How to Pray

O. T. #1505  "How to Pray"
August 20, 2019
Proverbs 31-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

How's it going, kingdom woman? I am so glad you are with us, learning how to be a kingdom woman, virtuous and excellent. Isn't it exciting that God would inspire his teacher to help us become more than we think we can be, a light in darkness?

It you will respond in faith to the one true God, if you will honor Him with your actions despite the chaos around you, if you choose to walk the path of faith that He has called you to, even when you are unsure of the outcome, He will honor, protect, and establish you as a kingdom woman. (Kingdom Woman, by Tony Evans)

So far, we have found that the success to a kingdom woman  is faith coupled with humility. Faith is acting like something is so, even when it isn't so, in order that it might be so because God said so.

Prayer is a powerful tool in the hands of a kingdom woman. What can we learn about prayer of a kingdom woman?

• She never gives up, but continues to take her request to the Father. Jesus told of a parable to show his disciples that they should always pray and never give up. It was about a widow who sought justice in a dispute with her enemy. She continued to be persistent in asking an unrighteous judge to grant her request. Finally, since she was wearing him out and driving him crazy with her constant requests, the judge granted her request. The widow's opponent was treating her unjustly and she need the law applied to her situation, legal intervention. How much more will God, who is just, righteous, and compassionate, bring justice to His elect. (Luke 18)
• She knows how to pray. Praying kingdom prayers aligns them with God's Word. He wants to do for His people based upon what falls within the boundaries of His sovereign will. Gideon laid out his fleece before the Lord and waited for Him to answer. So can we. My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Our God can bless us exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)

A Christian life without prayer is like driving a car almost empty of gas. The fumes take us a ways but then the car stops along the side of the road, broken down. We can't get very far on occasional rote prayers, which will eventually result in us being broken down.

So, how is your prayer life, Christian kingdom woman?

LET IT GROW

Prayer is a believer's communication with God through the person of Christ and assisted by the work of the Holy Spirit. Is He on our mind, our focus of attention, the object of our communication?
Prayer is expressing faith, which pleases God. It builds up our faith.

How should we pray?

• Pray regularly. A follower of Jesus communes with their Lord and Master for instructions.
• Pray sincerely. Not as eloquent hypocrites prayed in Matthew 6, to be seen of men, but heart-felt prayers in secret, which are heard.
• Pray thoughtfully. Not meaningless repetition at the dinner table, but prayers should be praising God for Who He is and thanking Him for what He has done, interceding for others, and confessing our sins.
• Pray specifically. Jesus told us to ask, seek, and knock and we shall have it. (Matt. 7:7) How much more will our Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him.

Not only does God desire to hear from us when we have huge problems, but also with small ones.
I couldn't find my NLT Bible this morning, and I needed it. It's me again, Lord, not able to find my Bible this time. Would You reveal it to me? You know all things. It had slid in the corner down on the floor out of plain sight. Now I know He showed me where it was. (This type of prayer happens often.) God is so faithful and has a sense of humor, for He reveals to me what I can't find.

Okay, kingdom women, we have our challenge today-pray. Then thank God for the answer.

LET IT GO

Take my needs to my Heavenly Father.
Ask in faith, believing He hears me.
Trust Him to reveal the answer as I wait.
Know that His way is best.