Scripture Reading
I Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NRSVUE)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Definition
Prayer — Communion with God. It takes place in the interior of our being.
“It is the only way to cleanse and perfect the consciousness and thus permanently heal the body…It is the most highly accelerated mind action known. It steps up mental action…It is the language of spirituality…[It] is more than supplication. It is an affirmation of Truth that eternally exists, but which has not yet come into consciousness.”
— Charles Fillmore, Revealing Word, pg. 152
Introductory Remarks
Prayer is more than memorizing words. It is consciously connecting with Almighty God through faithfully affirming what is, rather than begging God for seeming wants and needs.
“Prayer is a Faithful Attitude that God cannot fail.”
— S. McKeithen
Major Points of the Lesson
1. Prayer is Personal
The disciples knew it. You must know it, too.
“He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’”
— Luke 11:1 (NRSVUE)
2. Make Prayer a Priority
Pray first, not last.
“It was very early in the morning and still dark. Jesus got up and left the house. He went to a place where he could be alone. There he prayed.”
— Mark 1:35 (NIRV)
3. Prayer Prepares You for Your Assignment
“Daniel always prayed to God three times every day… Even though Daniel heard about the new law he still went to his house to pray…just as he always had done.”
— Daniel 6:10 (ERV)
Queen Esther prayed:
“O God all-powerful, give heed to the pleas of those in despair. Deliver us from the power of the wicked and rescue me from my fear.”
— Esther 4, Chapter C, Verse 30 (NCB)
4. Prayer Positions You for Success and Prosperity
“Then King Darius wrote to all the nations… ‘May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel…’ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”
— Daniel 6:25–26, 28 (NRSVUE)
5. Prayer Brings Peace
Peace the world cannot give.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
— John 14:27 (NRSVUE)
Quote
“You have to take responsibility for your prayer life and the results you are getting…Prayer can change circumstances. Prayer can change YOU.”
— Dr. Johnnie Colemon, It Works If You Work It, pg. 115
“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”
— Corrie ten Boom, Holocaust Survivor
Assignment
Choose a prayer that speaks to your heart and pray it:
- upon rising in the morning
- at noon day
- upon retiring for the evening
Do this for 21 days. Take note of changes in your body, your circumstances, and affairs. Give thanks.