PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 1: Introduction
I. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY
A. As a Fellowship, we have a lot of emphasis on prayer. Prayer meeting has been an essential element to
the growth of our Fellowship. Psalm 5:3, Psalm 55:17, Mark 1:35
1. Every move of God throughout history has been the result of prayer.
2. This was the way of the birth of the church. Acts 2:41-42, Acts 6:4
B. Why pray?
1. We pray because Jesus prayed. That is the example of our Savior. Heb 7:25
2. We pray because prayer is required. For the Christian, prayer is not optional! Luke 21:36,
Colossians 4:2, 1 Samuel 12:23a
3. W pray because prayer works! James 5:16
C. When you stop and think about prayer, it is such an incredible thing.
1. Prayer is a Point of connection with God. Hebrews 4:16
2. Prayer is Practical. Prayer is simple and it works! Prayer does not require advanced education.
Prayer can be done anytime, anywhere, in any situation! Jonah 2:1
3. Prayer is Powerful! Prayer will change your life. Prayer will chance the lives of others. Prayer will
move the hand of God! Acts 9:11
4. Prayer is a Privilege.
5. Prayer is Possible. It can be done!
II. WHAT IS PRAYER?
A. The truth is, many don’t pray at all, and don’t know how to pray. Luke 6:12, James 4:3, I Corinthians
14:14-15, Matthew 6:5
B. These are several aspects of prayer and each should be incorporated for a fruitful prayer life. Petition,
request, intercession, supplication, thanksgiving, etc. Are these all just synonyms for the word “prayer”?
Philippians 4:6, 1 Timothy 2:1.
III. WHERE DO WE BEGIN?
A. Start somewhere! You have to plan time to pray! Begin with 15 minutes, work towards a goal.
B. How long do I need to pray? (As long as you need!) Pray for one hour! Is that possible? Matthew
26:40
C. Structure is necessary to a fruitful prayer life. A systematic approach may feel “wooden” or unfeeling,
but imagine other aspects of life without structure. The first 10 chapters of Leviticus are setting an order
to Israel’s prayer and worship services. I Corinthians 14:26, 40
D. We are going to cover: Praise, Confession, Watching & Waiting, Intercession, Petition, Thanksgiving,
Scripture Prayer and Meditation.
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 2: Praise
I. ALL PRAYER IS TO BEGIN WITH PRAISE
A. Beginning with praise is the pattern of our Savior. Jesus starts His model prayer with praise. Matthew
6:9, Psalm 5:2
B. Beginning with praise puts God in His rightful position: first!
1. First is where He belongs and that is where the Bible says He should be! Exodus 20:3, Matthew
6:33
2. We also place praise first because it decentralizes self. Praising God takes your eyes off yourself and
puts them on God, your eyes will be removed from your circumstances. Psalm 121:1-2
3. God deserves to be praised first…even if we are not emotionally or physically prepared. Hebrews
13:15
C. Beginning with praise brings down the presence of God. All of Prayer is dependent upon His presence
and praise has the power to bring down the presence of God. 2 Chron 5:13-14, Psalm 22:3
II. WHAT IS PRAISE?
A. Praise is the vocal adoration of God. Praise is to prize, to value, to esteem. Praise is verbalizing our
esteem for God. Hebrews 13:15
B. The Bible also describes praise and worship in physical terms. There are many physical actions or
positions one can take in praise.
1. Bowing and kneeling. Jeremiah 7:2; Matthew 15:25
2. Lifting Hands. Genesis 14:22, 1 Timothy 2:8, Psalm 141:2
3. Clapping. Psalm 47:1
4. Shouting. Ezra 3:11, Psalm 132:16
5. Speaking in Tongues – worshipping in Spirit. John 4:24, Acts 10:46, Luke 1:46-47
C. Praise is gathering all the facts we know about God and putting these facts into words.
1. Praise God for His Name. Psalm 115:1 Isaiah 9:6
2. We praise God for His righteousness. Psalms 35:28
3. We should praise God for His infinite creation. Psalm 150:2
4. Praise God for His Word. Psalm 56:10
D. Early in prayer take time to recognize all that God is. Express these thoughts vocally. And don’t be in a
hurry to go beyond praise until you have taken adequate time to adore God with your words of worship.
