Introduction

James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

This scripture talks about great promises from God through prayer. Do you believe these promises is true? More importantly do you believe that it is true for others and just not you?

The life of Elijah.

James 5:17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops

From this scriptures we can see that Elijah was just like you and me. He had both  high points, such as his great individual victory over the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-41). He also had his really down days, such as when he prayed that he might die because he was lonely and tired of the fight for righteousness (1 Kings 19:1-4). Yet in all this, he held on to the promise that his prayers made a difference and had real impact to change things.

Do you pray as if your prayers make a difference?

If you believed every prayer you prayed would happen immediately, how differently would your prayer life be?

• What would that look like?
• How do you think it would change your life and others?

Never forget you were once the answer to someone else’s prayers. Their prayers helped change you. Let us never forget that you have the power to help change others Through our prayers.

Point 1. Who should we pray for?

• Those who mistreat you

Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

• Other disciples.

Ephesians 6:18-20 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

2 Corinthians 1:10-11 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

• Future disciples, the lost.

John 17:20 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,

Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

Point 2. What should we pray about?

• Not to fall into temptation

Luke 22:40 On reaching the place, Jesus said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

• For wisdom in decisions and in committing them to God

Acts 1:24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen

• Requests

• Peoples health

• Christians spiritual healing when they fall into sin and for them to change.

1 John 5:16a If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life.

James 5:16a Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

• Giving thanks for Christians, for them to know Gods love and power more. For their personal growth and to be worthy of God’s calling 

Ephesians 1:15-19 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• To deal with our troubles.

James 5:13a Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.

• Intercession for individuals, Christians and non Christians.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

• For God to meet our needs 

• Specific issues.

1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

• For disciples to have boldness in their preaching, for an open door of the gospel and the message to spread rapidly.

Ephesians 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Colossians 4:3-4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.

• Include singing in praise to God 

James 5:13 Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

Psalms 33:1-3 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Point 2. When should we pray?

• Often.

Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

• All night sometimes.

• With other disciples

• Constantly.

Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray continually,

• Set times and special places for it.

• At the end of meetings

• Night and day or day and night

• On all occasions.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

God wants our prayer to be structured and organised like how we speak to others. We need to pray with structure and confidence, that way God wants to answer our prayers. We take a page from Jesus as we see him  teaching his disciples how to pray in Luke 11:2-4.

First He prays to focus on God, His fatherhood and His greatness. Then on the lost, then on daily needs, then on your own personal sin before dealing with others, finally to pray about upcoming challenges.

Luke 11:2-4 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

We need to ensure that our prayers are with a heart of reverent submission – the opposite of entitlement. Prayer is about us getting our will in line with God’s, not God’s will in line with ours, this may take tears on our behalf.

Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Other attitudes we need to have in prayer: 

• Never giving up (see the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8)

• Earnestly

Luke 22:44 And being in anguish, Jesus prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

• Devotion to prayer

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

• With a clear mind and self control.

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

• Pray faithfully in expectation of your prayers to be answered.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Philemon 1:22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

• With thanks and joy.

Philippians 1:3-4 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

• Embracing the understanding it is one of the key roles of leaders

Point 4. What happens when we pray?

We need to remember that our prayers go to God as an offering. 

Acts 10:4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.

Our prayer bond us to the people we pray for. That is why praying for others brings us together as a church, so pray with other Christians often. 

2 Corinthians 9:14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

God through our prayers transforms us into bold people, changes our character as we tap into the Holy Spirits power.

Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Point 5. How God views our prayers?

We need to remember that God is attentive to our prayers. This means he is concentrating on them, all ears, hanging on every word, immersed, glued, fascinated about what you will pray about. 

1 Peter 3:12a For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer

Some things that hinder our prayers that we need to be watchful of. 

• Discord with our partners, it is hard to pray when you are in sin or have sinned against your wife, or anyone for that matter.

1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

• Anger and disputing.

1 Timothy 2:8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

• Pride and self-righteousness.

Luke 18:9-14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people— robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Never pray as the self-righteous man, as not only will his prayers be left unheard, but you will see the humble raised up.

Conclusion:

So go! Pray to Him!

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ

When the disciples say to Jesus “teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1), what they really meant was, “Jesus teach us to pray like you pray”, powerful prayers that connect with God.

When we find ourselves getting worried, stressed, negative, faithless, harsh or fearful, it is time to turn to prayer, earnest prayer.

Nothing else will give us the peace or the power we need to live the lives God and we want for our lives.