School of the Prophets - Lesson 03

Prophets at Work – Prayer – Lesson 3

If reading the Bible is how we hear what God is saying then prayer is how we respond to what God has said. These two together make up our communication with God. Sadly few pray as much as they should; and public prayer is even harder than private prayer. The objective of this lesson is to teach how we should present public prayers.

For all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, prayer is as necessary as breathing, you cannot do without it. However, in the letter to Hebrews there is a statement about God that we need to look at before we even begin to think about prayer.

Look at Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 and read it carefully. There are a number of important things we need to learn from this reference. Faith in God is very important for the disciple of Jesus. Here we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. Next, those who want to be disciples must believe that God exists and that he will reward them if they search for him.

What do you think is the meaning of ‘searching for God’? How would you do that? We suggest that the way any of us do that is shown by two examples in the Acts of the Apostles. Come first to Acts chapter 8 verses 27 to 30. The conversion and baptism of this Ethiopian started because he had bought a copy of Isaiah’s prophecy and was trying to understand it. Because he was really seeking to find God in his word, God provided him with the help he needed. Now look at chapter 10 verses 1 to 5. In this example, Cornelius had been praying for help. His prayer was heard by God and Cornelius was told to send messengers to Joppa and ask for a man named Peter. Arrangements were made for Peter to travel to Caesarea to explain fully to Cornelius all the details of the gospel and as a result of this visit Cornelius and his family were baptised. It is the same today for all who are seeking to follow Jesus and wanting to become his disciples. When you pray God will hear your prayers and will answer them in a way that will really benefit you or those you love. The answer to prayer may not be what you expect; it will always be what God considers best for you.

We now wish to look at several examples of prayers that had some amazing results. Come to the first book of Samuel chapter 1 verses 9 to 20. Because she was barren, the prayer of Hannah for a child must have been spoken many times. However, on this special occasion God heard her pleading and answered her prayer. Notice the words of Hannah I have poured out my soul before the Lord.

Now look at James chapter 5 verses 17 and 18. Here James tells about the two prayers of Elijah the prophet. The first that God would hold back the rain and the second three years later that the rain should come again. You can read the full account of this in the first book of Kings chapters 17 and 18. The reason why God responded to Elijah’s prayer so powerfully is that the people in the northern kingdom of Israel were worshipping idols and had ignored God’s warnings through his prophets. This serious and prolonged drought was the punishment sent upon them.

In the second book of Kings chapters 18 to 20 we meet a King called Hezekiah. He was one of the few who truly believed in God and followed his commandments, 2 Kings chapter 18 verse 6. When Jerusalem was besieged by the Assyrians Hezekiah prayed for help from God, chapter 19 verse 15 to 19. God’s reply is recorded in verses 32 to 35. This in itself is a lesson in the effectiveness of prayer and we can learn much from the way that Hezekiah approached God. Now look at chapter 20 verses 1 to 6. Here we read of Hezekiah being told by the prophet Isaiah that he would die of the sickness that had been afflicting him. Hezekiah’s response was to pray to God, verse 3. The response from God is, again, immediate. Isaiah had not left the palace before God instructed him to return and tell Hezekiah that he would be given another fifteen years of life. Perhaps you would like to read through chapters 18, 19 and 20 once again to understand more about Hezekiah’s life.

We have looked at some Old Testament and New Testament examples of powerful and effective prayers, we now need to look at the instructions and example of Jesus and his Apostles.

Many of the short prayers that Jesus made to God his Father are recorded for us in the gospels. In other instances we are just told that he prayed. We would like you to see one example of an important prayer. You will find it in Luke chapter 6 verse 12. We are told by Luke that Jesus prayed all night to God because the next day was to be very important. He must carefully select twelve disciples as his close companions for the remainder of his ministry. He did not try to do this alone, he asked for help. The lesson here is that when we are faced with difficult decisions we should also ask for God’s help in prayer.

On the way from the upper room to the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed continuously to his Father. We are able to read this prayer in John’s gospel chapter 17. We want you to look at two verses 9 and 20. In verse 9 Jesus showed that this part of his prayer is specially for his disciples and he described them as Them whom thou hast given me. When you come to verse 20 you will find that the prayer looked forward into the future and included all who would become disciples of Jesus up to the time of his return to the earth as King. Note that the phrase They also whom thou hast given me includes these future disciples. If you are seriously considering asking for baptism into Jesus’ name this will also include you. Called from the world and given by God to his son Jesus. This is a wonderful idea and you should be excited about it.

