Series:              Systematic Theology Part 1
Title:                Prayer
Purpose:          To examine why God wants us to pray and how we can pray effectively.
Date:               December 15, 2024
 
 
I.                   Why does God want us to pray?
A.    Matthew 6:8 - God already knows what we need
B.     Prayer expresses our trust in God
C.     Prayer deepens our fellowship with God, and He loves and delights in our fellowship with Him
D.    Prayer allows us as creatures to be involved in activities of eternal significance
 
II.                The effectiveness of prayer
A.    Prayer changes the way God acts
B.     Effective prayer is made possible by our mediator, Jesus Christ
C.     What is praying “in Jesus name”?
D.    Should we pray to Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
E.     The role of the Holy Spirit in our praying
 
III.             Some important considerations in effective prayer
A.    Praying according to God’s will
B.     Praying with faith
C.     Obedience
D.    Confession of sin
E.     Forgiving others
F.      Humility
G.    Continuing in prayer over time
H.    Praying earnestly
I.     Waiting on the Lord
J.    Praying in private
K.    Praying with others
L.     Fasting
M.   What about unanswered prayer?
 
IV.             Praise and thanksgiving