the Friend at midnight
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
o We should pray and NEVER GIVE UP !
o V 8-persistence is really translated as shamelessness—Greek anaiadeia
o The context of the prayer is one of community --and there is a distinction between the host(with whom the guest staying) and the man in the village who was asleep-who refused to give his bread
o The neighbour wants to avoid shame –and will therefore respond to his friends shamelessness
o 1.This is the attitude of God to prayer-INTEGRITY –and a desire to avoid the shame of not giving when asked by his friend
o We can be assured of an answer-if your neighbour will meet your need –so will God
1.3.2 LUKE 18:1-14-the Persistent widow –shows a similar principle
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
o Once again Jesus is saying –if unwilling men and women will give help-how mush more will God
o If a child asks for bread would you give him a stone –how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
James 1:17-“Every good and perfect Gift comes down from the Father of heavenly lights”
1.3.3 Ask, seek and knock- LUKE 11: 9-13
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
o Askingly ask, seekingly seek, knockingly knock ie KEEP ON ASKING, KEEP ON SEEKING AND KEEP ON KNOCKING
o Everyone –can be understood as even the outcast is entitled –even though he does not work !We hate to come to God –over and over –because of our pride –but this is exactly what the parables of Jesus teach us to do—in an attitude of SHAMELESSNESS.
o Our tendency is to think of prayer –as a NO FUSS practice-when really it is DESPARATION for God to act-and the painful cry and effortful exertion towards God
1.3.4 The disciples prayer-Matthew 6:9-13
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one
The prayer is given in response to the disciples request –teach us how to pray
It can be seen as set in the arena of attack and counter attack –to attack stan means to provoke counter attack
Our Father in heaven
Prayer is seen as corporate-”our”
ABBA-simple, intimate and secure –something no Jew dared to do
Hallowed be your Name- may your name be revered –referred to as Holy-made Holy
This refers to” I am that I am”-and the names of God El Shaddai, Elohim etc.
To know someone’s name was to have power over them in the Old Testament
Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven
This is the prayer that is asking for the rule of God-(Greek-basileia)-to come upon the Earth-the kingdom of God is righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit
Give us today the bread of tomorrow
The kingdom to come in spiritual, emotional, financial, physical and social reality –the specific that we need in our lives
Forgive us our sins, even as we forgive those who sin against us-
we may need to make things right with others –which affects whether our prayer is heard----husbands and wives to be at peace/ Elijah was heard because of his righteousness-“the fervent prayer of a RIGHTEOUS man achieves much” -James
Deliver us from the EVIL ONE—
this is in the context of counter attack
1.3.5 Intercession
The word Intercession in Greek means, “Stay” i.e. staying in the presence of God. Intercession releases Angels from Heaven and moves the hand of God. It is a serious responsibility because the one interceding takes the entire burden of the other person. Therefore he needs to be a strong person in spirit. Intercession releases protection for people of God and sets limits for the life of other people. A leader should have personal intercessors for keeping him under prayer cover. In tribulations and trials, leaders need strong intercessors. Disciples of Christ fell asleep during the time of tribulation, when Jesus was praying to God the Father. Although they were in prayer throughout but they were physically tired.
KAIROS. Greek word that means time of Tribulations
CHRAMOS. Greek word which means the Standard Time.
Greek Words for Intercession:
ANECHOMAI:
It means lifting up or bearing burden for others. In intercession we lift up burdens on behalf of others and pray for them.the law of Christ.” Galatians 06:02
BASTAZO:
This means to lift up and carry the burden and separate it from the source. Life of Jesus is a true picture of that. In the Old Testament the entire sins of the people were placed on the lamb, which was then sacrificed for all. This represents Jesus Christ.
PAGA:
This means to remove burdens at a distance. We not only lift burden for the one whom we are interceding, but are also crucified in his place.
The sin of the world refers to the sin of Adam. He lifted and carried our sins on the cross. Therefore now it is our responsibility to enhance His work for we represent Him.