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 3: Confession
I. CONFESSION IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO PRAYER
A. Why is confession important? Unrighteousness renders praying ineffective. Confession is not optional to
prayer. It is essential! Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 59:2-3
B. Confession is also important because the guilt and condemnation of past sin and uncleanness can hinder
our prayers. You feel like you have no right to ask God for anything. Matthew 9:19-20, Leviticus 15:25
C. Confession solves both of these problems! Confession clears the conscience of faith-killing guilt and
opens the heart to truly believe God will hear our petitions. 1 John 1:9
II. WHAT IS CONFESSION?
A. Confession is recognition of sin. We have to be completely honest with ourselves before God: we have
sinned! God does not ask us to confess our sins because He needs to know we have sinned, but because
He knows that we need to know we have sinned. Psalm 32:5
B. Confession is Difficult! We don’t necessarily like to look too deeply into ourselves. Confession can be
difficult because we have to admit we’ve messed up and fall short. Confession is difficult because it
requires change.
C. Confession is spiritual surgery. “Just as the surgeon lances a boil to permit the infection to drain and to
heal from the inside, so confession opens the sore, drains the poison, and heals from within.” 2
Chronicles 29:16
D. Confession is preparation for petition and intercession. “Am I truly ready to pray for a lost and
unevangelized world?” It is impossible to go before God for others until we have cleared the way
ourselves! Job 42:1, 5-8
III. CONFESSION INVOLVES ACTION (How do we confess?)
A. Confession is to verbalize our spiritual shortcomings and admit we have sinned. Simply stated,
confession is the act of declared admission. Only the mightiest of men will see and expose their
shortcomings! Isaiah 6:1, 5, Daniel 9:20-21
B. Confession involves searching the heart. During your times of confession especially be on guard for
little things – those unseen sins that grow to cause such severe damage. Every major spiritual failure
begins as a tiny seed of misconduct Psalm 139:23.
C. Confession always involves God! Forgiveness is a work only God can do. 1 John 1:9
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 4: Waiting
I. WAITING IS A PERIOD OF SURRENDER IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
A. In waiting, we are surrendering our selfish will.
1. Just like praise, waiting decentralizes self. Selfish nature approaches God in prayer for what we get
out of it.
2. The point of prayer isn’t to get an answer. The point of prayer is to get God! Psalm 52:9
B. In waiting, we are surrendering our minds and thoughts to concentrate on God.
1. This is a period of concentrating on God. We are pushing all else aside. Psalm 46:10
“Waiting on the Lord is basically the surrendering of the soul to God. It is not drifting into daydreaming, but is
rather an exercise that demands our keenest attention, our most alert frame of mind and all of our soul’s
attention.”
2. The presence of God is essential to prayer, and waiting is clearing the mind to focus upon God.
C. In waiting, we are surrendering ourselves to intimacy with God.
1. Waiting in prayer is often described as a time of silent love; “wordless worship.” Psalm 130:6
2. Truly knowing someone takes time and concentration. This is why prayer needs a careful silencing
of the mind, with all the thoughts directed toward the person of God alone.
II. WAITING IS ALLOWING GOD TO MOVE
A. Waiting allows God the freedom to move to search our hearts. Psalm 139:23
B. Waiting allows God to move and speak to us before we begin our petitions.
C. Waiting allows God to move and renew us with power!
1. Life and ministry can wear you down. Luke 8:46
2. Spending time with God, waiting on God, renews this strength. Isaiah 40:31
3. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is a baptism of power. Speaking in tongues is one aspect of waiting
in prayer that will “renew your strength.” Acts 1:4, 8, 14, Acts 2:4
III. WAITING IS ESSENTIAL TO THE DISCIPLINES OF SILENCE AND PATIENCE
A. A period of quiet waiting is practicing the essential discipline of silence.
1. There is nothing more destructive than the running mouth! Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 17:4
a. Anyone desiring to develop mature, godly character must learn the discipline of silence! Healthy
doses of silence while waiting in prayer may develop the practice of silence throughout the day!
