WHAT IS PRAYER? GOAL: To clearly define prayer and its purpose. KEY SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:1 Prayer: One of our greatest blessings and one of our biggest struggles. Prayer is one of the greatest blessings God offers, but it is also a source of frustration and guilt. However, a life filled with prayer is a life of great blessing. Prayer should project the full range of human emotions, from exuberant joy to frantic despair. Prayer gives strength. The Bible teaches that we serve a God who is simply looking for opportunities to pour out his blessings on us (Leviticus 26:3-6; Deuteronomy 28:2-6,12; II Samuel 12:7-9). God listens for your unique voice every day. We can see the theme that God is ready and willing to share His resources with his people all through the Old Testament. In the New Testament this concept is extended and made even more precious. Jesus taught us to call God “Father,” actually, Papa. The most repeated prayer in the Christian church...
CONVICTION OF SIN Before one can truly repent, he must have an understanding and acknowledgment that he is guilty of sin (Romans 3:23; 5:12). 1 John 3:4 - The law is God’s Word. Whoso commiteth sin transgresseth the law; therefore, they sin against God and deserve the punishment of death (Psalm 51:4; Ezekiel 18:20). • Romans 6:23 Unless a sinner repents he will stand condemned before God on the judgment day and will be lost forever (Luke 13:3; Jude 15; Revelation 21:8). God’s Word will reveal our sins to us as we study it. This knowledge will bring conviction. Remember Acts 2:37, when the people heard God’s Word they were pricked (convicted) in their heart. Another experience that adds to conviction is God’s chastisements. He said in Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Conviction of sin may bring an uncomfortable feeling of shame and guilt, but if this is followed by true repentance, it will lead to great rejoic...