In Matthew chapter 6 from verses 9 to 13 there is the model prayer that Jesus gave to all disciples through the ages. It includes all of the essential things that we need to ask and starts by asking that the Kingdom might come and that God’s will might be done on the earth. If you look also at verses 14 and 15 you will see that Jesus emphasises the need to forgive others. He had already given very precise instructions which included prayer earlier in this same sermon, chapter 5 verse 44. This last instruction seems a very hard one to obey but it lies at the heart of Jesus’ message. It singles out people of a very special character who will be the saints in the future Kingdom on this earth. If we are able to pray for those who are evil to us and who persecute us then we have understood what the Gospel is telling us.

In a list of instructions given by Paul to the

Thessalonians in his first letter chapter 5 verse 17, we find these words Pray without ceasing. Verse 18 continues with the instruction to give thanks for everything. By everything Paul is referring not only to food and clothing, shelter and the love of others, but also the opportunities that each day may bring to prove to God and to prove to Jesus that we truly are his followers. When we look carefully at the prayer made by Jesus to his Father in the Garden of Gethsemane we begin to understand just how great his understanding of God’s purpose in redeeming mankind from death really was. We begin also to understand how great his obedience was to his Father’s will. Come now to Matthew chapter 26 and let us look together at verses 36 to 46. These were the last desperate moments before his capture, trial and death. His first prayer was that he might be spared the terror and pain that was then so close. If that prayer had been answered then, there would be no hope for us in this world. The second prayer however, accepted that this sacrifice must be made and the words are Thy will be done. The third prayer repeated these same words and emphasised Jesus’ commitment to this terrible solution to the sin of mankind.

In this prayer of Jesus to his Father and in the other examples of prayer we have looked at, it has been possible to see how it is possible to talk to God. Today however, Jesus is our mediator and that means that he pleads for us to God. When we pray therefore we need to address our prayers through Jesus, John’s gospel chapter 14 verse 12 to 14. The contact that you have with God and with Jesus through your Bible may have come as an answer to your prayers.

Example prayers

• Nehemiah – Nehemiah 2:4

• Daniel – Daniel 6:10

• Jesus – Matthew 6

• Jesus – John 17

Activity 15

Brainstorms:

• What should we pray for?

• When do we pray on behalf of the Ecclesia?

• What are they key aspects of our prayers?

• How do we prepare for prayers?

The essentials of prayer

Offered in Christ’s Name

As the incense was ignited by coals of fire from the altar of sacrifice (Exod. 30:9), causing the fragrant odour to ascend, so our prayers should be touched with the sacrifice of Christ. They should be offered in his name, though addressed to the Father. He, himself, instructed that this should be done: (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24).

 

Prayer, therefore, should be addressed to the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul taught: "Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." We should combine the Father and the Son in our prayers. It is as wrong to address the Father without the Son, as it is to address the Son without the Father (John 5:23). There is a glorious unity between the Father and the Son that should not be sundered by worshippers on earth.

 

What is meant by "asking in Christ's name?" - The mere appendage of such words to a prayer as "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen" is not sufficient. Such a phrase sometimes is treated as a magical formula sanctifying prayer. It does not necessarily do so. In fact, the phrase, when used properly, is extremely meaningful, and will actually limit prayer. For a Prayer can only be asked "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ," if he is prepared to endorse it. Therefore, before adding those words, we should ascertain that the prayer conforms to his will, and harmonises with the divine purpose.

Otherwise, he will not authenticate it. He will not offer a petition to the Father in his name if he does not endorse it. A prayer presented in the name of the Lord presumes that both the petition and the petitioner are such as he will underwrite. Christ will only present the petitions of those who strive to live according to the Truth.

Activity 16

Consider in groups the following references: John 15:16; 15:7; 1 John 3:22; Isa. 59:1-2.

 

The person who persists in turning away from God's law, will receive only refusals to prayer. This is the warning of Scripture: Prov. 28:9; Jer. 14:11-12. The prayers of Israel in the days of Jeremiah were useless because the nation did not conform to the requirements of successful prayer. "Rend your hearts and not your garments," was the appeal of another prophet. Prayer only becomes powerful when its impact is felt in action, and is reflected in the character of the one praying. If we neglect the things of God in times of ease, he will not listen to us in times of difficulty. Concerning disobedient

Israel, the prophet Zechariah wrote: Zech. 7:13.