Zechariah 2:13; Job 40:4
b. Especially strive to conquer the spirit of misspent conversation that permeates every fiber of
human life. Practice the art of silence throughout your day.
B. Waiting is practicing the essential discipline of patience.
1. If there is any quality that seems typically un-Christian, it is our impatience with God’s timing. But
the reality is that waiting is often part of God’s timing. Galatians 1:17-18; Acts 7:29-30.
2. We must train ourselves to wait; to be patient. This can begin with periods of waiting in prayer.
Psalm 62:1; Psalm 31:14-15a
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 5: Watching
I. WATCHING IN PRAYER MEANS BEING ALERT
A. Watching is a Scriptural part of prayer. Colossians 4:2; Matthew 26:41; Also: 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Timothy
4:5; Mark 14:34; Luke 21:36; 1 Corinthians 16:13
B. Watching in prayer is being awake, alert, and aware.
1. At the very minimum, being watchful in prayer means staying awake and not falling asleep!
Matthew 26:40; 1 Thessalonians 5:6
2. Being watchful not only means staying awake, but staying alert.
3. The Greek word for watch means, “to be awake or vigilant.” The dictionary defines watch as
“keeping awake in order to guard.” It can also mean “a close observation” or “to be on the alert.”
4. Watching is also making sure our prayers remain effective. We should especially guard against
prayer that lacks purpose.
II. WATCHING IN PRAYER IS COUNTERING THE DEVIL
A. We are involved in war! In war, we must be watchful. The Bible tells us to put on armor and fight… in
prayer! Ephesians 6:12-17; Ephesians 6:18
1. During watching, our spiritual function is somewhat similar to the ministry of the watchmen in
ancient Bible days. Nehemiah 4:7-9; Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 33:7
2. Watchmen are posted and alert in times of peace as well as war.
B. Watching is being aware of Satan’s personal attacks against us personally. Against the Tailor-made
Temptations of the devil. 1 Peter 5:8.
C. Watching is also being aware of Satan’s plans on a larger scale, especially as it pertains to World
Evangelism. Ephesians 6:18-19; Colossians 4:2-3
III. WATCHING IN PRAYER IS PREPARATION FOR INTERCESSION
A. Watching is making yourself aware of needs... in more than just your own life! Just like an army, we are
in this for the good of the mission, not just for ourselves.
1. During our time of watching, we ask ourselves, “How much awareness do I have of the problems
facing world evangelism?” “Am I aware of how Satan is working to hinder God’s workers?”
2. We can develop watchful prayer by taking advantage of the resources around us: The Trumpet or
Gospel Pioneer, church membership list, the “news” of the day. Economic problems, civil unrest,
political changes, and even weather conditions can enter into the fulfillment of the Great
Commission. Mark 13:33-37; Matthew 16:2-3
B. In watching, not only to we ask ourselves questions and consider the greater need, but we allow God to
speak to us and reveal needs we would not normally see. 1 Corinthians 2:10
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 6: Intercession
I. INTERCESSION – THE HEART OF PRAYER
A. Intercession is prayer offered on behalf of another.
1. This is the basic Biblical definition: praying for others, not for yourself. 1 Timothy 2:1
2. Intercession is praying for the salvation and redemption of others. Intercession is the key to freedom
for those in bondage. Genesis 20:7
3. Intercession is taking our eyes off ourselves and placing them on others. Once again, we are
decentralizing self! Matthew 6:9-12
4. Intercession is therefore self-sacrifice. Consider the example of Christ. Isaiah 53:12, Hebrews 7:25
B. Intercession is common ministry amongst all believers. All believers can pray, and all believers are
called upon to pray!
C. Intercession is engaging in spiritual battle.
1. Intercession is rising up in prayer and taking back what belongs to God. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Psalm
24:1
2. Intercessors have the right, and hold the power and authority in Jesus name, to claim back what
rightfully belongs to God, including all the souls upon the earth!
II. INTERCESSION AND WORLD EVANGELISM
A. Just as intercession is the heart of prayer, World evangelism is the heart of Christianity.
1. The ultimate purpose for a Christian is to reach others for Jesus.
2. Intercession is God’s method for involving all of His followers more completely in the totality of
His plan to reach the entire world. There is no other way a believer can become as fully involved in
God’s work, especially the work of world evangelism, as in intercessory prayer.
