1.2.1 How to pray ... Lk 11:2; 1 Tim 2:8

1.2.2 How not to pray ... Mt 6:5,7

1.2.3 What to say ... Mt 6:9-13

1.3 Gives us Gods promises that we can claim in prayer

e.g. the Holy Spirit ... Acts 2:33-39; Gal 3:14

1.4 Shows us conditions to effective prayer

e.g. forgiveness ... Mk 11:25

1.5 Gives us many examples of prayer ... Jn 17:1-26; Mt 14:30

1.6 Gives us examples of answered prayers ... Jn 11:41-44; Acts 8:14-17

2. Using God’s Word in prayer

2.1 It is our spiritual weapon ... Eph 6:17; Rev 1:16

2.2 It cleanses us spiritually ... Eph 5:26; Jn 17:17

2.3 It prepares our hearts in righteousness for effective prayer ... 2 Tim 3:16-17; James 5:16

3. Examples of the use of God’s Word in prayer

3.1 The Apostles ... Acts 4:23-26 cf Ps 146:6

3.2 The Epistle to the Hebrews ... Heb 13:5,6 cf Deut 31:6; Ps 118:6

4. Practical guidelines

4.1 When in prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of verses relevant to your prayer needs ... Jn 14:26

4.2 Pray according to the promises and conditions laid out in Gods Word.

4.3 Be careful not to - repeat Bible prayers without first understanding their meaning.

Assignment:

Find out from the verses below what are God’s promises for us; and then through prayer claim them for yourself and for other: Is 40:29-31; Jer 33:3; Mt 6:33; Jn 16:33; Phil 4:6,7

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2.1 Spiritual cleansing

2.2 Spiritual discernment

2.3 Spiritual growth

2.4 Increase in faith

2.5 Spiritual discipline

3. Avoid pitfalls:

3.1 Spiritual pride

3.2 Asceticism {the doctrine that by abstinence and self-denial a person can train himself to be in conformity with God's will.}

3.3 Ritualise

3.4 Bargaining with God

4. Fast in times of:

4.1 Repentance ... Neh 9:1-3; Jonah 3:5, 8-9

4.2 Intercession ... Esther 4:15-16; Dan 9:3

4.3 Worship ... Lk 2:37

4.4 Need for guidance ... Lk 6:12; Acts 13:2-3

4.5 Trials and temptations ... Mt 4:1-2

4.6 Spiritual Battle ... Mk 9:29

4.7 Commissioning ... Acts 14:23

5. Decide on the type of fasting:

5.1 Partial fast ... Dan 10:3

5.2 Total fast:      with water

without water ... Ezra 10:6; Acts 9:9

5.3 Supernatural fast ... Deut 9:9

5.4 Corporate fast ... 2 Chron 20:3; Jonah 3:4-10

Assignment:

2.1 Authority of Jesus ...  Phil 2:9-11

2.1.1 Authority over demons ...  Luke 10:17

2.1.2 Authority over sickness ...  Acts 3:6,16; 4:7-11

2.1.3 Authority over circumstances ...  Mark 4:41; Luke 10:3,4,19

2.2 Presence of Jesus  ... Mat 18:20

2.3 Our Relationship with Jesus

2.3.1 Abiding in Him ...  John 15:7

2.3.2 Obeying Him ...  John 3:22

2.3.3 Loving one another ...  1 John 3:23,24

2.4 His Will ...  1 John 5:14-15

3. Claim promises

2 Cor 1:20

3.1 Salvation ...  Acts 16:31

3.2 Healing ...  Mat 8:14-17; James 5:14-16

4. Beware of

4.1 Using the Name of Jesus as talisman or magic formula ...  Acts 19:13-17

4.2 False christs using the Name ...  Mark 13:6

Assignment:

1. What are the area in your life that prevent you from praying effectively in the Name of Jesus?
   What are you doing about it?
2. The Name of Jesus is an awesome name and a powerful name. Begin now to pray reverently and authoritatively in the Name of Jesus.