 

A little inward searching can reap dividends. The Psalmist declared: "If I regard iniquity in my heart Yahweh will not hear me" (Ps. 66:18). The Lord taught: "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:25). Faith will lead us to prepare our heart to seek Yahweh. But though Yahweh will grant us of His grace, or favour, He will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. Prayer is not a magic wand to instantly wave aside all evil, and bestow upon us all good. It will not supply that which is lacking through our own failure to use the materials God has made available to our hand. We are told to pray for wisdom (James 1:5), but we will never attain unto wisdom if we neglect His word. But if we agonise to blend the study of the Word with prayer, we will receive the blessing. The farmer will never reap a harvest if he neglects to sow seed - no matter how hard he may pray – but if he labours in the field, and seeks the blessing of God, he may receive rain and sunshine in their seasons to reap a bountiful harvest. We may pray to God that we may conquer some weakness in our character, but if we do not channel our strength of will into that which Yahweh requires of us, we will fail. Prayer is co-operating with God. It does not leave everything to Him, nor does it ignore His help. Nehemiah provides a great example (Neh. 4:8-9). Nehemiah met the crisis that faced him with prayer, vigilance and action. To him, prayer was not presumption. He did not make his prayer unto his God, and ignore the problem. He probably recalled the words of Solomon (Ps. 127:1). Solomon's words do not mean that we can ignore the need of a watchman; in fact he has an important duty to perform. The command of Scripture is to "be vigilant." Nehemiah manifested great vigilance. His action provided Yahweh with something to work upon. His prayer drew God personally into the problem, and he co-operated with Him as much as he could in overcoming it. We, too, must co-operate with God to make prayer powerful. We might pray for relief of tension in a personal crisis. The relief may not come. Does that mean Yahweh is indifferent to our prayer or our need? No. The disciplinary grace of God might require that we endure a little more in order that character might be moulded and strengthened in us, and that we might be better equipped for the Kingdom of God. He has called us to be King-priests in the Age to come, and it is Scriptural adage, that priests are selected of Him who can "have compassion on the ignorant and erring" recognising that they, themselves, are "compassed with infirmity" (Heb. 5:2). The humbling experiences of life, the patient endurance under trial that we are called upon to manifest can develop that compassion in us. Christ had to endure much; the apostles were appointed to death; and were made a spectacle unto the world (1 Cor. 4:9); men and women of faith "wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth" (Heb. 11:38), and we, too, might be called upon to manifest endurance. To the contemporaries, of the Lord and the apostles, it seemed as though they were deserted of God, but we know that that was not the case. Nor is it so with us when our requests are not instantly granted, and we walk through long, and terrifying circumstances, even through the gloomy valley of the shadow of death, before reaching the wide, sunlit pastures beyond. Of Christ it is written: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Heb. 5:8). His very experiences, in that regard, helped to equip him for his present position of glory as high-priest. He is able to help us in our infirmities because "he was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15). Though he was often opposed and tormented, though he had to bear the "contradiction of sinners against himself," he was not abandoned of God, as we know. Therefore, we must not despair if our requests are not instantly granted to us, even though we feel that they are legitimate petitions to make. Perhaps there is some lesson we must learn in the things we are passing through. Three times Paul prayed that he might be relieved of a "thorn in the flesh" that afflicted him, but it was not granted. The request, undoubtedly, was a most unselfish one. He desired relief that he might serve God better, and preach the word with greater effect.

 

But he was told of the Lord: "My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (1 Cor. 12:9). The "thorn in the flesh" remained, and provided the basis for a wonderful example. The brethren saw in Paul one who was physically weak, but who was moved by the spiritual strength to rise above his afflictions. In observing him, they were encouraged to endure their own trouble. They had visible evidence of the power of the Gospel to save; they could see that there is strength available to surmount every difficulty and problem. Such an example must have had a powerful impact upon them. God's "strength was thus made perfect in weakness."

 

As Ecclesial leaders, in our public prayers, we must always ask for things in accordance with the will of God. We could easily lead the congregation in the wrong direction if we do not.

Activity 18

Discuss in groups why the un-baptised cannot pray in Jesus’ name, and what impact this has on our public prayers where the interested friend is present.

Offered in Faith

As Ecclesial leaders other members of the Ecclesia look up to us as examples. If, by the way in which we offer our prayers we, appear to do so without faith, then we are poor leaders. Prayer is essentially an expression of faith. "He that cometh unto God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6). It must be presented in confidence that God has the ability to perform what is requested (James 1:5-7). If we have faith sufficient for our needs, we will never faint under trouble. In that case, we will never cease to pray. The Lord taught "that men ought always to pray and not faint" (Luke 18:1). Paul exhorted that the brethren "pray always" (Eph. 6:18), "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). Faith will maintain prayers even in times when no answer is heard, and delay causes the heart to sicken. In such times there is inexpressible peace in "rolling your burden on to Yahweh," in placing your problems into His hands, in learning to "wait upon Him," in "standing still to see the salvation of Yahweh." The Lord taught that the prayer of faith will be effective. He declared: "All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matt. 21:22). But the "all things" referred to are those requested "in the name of the Lord Jesus" or those things that are according to his will and purpose. Thus: "This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).