Jesus is our intercessor before Father God. He is our usher, our solicitor before Him. He understands our feelings, hopes and desires because He has spent life like a common man on earth 2000 years ago.
The enemy is crushed down with intercession.
CHYIL: (Hebrew) means an army
DARAK: (Hebrew) Stretching the bow, Crush.
TATEO: (Greek) Warfare, crush
set your foot, as I promised Moses. Joshua 01:
For Oswald Chamber's view about Prayer and Intercession click Oswald Chambers - Prayer from the Menu ( Top Right hand side)
2. To whom should we pray?
2.1 The Father
Mathew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is
possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mathew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
John 17:25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.
Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2.2 The Lord Jesus
Luke 5:33-35 They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” Jesus answered, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”
Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Acts 1:24-25 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8:22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
Acts 8:24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
Romans 10:11-14 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
1Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.
Philippians 2:10-11 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
2.3 God
Acts 10:2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Acts 10:4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
Acts 10:31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
1Corinthians 11:13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
3. How Should We Pray?
3.1 In The Spirit
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
3.2 With Our Mind And With Our Spirit
1Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
1Corinthians 14:15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
3.3 Not To Impress Others
Mathew 6:5-8 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Mark 12:40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”
Luke 20:47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”
3.4 With Faith
Mathew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jas 5:15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
3.5 Letting Go Of Unforgiveness
Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.’”
1Timothy 2:8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
3.6 With A Pure Heart
Jas 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
2Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way
3.7 With Praise And Thanks To God
Ephesians 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Colossians 1:3-4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
1Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1:4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.
3.8 Persistently
Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
3.9 Humbly
Luke 18:10-14 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
3.10 Earnestly
Luke 22:44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Acts 6:4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
1Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
James 5:17-18 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops
1Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
3.11 In Submission
1Corinthians 11:4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head.
1Corinthians 11:5 And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head—it is just as though her head were shaved.
1Corinthians 11:13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
1Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
3.12 By Ourselves
Mathew 14:23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Mathew 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Mathew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Mathew 26:44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 6:46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Mark 14:32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
Mark 14:39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
3.13 In Groups
Luke 9:28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 4:24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
Acts 20:36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed
Acts 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.
4. In Whose Name Should We Pray?
John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23-28 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:10-11 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
5. What Should We Pray?
Mathew 5:44-45 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Mathew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Mathew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Mathew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
Mathew 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Mathew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Mathew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Mathew 24:20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mathew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 13:18 Pray that this will not take place in winter,
Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 11:9-13 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 21:36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the
evil one.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
John 17:18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
John 17:19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
John 17:20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message..
John 17:21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
John 17:23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Acts 1:24-25 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
Acts 4:24-31 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:“ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8:15-16 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Acts 27:29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
Romans 1:10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
Romans 15:31-32 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
1Corinthians 14:13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
Ephesians 1:16-18 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should
Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Colossians 1:3-4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—
Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Colossians 4:3-4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
1Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
1Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you.
2 Thessalonians 3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
Philemon 1:6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ
Philemon 1:22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:17-18 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops
3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
6. When We Don't Know What To Pray
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
1Corinthians 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
1Corinthians 14:4-5a He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues
1Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
1Corinthians 14:15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
1Corinthians 14:16-17 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
1Corinthians 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1Corinthians 14:19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Tongues then, are more for private worship, the purpose of which is self edification
If you address somebody with a tongue, you should interpret
7. Why Should We Pray?
Mathew 5:44-45 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Mathew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Mark 9:28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.’”
Mark 14:38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Luke 22:46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
James 5:14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Acts 8:15-16 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 13:7-9 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.
1Corinthians 14:2&4&5a For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues
Ephesians 1:17-18 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 1:19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
2 Thessalonians 1:12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Hebrews 13:19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
James 5:14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.
