Prayer Workshop

While there is far more to developing a rich prayer life than can be covered in five weeks, we hope to deepen your dialog with God. Each week we will look at a biblical text, reflect, and respond in prayer. After all, it is of little value to read and reflect on prayer without actually praying! To prime the pump for this workshop, we encourage you to read a book from the suggested list, in the link below, before Jan. 8th. 


Regardless of what you do or do not do by way of preparation, we believe all will be able to glean from this workshop on prayer.  


CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE WORKSHOP


CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF SUGGESTED BOOKS

  • James 5:16

    The model of Elijah’s prayer life: 1 Kings 18

    1. He withdrew from the crowds to pray
    2. He assumed a posture of prayer.
    3. His was based on God’s promises.
    4. He was fervent in his prayer.
    5. He was alert for God’s answer to his prayer.
    6. He prayed specifically.

  • Paul’s suffering and the advance of the gospel – 2 Corinthians 12.9

    1. God’s grace is sufficient for those committed to him (Psalm 37.10, 25, 35-36)
    2. The pattern of Paul’s prayer seen in Ephesians 1.15 – 23

  • Matthew 26.36-46 Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane and the failure of the disciples to persevere.

    Cf. Psalm 42.1-4: The words of a person who struggles with the Lord in prayer.

    1. There is a longing to be in the presence of God,
    2. There is a longing for holiness,
    3. There is a longing for the kingdom of God.
    The struggle of prayer requires an internal constraint; conforming the heart to delight in the law of the Lord (e.g. Psalm 119.32); the intercessor assumes responsibility for the sins of others and prophetically intercedes for all those in need of God’s grace (cf. Daniel’s prayer for the covenant people in exile; also Nehemiah 1.4-11). The believer recognizes that in his prayer life there ought to be a balance between the mystery of the Spirit’s intervention and his owns willing response to the Spirit’s prompting. To struggle in prayer requires a passion for God’s holiness. The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him (2 Chronicles 16:9). Who has such a heart?

  • Colossians 3:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-10.


    The session of Christ may be described as Jesus assuming his rightful place at the right hand of God. The session depicts Jesus’ present relationship with God the Father and is evidence of the power and glory of his person. The session is the rock solid foundation of the Christian’s authority and confidence in prayer. Read carefully Paul’s summation of justification by faith alone:


    And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to all this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:30-34).


    Not only all this but consider Paul’s extraordinary comment in Ephesians 2:5-6 … even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, … cf. Ephesians 1:19-22.


    If this is so, then how should we pray? Consider Romans 15:30-33; 1 John 5:13-15

  • John 17


    In Matthew 6.5-14 Jesus instructed the disciples in prayer but in John 17 we listen to Jesus’ prayer and by it have a glimpse into the heart of our Savior. Jesus brings glory to the Father and the Father brings glory to the Son.

    1. Jesus is glorified 17:1-5
    2. Jesus prays for the disciples 17:6-19
    3. Jesus prays for all believers 17:20-26
    4. That the world may believe that You have sent Me.

    Jesus mission: For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost Luke 19:10. How is this evidenced in the prayers and mission of Acts and the New Testament epistles?