Prayer
From: TFTW Bible College
Finding an authority in the New Testament for Christians to pray to God is not hard. Jesus did it and we even have writing from Paul that says prayer is acceptable to God. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Coming together as a congregation to worship God on the first day of the week is a good time to offer prayer to God. It allows members to share their prayer requests with each other and pray for each other. Prayers may include adoration of God. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9)
The prayers may include confessions of sins and asking for forgiveness. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) The prayers may include thanksgiving. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
The prayers may include supplications and intercessions. Supplications are where we ask God for what we need. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:7-11) Intercessions are when we pray for others. Prayers of intercession may include prayers for the sick, (James 5:13-15), prayers for our enemies (Matthew 5:44), prayers for those in authority, (1 Timothy 2:1-3), prayers for each other, (2 Timothy 1:3), and prayers for those among us who have sinned and need forgiveness. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
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