8. Who Can Pray?
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’ ? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’’”
Romans 10:11-14 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Acts 9:11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.
1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head.
1 Corinthians 11:5 And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head—it is just as though her head were shaved.
1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
1 Timothy 5:5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
9. Where Can We Pray?
Mathew 14:23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Mathew 21:13 “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’’”
Mathew 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Mark 6:46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’ ? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’’”
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Acts 10:9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
Acts 16:13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.
Acts 16:16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.
Acts 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.
10. In What Positions Can We Pray?
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Luke 22:41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
Luke 22:45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
Acts 6:6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them
Acts 9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
Acts 13:3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 20:36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed
Acts 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.
1Timothy 2:8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
James 5:14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
11. For Whom Can We Pray?
Mathew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
Mathew 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Mathew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Mathew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
2 Corinthians 9:14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Colossians 1:3-4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—
1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brothers, pray for us.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
12. When Can We Pray?
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.
Acts 10:2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Romans 1:10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
1 Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 5:5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
13. How Long Can We Pray?
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Ephesians 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
14. Who Listens To Our Prayers?
Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
Acts 10:31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
Revelations 5:8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelations 8:3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand.
15. What Happens When We Pray?
Luke 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning
Acts 2:42-43 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
16. Examples Of Prayer
Mathew 6:9-15 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mathew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Luke 11:2-4 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ”
Luke 18:10-14 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
John 17:1-26 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Acts 4:24-31 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:“ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
17. Calling On The name Of The Lord is The Same As Prayer
- New Testament
Acts 9:11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Romans 10:11-14 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.
- Old Testament
1 Kings 18:24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) . The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”
2 Kings 5:11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
1 Chronicles 16:8 Give thanks to the LORD (Jehovah), call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalms 80:17-19 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O LORD (Jehovah) God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD (Jehovah), call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done
Psalm 116:4 Then I called on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) : “O LORD (Jehovah) , save me!”
Psalm 116:13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) .
Psalm 116:17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) .
Isaiah 12:3-4 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD (Jehovah), call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Jeremiah 33:2-3 “This is what the LORD (Jehovah) says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Zephaniah 3:8-9 Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD (Jehovah), “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them—all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger. “Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
Joel 2:29-32 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD (Jehovah). And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD (Jehovah) has said, among the survivors whom the LORD (Jehovah) calls.
God's NAME is Jehovah.
It is used 6528 times in the Old Testament.
Where the word Jehovah appears in the Old Testament, it is usually translated as LORD.
This is the case with most translations of the Bible including the NIV and KJV.
Some versions of the Bible such as the 'Darby Version' translate the Hebrew word 'Yhvh' as 'Jehovah' or 'Yahweh'
Second Discipline
2. Meditation:
There are two kinds of meditations
· Meditation on Scriptures
· Meditation on God
Meditation is the second school of Discipline. It has been used in the Bible 58 times. It means to concentrate on the Scripture, Word, & Work of the Lord. One should move ahead in repentance for it brings forth a positive change in the character. “Your Word should insulate me”. This is the essence of Christian Meditation. It therefore means to listen and understand The Word of God. Meditation can also be referred to as Pondering. I is beyond our thinking and analysis. Prayer is talking to God. Meditation involves God but not exactly talking to Him.
i. This is the quiet time, which we without any hurry can spend with God. Or, to produce silence in lives so as to hear the voice of God. Wisdom is imparted during silence. Buddhist Monks used to make their disciples sit in front of them for hours, facing one another and looking into one another’s eyes. This was their way of transferring wisdom.
ii. Meditation is Spiritual exercise of the Mind that enables us to listen to the voice of God. This discipline helps us to pray properly. Our thought life can be well controlled and managed by meditation. We live in a distraction oriented world. God wants us to focus on His Word, while the devil brings distraction in lives. “Deep calleth unto deep”. Meditation makes us a deep person in God. The word meditation in Bible has been used 51 times and its biblical meaning is:
· Listening to God’s Word.
