Prayer and Fasting

CHURCH LIFE CLASS

PRAYER AND FASTING

PREFACE: There is a necessity of a strong prayer life in the believer as he walks with God. Prayer in it’s

most basic form is communication with God. It is a two way street. We need to make it our

aim to develop a strong prayer life.

I. IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

A. Prayer is not an option. Isa 5:7

B. We are commanded to pray without ceasing. I Thess 5:17; Rom 1:9

This means we are never to be finished with prayer. It is to be a constant part of our lives.

C. All men everywhere are to pray. I Tim 2:8

Jesus provided us with a great example. Lk 3:21; 5:15,16

Mk 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”

If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to pray, how much more do we?

II. WHAT IS PRAYER?

Prayer is a discipline.

It is a bending of the will of man before God to admit his need. 2 Chron 7:14; Mt 6:9,10

B. Prayer is rendering homage to an all-wise and benevolent heavenly Father. Ps 108:5

C. Prayer is spending time in conversation with God.

Conversation is a two-way communication. Mt 6:9,10

III. WHAT ARE VARIOUS TYPES OF PRAYER?

A. Persevering prayer. Phil 4:6; Lk 11:5-13

B. Intercessory prayer. Rom 8:26-27

C. In the Spirit. I Cor 14:14; Eph 6:18; Jude 20

D. Supplication. I Tim 2:1, 2

E. Giving thanks. I Tim 2:1, 2; Phil 4:6

IV. WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDE IN PRAYER?

A. We should pray in faith. Heb 11:6

B. We should pray without wavering. Jas 1:6-8; Mk 11:24

C. We should pray according to God’s will. I Jn 5:14-16.

God’s word is His will and His will is His word.

D. We should come to the Father through Jesus Christ, our intercessor. Heb 7:25

V. HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

A. Asking amiss (Out of the will of God). Jas 4:1-4.

B. Wrong motives. Mt 6:5-8

C. Pride. Ps 138:6

D. Iniquity. 1sa 59:1-3

E. An unforgiving Spirit. Mt 5:23, 24; 18:21-35

F. Bitterness. Heb 12:15-17; 2 Pet 2:21-23

G. Heart idols (covetousness). Ezek 14:3

H. Stinginess. Prov 21:13

I. Doubts. Jas 1:5-7

J. Wrong relationships. I Pet 3:7

VI. FASTING

Fasting goes hand in hand with prayer. True fasting intensifies prayer.

Mt 17:21 “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

A. Proper motivation for fasting.

Isaiah 58 is called “the fasting chapter”. It gives us a description of the proper fast before God, and

the proper motivation for a fast.

B. When should we fast?

1. When directed by the Spirit of God. Lk 4:1-2

2. When we know as individuals that we need to. Mt 6:16-18

3. When the Church as a whole is called to fast for special occasions. Joel 1:14; 2:15,16; Acts 13:1-4

C. Some results of fasting in Bible times.

1. A nation was delivered from death. Esther 4

2. The city of Ninevah was saved from divine judgment. Jonah 2-3

3. Demon spirits were cast out. Mt 17:14-21

4. Elders were ordained. Acts 14:23

5. The will of the Lord was revealed. Acts 9:9-15.

“The Spirit said…,” as they ministered to the Lord and fasted. Acts 13:1-4