Activity 19

In groups identify a list of things that are inappropriate for public prayers.

The posture for prayer

How should we set about praying? Should we stand, kneel, sit, recline, or prostrate ourselves upon the ground? You are leading an audience, and in some circumstances will need to inform the audience what is appropriate. There are examples in Scripture of all these forms of posture being used. It seems as though differing circumstances governed the stance adopted. Some prayed with hands uplifted like the ascending cloud of incense (Exod. 9:33; Ps. 28:2; 1 Tim. 2:8). Others stood in respect (Mark 11:25). David sat meditatively (2 ,Sam. 7:8). Daniel kneeled in humility (Dan. 6:10; cp. Eph. 3:14). Ezekiel and Christ prostrated themselves in excess of feeling (Ezek. 9:8; 11:13; Matt. 26:39).

 

The form of posture does not matter greatly; but the state of the heart does. Sometimes posture can help even in this. For example, in ancient times, many prayed with the eyes open; but we have learned to concentrate better with them closed. Some lifted up their hands, mostly we do not do so. Whatever the posture we find best suited to the circumstances and which helps us to concentrate upon the matter in hand, is the best stance to use, and we should guide our audience accordingly.

Activity 20

Discuss in groups when we should stand, kneel, sit, recline, or prostrate ourselves upon the ground during our public prayers.

Forms of Prayer

Prayer can take many forms. There is the set communal prayer; the prayer of the meetings. There is the private devotional prayer: the secret pouring out of our hearts to God in expressions and confessions we would not dare to utter before our fellows. There are short prayers for urgent help: when the heart is overwhelmed with trouble. There are brief prayers of thanksgiving: when we are overcome by a sense of gratitude for good received. There are longer, more formal, regular prayers: the calling to mind of the goodness of Yahweh.

All are acceptable to Yahweh. Consider the following examples from Scripture.

Ejaculatory (Latin for swift darts) prayer. Nehemiah specialised in these short prayers. It was habitual to him to insert a brief prayer into his diary (for his book is written up like a diary). Notice them: "Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people" (Neh. 5:19). "Now therefore, Ο God, strengthen my hands" (Neh. 6:9). "My God, think Thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess, Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear" (Neh. 6:14). "Remember me, Ο my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof (Neh. 13:14). "Remember me, 0 my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of Thy mercy" (Neh. 13:22). "Remember me, 0 my God for good" (Neh. 13:31). Christ used this form of prayer sometimes (Matt. 11:25). Stephen's last prayer was of this nature (Acts 7:6).

 

United prayer. In times of crisis, men of faith gathered together to specifically pray for Divine help. Christ makes reference to this type of united prayer in Matthew 18:19-20. Other examples are frequent in Scripture. Daniel called his friends together to consider a problem confronting them and

to unitedly pray for help (Dan. 2:17-18). The disciples united together to give themselves unto prayer, prior to the bestowal of the Spirit upon them at Pentecost (Acts 2:14). The Ecclesia came together to thank God when Peter and John were released by the Jewish authorities (Acts 4:24). Again, it came together in order to "pray without ceasing" for the release of Peter, when the Herodian persecution broke out (Acts 12:5). Yet (typical of flesh) the numbers refused to believe that he had been released when their prayers were answered (v. 15)!

Personal Prayer. This is the most common form of prayer. In time of crisis, difficulty, pain or pleasure, God should not be left out of account. Prayer becomes the channel of personal communion with Him. On such occasions, when we urgently need help, let us recall past occasions when help has been given to us, as well as those instances recorded in Bible history. The same God Who opened the Red Sea, brought about the defeat of Amalek, and fed Israel in the wilderness, is able to extend help to us now.

On such occasions, be specific in requesting what is required: "with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6). Do not indulge in vague uncertainties at such a time. Pour out your heart unto Yahweh, whilst also acknowledging that you are prepared to submit to His will in the case.

 

The Aim Of Communal Prayer. A most important function of divine service is that of communal prayer. In Ecclesial meetings, the presiding brother has the onerous duty of leading the congregation to the Father in prayer. He can do so in such a manner as to move the worshippers by the words uttered, or he can leave them cold and untouched by the exercise.