· Reflecting on God’s Work.
· Repeating God’s Law.
All these result in changed behavior. Moses fasted for 80 days. This is the longest fasting time period in Bible. He therefore spent straight 80 days in meditation.
Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long. Psalms 119: 97
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me. Psalms 119: 101-102
6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night. Psalms 63:06
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises. Psalms 119: 148
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalms 01:02 (Meditation on the Word)
63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Genesis 24:63 (Meditation in open spaces)
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah 06:01
9 But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot. Jeremiah 20:09
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this the crowd followed Him on foot from the towns. Mathew 14:13
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.1 Timothy 04:15 (Meditation on Things)
10On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, Revelations 01:10 (John being in the Spirit)
2.1 Meditation produces:
· Detachment from the world. We let go the things that we are attached to.
· Attachment with God.
2.2 Purpose of Christian Meditation:
With meditation we learn to sit in the presence of the Lord comfortably. The purpose of meditation is to create an environment for the Lord to communicate. Thereby to enter that fire which has the power to demolish sin. It helps one to clear his mind from worldly desires and thoughts; for the Lord to fill it with His Word.
To know God and hear Him
To bring us knowledge and understanding for our personal development.
To bring inner-peace and satisfaction.
To awaken Spiritual Perception Modern Life does not have time so our spiritual perception becomes dull. In the rush of things we loose our healing and peace of mind. Silence is difficult to achieve We lack the desire to come aside from things and meditate. Meditation demands our efforts.
Inner healing is received from meditation. Anger, anxiety and stress are demolished. It gives peace to the spirit and is therefore a good school for healing in all areas of personality. It is therefore to be learnt. It is that prayer which helps us to pray continuously and as per Paul it means living in meditative spirit. It is a personal and a deep connection with God to reveal His will. God wants us to get deeper and deeper in meditation so as to come nearer to Him. This school of Discipline is higher than prayer and fasting. God gives proper guidance during meditation. Gifts of the Holy Spirit start operating tremendously. Every time we go deep, God brings definite change in our lives. Meditation takes us to a higher level of Grace. It is a door way to Grace. It clears thoughts, purifies and sanctifies them.
Before the Lord moves us into higher dimensions of gifts, He wants us to be purified with meditation. All sinful habits to be removed from our lives. Once we hear the voice of God, we can never be a failure. Learn to hear the voice for yourself and then for others. Since gifts of the Holy Spirit are pure, but vessels are impure. Therefore one should avoid such mistakes. Thus with meditation we welcome the Holy Spirit in our lives. Bill Bright produced the film, “Jesus” which was further translated into many languages and many were saved. We have to be strong and follow the guidance of the Lord. The prerequisite for meditation is to have time so to exercise this discipline. Church Fathers used the word “Oteum Sentium”, which means Holy Leisure. Therefore to make the spirit, soul and body holy and clean.
2.3 How to meditate? (Practical Requirements)
1. As per Church Father’s method, concentrate on a certain passage of the Scriptures so as to move deeper in its meaning and understanding. “Meditato Scripturum”. In theology it means to concentrate on a certain verse or passage from the Bible for it takes us into the realm of Baptizo and thus allows logos to be converted into Rema. Unless we meditate no logos comes out.
2. Another body language of meditation is lifting the hands up and down. This signifies taking out negative things and bringing in positive changes in life.
3. Sit comfortably. We need a posture that is free from tension, so that we can sit or lie down, stand, walk and breathe deeply. These things make the mind more relaxed.
4. We should have a specific place for meditation. Preferably nature, since nature is language of God.
5. Sitting position is preferred for meditation. Position of the body being a body language, shows our current state of mind. Addiction and speaking too much unnecessarily shows tension in the spirit. Therefore bring yourself in an easy state and sit on a chair to mediate. Hands should be kept on the knees to relax the body. This method is as per Church Father’s experience. Time, place and position are thus important.
