Apostolic Writers Online!: Prayer is the Key

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: I Timothy 2:1-8; Key Verses: 1-3

Seven Keys to Effective Prayer

1.) Who to Pray for –

Kings and those in authority; leaders, those who make decisions for us; our lives, our children, our country.
Pray for our brothers and sisters – this is intercessory prayer.

2.) What to Pray for –

Salvation for the lost and that those who are saved will be kept.
"The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord." (Proverbs 21:1) Pray for God to touch their hearts.
Prayer changes things and people, and it moves the heart of God.
Things we know are in God’s will. Note: Badgering God may get an answer, but will get the consequences as well. If we want something outside of God more than God, if we’re striving for our wants, we may get (grasp) it – but Psalm 106:15 says, "And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."
There’s only so much we can do – so we do what’s possible. God does the impossible. (John 14:13)

We Must Pray!

3.) When to Pray –

4.) Where to Pray –

Everywhere...
Anywhere... home, outdoors, church, car, basement, closet, bedroom, living room, kitchen...
When we cannot bear to write it down and give it to the preacher to bring before the congregation.
Pray in secret – God rewards openly.
Pray openly – in the House of God. "My House shall be called a house of prayer." (Matthew 21:13)

5.) How to Pray –

"Lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (I Timothy 2:8)
Pray with love and faith. (James 1:6-8; Hebrews 11:6)
Pray in Jesus’ Name. (Colossians. 3:17)
Pray without ceasing. (II Thessalonians. 5:17)
The disciples asked the Lord, "Lord, teach us to pray!"

Warning! ~ Prayer is going to change you!

A. It will cause you to become dependant on God.

B. It will show you your limits.

C. It will open your eyes to the God Who has no limits.

Prayer is the Key!

6.) Why Pray? –

To have peace...
Prayer is the vehicle that causes you to be able to release things, to turn things over to God. He knows our needs before we ask. (Matthew 6:8)
Prayer is more than getting things - it is...

7.) Pray to Communicate –

When you love someone, you want to talk to them, to communicate with them. In today’s technology, the internet and social websites have built friendships and even marriages!
The more you pray, the easier it will be; more enjoyable, more peace, know Him better
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men... in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour." (I Timothy 2:1)
Marriages can be saved.
Lives changed and rearranged.
Circumstances can be turned around.
Souls can be saved!
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
"And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to Myself for an house of sacrifice: If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people; If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:12-14)
"No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him." (Psalm 84:11)

Pray! ~ Prayer is so very important! ~ PRAYER is the KEY!

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Apostolic Writers Online!