Praying by the Book
Preparation:
Accept Christ to become sons & daughters. John 1:12 , 2Cor 6:18, Romans 8:14,15 Luke 11:17
Love God Matt 22:37, Mark 12:30, 1 John 3:18
Obey God’s will. 1 John 3:22, Romans 8:1
Do not tempt (test) God. Luke 4:12, 1Cor.10:9
Be cleansed. Psalm 66:18
Repent Acts 3:19
Submit & be humble James 4:6-10,5:5-6, 1Cor.8:2
Confess faults. James 5:16, 1 John 1:9
Judge your own actions. 1 Cor 11:31, 2Cor.13:5
Love (care about) neighbors. Matt 5:22-24, 22:39, Mark 12:31, St John 13:34, Romans 13:9
Love & pray for enemies. Matt 5:44
Seek first God’s kingdom. Matt 6:33
Fear God & do right. Acts 10:34-35
Seek God’s will. Isaiah 30:21, Acts 2:38 & 39, James 1:5, 4:3, 1 John 5:14-15
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide to know what to pray. Proverbs 3:6, John 14:26, 16:13
Do not try to impress God with strength or titles. Psalm 147:10-11, Romans 2:11
The Prayer:
Praise God (even if it is a sacrifice) to enter His courts. Psalm 100:4, Heb.13:15
“Our Father” sets proper relationship. Matt 6:9
“Hallowed be thy name” recognizes God’s holiness. Matt 6:9
Pray for God’s kingdom again puts God’s will before ours. Matt 6:10,33
“Give us our daily bread” encourages us to repent daily and ask for daily help. Matt 6:11
“Lead us not into temptation” shows who is in charge and helps us pray correctly. Matt 6:13
Forgive to be forgiven. Matt 6:14 & 15, 18:15-17 & 21-22, Mark 11:25, Luke 17:3 -4,Eph. 4:32
Pray in secret. Matt 6:6
Ask for help from others. Matt 7:11, 18:19, James 5:14-16, Luke 11:10, Romans 10:17
Pray about the specific problem. Matt 7:17, 17:20, Mark 11:23, Luke 17:6 , Philip. 4:6
Be verbal speaking your need Psalm 33:6,9 See also the last 4 verses immediately above.
Quote applicable scripture. Luke 4:4-8
Validate using the name of Christ. St John 14:13-14, 16:23-26
Bind Satan. Matt 16:19, 18:18
Fast for large problems. Matt 17:21
Give to God’s work. 2Cor:9:6-11
Be thankful that the Holy Spirit interprets for us to Christ. Romans 8:16,26-27 and Christ intercedes for us. Romans 8:34
Be thankful for God’s good gifts. James 1:17
Pray believing in faith that God has answered. Mark 11:24
Ask until you feel peace that an answer has been given, then continue patiently to say thanks.
- Be encouraged that the Holy Spirit helps us pray as we ought: Rom 8:26
Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
After:
Do not waiver in faith. Matt 17:20, Mark 11:24, Rom 4:19, Heb 11:6, James 1:6-7
Do not fear Satan. Matt 6:34, 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear God and do right. Acts 10:34-35
Believe and trust God. 2 Cor 5:7, 1 John 4:18, Nahum 1:7, Romans 4:3, Heb.11:6
Give God the glory and credit. Romans 15:6, 1 Cor. 10:31, Ephesians 2:8, Philip.4:13
Do good deeds. Romans 2:6, 1 Cor. 3:13, 2 Cor. 5:10, Galatians 6:7-10, Col.3:23-25, James 2:17
Speak positive in faith as we are accountable for each word. Matt 12:36
Speak positive in faith or faith to increase. Romans 10:17
Speak positive in faith for proper actions to follow. James 3:2-6
Resist Satan. Matt 16:23, 17:18, Mark 8:33, James 4:7
Protect yourself. Eph.6:13-18, 1Thes.5:8, Hebrews 4:2
Listen for instructions and be alert. John 10:27, 14:26
Study scripture. 2 Tim. 2:15
Act as God directs, giving credit to Christ. Colossians 3:17
Be temperate. 1 Cor.9:25
Act as God directs, giving credit to Christ to be justified. James 2:24-26, Luke 17:14
While waiting: Think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Rejoice. Philippians 2:1-2, 4:4
Be patient. Isaiah 40:31, Romans 8:25, 1 Thes. 5:14
Do not complain. 1Cor. 10:10
Be in a continuous attitude of prayer. 1 Thes 5:17-18, Luke 18: 1-8
All this sounds complicated, but it is not. After you have put your faith in Christ and accepted Him as lord of your life, God sends the Holy Spirit as your personal helper and guide. Then, as you read and think about scripture (mostly the New Testament) He helps your understanding and brings to mind the verses you need to be in His will. Just listen and act on the small voice within and rest in the thought that God already knows the needs of those following Christ. This is due to the Holy Spirit within you interceding with God for you. God still wants you to ask Him though, so you will be clear and know when your request is answered. Seek also His will.
Jas_4:3 You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it upon your lusts.
Know that God loves to give good gifts to His children. God’s perfect will is always for good and He loves you. Have great days with God!