6. Creation and nature are the best objects for meditation. For example concentrate on a flower, mountains or eagles. This is a third form of meditation in which we compare things.
7. Concentrate and meditate on the political conditions or the past days and happenings. God will therefore reveal His further actions in the respective areas.
8. Meditation is a channel for personal improvement. Meditation for our souls is like reaching the highest mountains, but before that several small mountains must be crossed.
2.4 Reading, reflecting, responding and resting in meditation:
1). Reading: What word catches my attention?
Relationship with God:
· information
· acquaintance level
(Hear)
In order to listen to God we must stop talking. Quietening down is required.
2). Reflecting: What is God saying to me?
Relationship with God:
· Sharing about yourself
(Knowing)
This is a disciplined part because God shares about Himself.
3). Responding: What is my response?
Relationship with God:
· secrets
· friendship
· commitment
(Understanding)
This includes a dialogue with God, what God wants from us.
4). Resting in God: Let God's word rest in me. Let it transform me.
Relationship with God:
Being together without words
Union
(Wholeness)
· Choose a word to consent or allow God to act within you and bring His presence.
· The word represents your attention to be in God's presence and to yield to God so that He can act.
· The word should be chosen during a period of prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to give us a word that is suitable for us.
· Do not change the word. That would be to start thinking from again.
· Sit comfortably
· With Closed eyes.
Third Discipline
3. Fasting:
Other religions also have these four disciplines, but our focus is according to the limits, values and standards of the Bible.
Fasting is the most difficult discipline amongst the four. According to research in the period between 1860-1950 few books were written on fasting. This shows that after 50s this discipline has been revived. In the Middle Ages (10th-17th Century) fasting was taken to high extremes. It was legalized and was further enforced on people. So many people avoided it. After 50’s it was re-introduced on regular basis.
Secondly Media has promoted fasting so much that people think that fasting cannot be done. These are two reasons for the ignorance of Fasting among the Church. All the prophets and above all, Jesus fasted. It was important for Him and so is for us. Fasting is a private matter and therefore it should not be shared with people outside the Church.
3.1 Fasting according to Bible:
Bible does not give any commandment that one has to fast. But rather there are passages that encourage fasting. Biblical definition of Fasting is “ to abstain from food only for spiritual purposes”. Fasting weakens the body but strengthens the spirit. We learn to control our lives. Once we simply learn to control our speech and conversations, doors for devil are shut in our lives. He can never have any control over our lives. Fasting takes us into spiritual arena to strengthen up the spirit.
Greek-nestia –meaning not to eat-used in New testament
3.2 Fasting in the Old Testament:
Several annual fasts i.e. day of atonement-Leviticus 16:29-God ordained
29 "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or an alien living among you
After the Exile-4 more annual fasts –which marked disasters in Jewish history
Practiced by the nation—
when in danger of war-King Jehosaphat calls the nation to fast when invaded
during a plague—Joel 1 and 2
DANIEL 9—his fasting for the nation Israel
Fasting as a means of HUMBLING before God was lost and gave way to legal bondage and ritual.
3.3 Fasting in the New Testament:
Day of Atonement –is the only annual fast
The only record of Jesus fasting was when He was in the wilderness for 40 days
Matthew 4: The Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness. His call to ministry-brought the initiation of the fast during the temptation—the FLESH became exposed –highlighted his weaknesses
Moses and Elijah fasted for 40 days
There is a new fast –in the New Testament how can the guests of the bridegroom fast when he is with them?
In Mark 2, Jesus is saying that the ritualistic observance is ineffective it should be SECRET and not for show-like the Pharisees
Book of Acts-fasting is used to select missionaries and elders. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13: 2-3. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14: 23
Apostle Paul-refers to the discipline of fasting on a number of occasions-“in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;” 2 Corinthians 6:5
3.4 Types of Fasting:
Prayer is followed by fasting. Fasting means to avoid any solid/liquid food, other than plain water for a certain proportion of time.
