Prayer in the Dispensation of Grace

Title:  Bible Lessons on Prayer Under Grace

Text:  1 Thes 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”                           

 

I.                    INTRODUCTION:

A.      Extreme Views on Prayer

1.      “Name it, Claim it” (This position comes by taking Lk 11:9 out of context from Lk 11:1-2)

2.      Do not pray at all, it does not make a difference

 

B.      Believers under the dispensation of grace should always apply one key verse when trying to understand any Bible subject.  Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit states in 2 Tim 2:7 “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” This verse is Key!

 

II.                  EXPOSITION:  Bible Lessons on Prayer with emphasis on what the Pauline Epistles (Romans-Philemon) have to say.

A.      1 Thes 5:17-The believer is never to stop the practice of prayer.  This is true for believers in past ages as well.  Look up the following verses:

1.      1 Sam 12:23

2.      Luke 18:1

 

B.      Prayer instructions in the Bible are not always aimed at the believer under grace.

1.      Consider Matt 24:20-This verse is in the context of believers who get saved after the rapture and live in the tribulation period.  Tribulation believers will be observing the ceremonial parts of the law such as “Sabbath days.”

2.      Consider Paul in Col 2:16-Grace believers are not under obligation of ceremonial observances, so grace believers are not obligated to pray about keeping ceremonies.

 

C.      Rom 8:26-27-Believers under grace can trust the Lord even when not knowing what to pray for.

1.      The above passage (Rom 8:26-27) teaches that the Spirit intercedes for believers according to the will of God.

2.      Praying according to the will of God is required in any Age-See Luke 11:1-2

 

D.     Specific things believers should pray for:

1.      Rom 10:1-The Lost

2.      Rom 15:30-32-Those serving in the ministry

3.      2 Cor 13:7-Believers to have a good testimony

4.      1 Tim 4:5-Pray before a meal i.e. say the “blessing”

5.      1 Tim 2:1-2-Pray for those in government

6.      Pray for the spiritual benefit of others

a.      Eph 1:16-18-pray for understanding & enlightenment

b.      Col 4:3-Pray for opportunities to speak about the mystery concerning the Body of Christ

c.       2 Thes 3:1-Pray that the word of God may have “free course” i.e. no obstacles

7.      Philemon 1:22-Pray for physical needs

 

CONCLUSION:  Eph 3:20 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.