Acknowledging Prayer | Lynn Wheeler

Acknowledging Prayer | Lynn Wheeler 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, (NIV) Progression of communication: A. Small talk B. Sharing what we know C. Sharing feelings D. Sharing who you are Acknowledging Prayer: 1. Acknowledges my relationship with God. Hebrews 4:15-16 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV) 2. Acknowledges my reliance on God. "I never pray more than 20 minutes, but I never go 20 minutes without praying" (Smith Wigglesworth) Miracle = Something that requires divine intervention James 5:13-15 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. (NIV) Anointing = An impartation of God’s spirit into my spirit to help me accomplish the task He has called me to do Matthew 5:44 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV) Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV) 3. Acknowledges my need to remain in God. John 15:4-5 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV) Daniel 6:10 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (NIV)