Acceptable Prayer

What is the powerful prayer that never fails?

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The Bible offers instructions and illustrations regarding suitable prayer. According to James 1:6-7 and Mark 11:24, prayer should be offered in faith, putting confidence in God's ability, goodness, and faithfulness to respond in accordance with His will. Because God listens and answers prayers, believers are urged to approach Him with confidence (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14-15). As we recognize God's favor, faithfulness, and provision in our life, gratitude ought to be a central theme in our prayers (Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Christians who pray in intercession for others are demonstrating Christlike compassion and love (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1–2). In spite of challenges or setbacks, believers are urged to persist in their prayer life, seeking God's direction, supply, and intervention (Luke 18:1-8; Ephesians 6:18).

1. 1.WHAT is prayer?

   Bible⇒ - Prayer is the sincere desire of the soul expressed; the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Psalms 62: 8.

   Prayer is not the overcoming of God's reluo tance; it is the taking hold of God's willingness.' Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.' Prayer does not change God; but it does change us and our relation to God. It places us in the channel of blessings, and in that frame of mind in which God can consistently and safely grant our requests."—" Bible Readings for the Home Circle," p. 604.

2. 2.Will God hear when we pray?

   Bible⇒ Psalms 3: 4; Psalms 34: 4; Psalms 34: 6.

3. 3.What is the first step in offering acceptable prayer?

   Bible⇒ Hebrews 11: 6.

4. 4.What is the basis of true prayer?

   Bible⇒ John 15: 7.

   How shall we pray so as to be heard and to receive help? For one thing, there must be a real desire in our hearts. Forms of words do not make prayer: we must want something, and must realize our dependence upon God for it."— J. R. Miller, D. D.

5. 5.What should be our state of mind in regard to all things asked for?

   Bible⇒ Luke 22: 42 .

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7. 6.Might we desire and ask for the wrong things?

   Bible⇒ James 4: 3.

8. 7. With what confidence should we come to God?

   Bible⇒ Mark 11: 24; Matthew 7: 7-12 .

   The importunate widow got her request because of her persistence. God wants us to seek Him, and to seek Him earnestly, when we pray. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Heb. 11: 6."—" Bible Readings for the Home Circle," p. 612.

9. 8.Should we doubt that God hears simply because we do not see an immediate answer?

   Bible ⇉ James 1: 6

10. 9.When will God refuse to hear us?

    Bible ⇉ Psalms 66: 18; Isaiah 59: 2

11. 10.What shall we do when we find ourselves holding to something that is not in harmony with God's ways?

12. 11.Will God hear us when we deal unjustly with others?

    Bible ⇉ Mark 11: 25, 26 .

13. 12.What is forgiveness?

    Bible ⇉ - Treating an offender as though he had not committed offense. Example: Matthew 18: 23-35; Matthew 5: 23, 24

14. 13.How -often should we pray?

    Bible ⇉ Luke 18: 1; 1 Thessalonians 5: 17, 18; Romans 12: 12.

    This does not mean that we should be constantly bowed before God in prayer, but that we should not neglect prayer, and that we should ever be in a prayerful frame of mind, even when walking by the way or engaged in the duties of life,— ever ready to send up our petitions to heaven for help in time of need."— Id., p. 608.

15. 14.What prayer habits should be formed?

    Bible ⇉ Psalms 5: 3; Psalms 55: 17

16. 15.Have we a record of any one's asking and not receiving?

    Bible ⇉ 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9

    Paul's affliction, it seems, was impaired sight. Acts 9: 8, 9; Acts 9: 18; Acts 22: 11-13. The retaining of this imperfection would be a constant reminder to him of his conversion, and hence a blessing in disguise."—Id., p. 612

17. 16.What did Jesus say to do when trials press us?

    Bible ⇉ Luke 18: 1-7

18. 17.Who is mentioned as an example of acceptable prayer?

    Bible ⇉ James 5: 17, 18