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Our Purpose in Prayer — to glorify God
as we see His power displayed in and plan worked out
through our lives (Jn. 14:13; 17:1; 2 Thess. 1:12).
Petitions
Petition — A sincere request and humble determination
to rest in God’s answer.
Biblical Examples:
- Read Philippians 4:6. Although Paul said we should
present our requests to God, how does Paul say God
will respond?
- Read Mt. 26:39, 42; Heb. 5:7. Jesus petitioned God
to save Him from death. Did Jesus get what He asked
for?
- Do you think Jesus understands when you don’t
receive what you pray for?
- Read Daniel 9:17-19. What kind of attitude did Daniel
have toward God while petitioning Him?
- Read Mt. 15:21-28. Why did Jesus grant the Canaanite
woman’s request?
Now that you know these things . . .
-- Do you really believe prayer changes things?
-- Read Col. 1:9-10. What did Paul pray for continually?
-- Why was this so important (v. 10)?
Praises
Praise — A genuine expression of gratitude and
appreciation to God.
Biblical Examples:
- We are to praise God for whatever He supplies (Deut.
8:10; Ruth 4:14; Job 1:21).
- We are to praise God for his comfort, understanding,
and strength during difficult times (Ps. 68:19; Is.
12:1; 2 Cor. 1:3; 1 Pt. 1:7; 4:16).
We are to praise God for our salvation and the hope
of Heaven (Lk. 1:68; Eph. 1:3-6; Heb. 13:14-15; 1
Pt. 1:3; 2:9).
- Praise is the natural and immediate response to God’s
activity in our lives (Mt. 15:31; Mk. 2:12; Lk. 13:13;
19:37).
Now that you know these things . . .
-- Do you immediately respond with praise for God’s
activity in your life? Why or why not?
-- Are you content with what God supplies and do you
praise Him for it? Why or why not?
-- Do you experience God’s comfort and strength
during difficult times?
-- What do you think hinders you from experiencing
God’s comfort and strength during difficult times?
-- When you don’t get what you want from God,
do you praise Him anyway? Why or why not?
Power
Power — God’s ability to change our attitudes,
feelings, or circumstances.
Biblical Examples:
- We must ask God to strengthen us with His power (Eph.
1:18-19; 3:16-18).
- We must recognize that God can do anything He wants
and more than we can imagine (Eph. 3:20).
When we ask God for something, we are really believing
that he has the power to give it to us. Occasionally,
God gives to us what we ask (1 Sam. 1:10-11; 19-20).
- Occasionally, God does not give to us what we ask,
because He has a better gift to give. God always gives
us what we need (2 Cor 12:7-9).
Now that you know these things . . .
Read Eph. 1:18-19 and ask God to demonstrate His
power over a particular relationship, problem, or
situation that you’re having right now. When
He answers, thank Him.
Write down an answer to your prayer when God gave
you what you asked. How did you respond?
Write down an answer to your prayer when God didn’t
give you what you asked. How did you respond?
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