2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 04:02
It is the right path to move in Spiritual Realm.
Normal Fast: According to Jewish Customs, Jesus was taking water in wilderness/ desert. This is called normal fast. As per Jewish traditions this was kept for two days in a week.
Partial Fast: Another fast is that of Daniel, called Partial Fast. He had limited amount of food and water for 21 days.
3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. Daniel 10:03
Absolute Fast: According to Bible Scholars, this fast should not be more than 3 days. No food or liquid is taken. Moses according to the guidance of God was in absolute fast for 40 days. In total Moses fasted for 80 days. This is the longest time of fasting in the History. But this made him worthy enough to watch the back of God The Father and still remain alive. For no one can bear the sight of God. Ester was dark and not beautiful. She was the least of all the choices, available for the King. She never qualified as a queen. So the entire nation went into absolute fast. With extreme pressures in life go for absolute fast.
4. Involuntary Fast: This type of fast is the one that we are forced to keep. “When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water.” Deuteronomy 09:09
5. Public (Corporate) Fast: Sometimes fasting can be done publically. "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the LORD by fire.” Leviticus 23:27. Originally Jews were bound to fast once a year but they increased that to 20 days in a year. Fridays and Wednesdays were their fasting days. “Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.” Joel 02:15, “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” Ezra 08:21-23. Pharisees fasted on Mondays and Thursdays according to Jewish calendar. Group prayer and fasting is very important because the effect is multiplied. This can be dangerous without oneness of spirit amongst the members. They all should have a similar mind, vision and purity. This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace." Zechariah 08:19. “Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD. Judges 20: 26
Along with fasting another discipline originated known as Watching, i.e. staying awake in prayer all night long and in whole night prayers. From 01pm-03:00p.m. magicians cast their charms and spells. For the abundance and success in Ministry it is good for us to pray at that time. Fight the powers of darkness at this quiet time.
5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 2 Corinthians 06:05
27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 2 Corinthians 11:27
3.5 Need for Fasting:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Mathew 06:16
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” Mathew 09:15
If the blessings of the Lord are missing in our lives we need to fast to get them. Fasting has been appointed since Church-age.
2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:02-03
Paul had Compulsory and Voluntarily fasting in life.
A person with genuine calling never stops for anything. Calling is so precious, important and deep. As per our calling, the positive motive behind the mission should be defined clearly. Obedience and Sacrifice are the prerequisites for the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Thus fasting should be God centered, i.e. only for spiritual strength. The best mode to worship God is with fasting and prayer.
37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 02:37
5 "Ask all the people of the land and the priests, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? Zechariah 07:05
Fasting should be focused on God alone. Our lives today are in cheap grace. We only want to get things from the Lord. We are running for blessings and not the One who blesses. This is a sin against God. False religion has a sign, i.e. they want to consume the best of everything. Fasting can change the nature of a person in this regard. With fasting we follow and concentrate on the Blesser. It is a true connection with the Lord. The nature of Jesus should be transferred in our lives. Fasting makes us humble. Love, forgiveness and Long-suffering are the three major attributes that the Lord wants us to have. Long-suffering is achieved more with fasting. Physically we move against the natural style of body and abstain from food. World gives us criticism and we strengthen ourselves with fasting.
10 When I weep and fast,
I must endure scorn; Psalm 69:10
Human beings are full of pride that originated from Satan. This creates hindrances in life. We therefore need to be spiritually sensitive. We realize our weaknesses during fasting because the inner-man comes to the surface and all the filth on the surface is wiped out. Fasting makes us clean in a new way.
Jesus answered, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Mathew 04:04.
Change your diet from bread to the Word of God. This is the essence of Fasting. There is a complete change in our diet from bread to the Word of God.
32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. John 04:32-37
Fasting therefore creates a spiritual balance in our lives.
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