 

Communal prayer needs to be a blend of intellect and emotion. As the Hebrews considered the heart as the seat of intellect, they looked upon the kidneys as the seat of feeling or emotion; and it is significant, that the kidneys were always offered in sacrifice. We read of Yahweh "trying the heart and reins," and in such expressions, the reins are the kidneys. He tries our intellect and our feelings to see if one conforms with the other; and whether both conform to His truth.

 

Great care, therefore, needs to be exercised in communal prayer. A prayer offered at a memorial meeting should be completely different to one offered at a meeting for the proclamation of the Word. In the former, the congregation is engaged in intimate communion with the Father; in the latter, His blessing is sought upon the proclamation of the Truth to strangers.

 

It is distressing to hear meaningless phrases used in prayer; that great care should be taken by the presiding brother to express his words aright. Nor should we lecture God when praying at a meeting for the proclamation of the Gospel. How often have we heard the presiding brother, on such occasions, launch into a dissertation upon the Gospel, the need of baptism, details concerning Christ's coming and our need to be ready for him. How much better, a simple prayer, direct to God, asking for His help and blessing on the proclamation of the Gospel.

 

There are a number of examples in Scripture of communal prayer being offered in such a way as to deeply move the audience. A remarkable instance is that of Ezra's prayer recorded in Ezra chapters 9 and 10. Ezra recognised how crucial was the occasion, and took time off to thoroughly prepare himself for the important duty placed upon him. Firstly, he carefully considered the problem. As he recognised the gravity of it, he humbled himself before God, expressing regret and shame for the national sin that had been committed. Then followed the composition of the communal prayer he intended to utter; and this exercised his closest attention. Its objective was carefully considered; its words were carefully selected; its presentation was carefully made. It had a tremendous impact upon the people. They were deeply moved by the consciousness of their guilt, the extent of their iniquity, and the need of seeking the forgiveness of God. Thus Ezra's prayer acted as an exhortation as well as being a petition. The people were induced by it to act in accordance to the will of God: it had a vital impact upon their acceptance of His way. In like manner, presiding brethren occupy a most important position on the Ecclesial platform. Let them recognise this, and so give careful attention to the expressions of prayer that they will offer on behalf of the community before them, as they lead it into the presence of God (Cp. 3:1). Perhaps the example of Ezra can assist in indicating what can be done.

Ezra’s Prayer

Ezra first carefully considered the problem that faced him, and which was to be the theme of his prayer. He took time to do this, and sought the co-operation of others to the same end. (Ezra 9:3-4). He was deeply moved by the circumstances. As a member of the nation, he shared the disgrace of those who had sinned, and set about preparing his mind to seek his God to make restitution. Having made this initial preparation, and in association with the leaders of the nation, he personally expressed his humiliation and shame for the sin that had been committed, after which he proceeded to seek God's forgiveness. He records: "At the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto Yahweh my God, and said, Ο my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens . . . ."

Activity 21

In groups write a psalm based upon the current situations in your Ecclesias. Only use words and phrases found in the Bible, and make it appropriate for use at a Breaking of Bread service. Share your psalm at the end of the activity with other groups.

Steps to preparing for a communal prayer

• Make a list of the people who are likely to attend the meeting

• Think about each of the individuals in your list, and what this meeting will mean to them, how would you like it to affect them, what problems do they currently face

• Look for scriptural examples where people have been affected by the subject under consideration – do these examples apply to those people in the congregation

• Look at today’s newspapers, listen / watch to the latest news on the radio / television or look up the news on the internet – how does current news relate to the topics under discussion

• Determine the welfare status of those in your list

• By this time you should have a long list of things you wish to pray about, prioritise and order that list, remember you should not be praying for longer than three or four minutes in a communal prayer – you will of course be nervous when you give your prayer, normally your prayer will be finished 25% faster than when you say it out loud to yourself

• Try to word the prayer using Biblical language rather than using your own words

• Ascertain that the prayer conforms to Divine will, and harmonises with the Divine purpose

• Check that you do not disassociate yourself from the whole congregation, use words like we and our instead of I

• Are any of the things requested things that we can do for ourselves or for others

• Read the prayer out loud, if it sounds wrong make corrections

• Do not be shy of writing your prayer down if you feel uncomfortable about committing your prayer to memory

• A 2 minute prayer will take an experienced brother at least 2 hours to prepare, do not be surprised if it takes you longer

Activity 22

Write out prayers for all the communal prayers that should occur over the next week that you are attending. Pop your prayer into your Bible as you may be called upon to give your prayer. Do not be upset if you do not get called upon as practice makes perfect and you can always re-use some of your material.