B. Scriptural prayer for world evangelism centers in four areas.
1. Prayer for Laborers into the Harvest. Matthew 9:36-38
2. Prayer for Open Doors. Colossians 4:2-3, 1 Timothy 2:1-2
3. Prayer for Fruit that Remains Philippians 4:17, Psalm 127:1, John 15:16
4. Prayer for Finances and Support. Romans 10:14
III. INTERCESSION AND THE HOLY GHOST
A. There are truly millions of things we can pray for. There are countless needs throughout the world;
needs in our families; needs on our community.
1. When we watch in prayer, God will reveal things that need prayer, that need intercession. Write
them down. Target them in prayer. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
2. God will reveal things that are more pressing than others. We have to be sensitive to the Holy Ghost.
B. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in our lives, to be intimate with us.
He will reveal things. But it is also through the Baptism of the Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues) that we
intercede. Romans 8:26
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 7: Petition
I. PETITION IS ASKING.
A. Petition is the act of personal supplication. Petition is the aspect of prayer given over to asking God for
specific personal things. Luke 11:2-3
B. Petition is Scriptural. To seek an unselfish spiritual or material blessing is not unscriptural. 1
Chronicles 4:10; 1 Samuel 1:10-11; 1 Samuel 1:27
1. Asking is a necessity in the kingdom. It is how the kingdom functions. God likes it when we ask.
Jesus commands us to ask! Matthew 7:7; John 14:13; John 15:7
2. If we do not ask, we may not get! James 4:2
II. PETITION IS EXPRESSED DEPENDENCE
A. Asking can seem selfish. But not asking is more self-centered than asking!
1. To not ask, is to be ignorant of the need. Failing to ask is at best ignorance, but more likely laziness
and apathy!
2. To not ask God for anything is to rely upon yourself, or some other source (credit card) for
provision. This is a form of idolatry. Psalm 52:7; Jeremiah 48:7; Psalm 20:7
B. True petition is not selfish. It is a confession of our need for God and His provision. Matthew 6:11
III. PETITION IS BASED UPON THE WORD OF GOD.
A. Petition is knowing the principles of prayer and the promises of the Word of God, and presenting these
requests before God, like an attorney before a judge. We are not seeking to “twist God’s arm”, but
relying on His promises. Psalm 143:1
B. Scriptural petition follows some basic principles.
C. Petition should be specific. Prayer must not be vague.
1. Specific Needs and words - Luke 18:38, 40-42
2. Specific People - Each of us have our own circle of family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
3. Specific Deliverance - Christians cry to be delivered from sin in general, but do not name any sin
from which deliverance can be claimed.
D. Petition should be complete. Psalm 142:1-2
E. Petition should be sincere.
1. Sincere needs. James 4:3
2. Sincere expectation. We should sincerely expect an answer. Matthew 21:22; 1 John 5:14-15
F. Petition should be simple. Long before an infant ever learns to speak, it cries out its needs in the
simplest terms and will always receive an answer. Job 6:8
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 8: Thanksgiving
I. WHAT IS THANKSGIVING?
A. Simply put, thanksgiving is exactly what the word itself signifies – the giving of thanks to God.
1. Thanksgiving was an aspect of Old Testament worship. Leviticus 7:11-15 describes the Peace
Offering for Thanksgiving. David appointed priests in the Temple whose job it was to praise and
thank God. 1 Chronicles 16:4; 1 Chronicles 23:30
2. In looking at the life of Christ, it is evident that a spirit of Thanksgiving was important to him.
Matthew 15:36; John 11:41
3. Our prayer life is to be full of thanksgiving as well. Philippians 4:6
B. Thanksgiving is a form of praise. However, thanksgiving differs from praise in that praise focuses on
who God is, whereas thanksgiving focuses on what God has specifically done for us. Psalm 69:30;
Psalm 100:4
C. Thanksgiving is the act of expressing specific gratitude to God for blessings He has bestowed upon us.
1. Gratitude is a feeling of the heart, while thanksgiving is expressing that gratitude in words.
Thanksgiving is an active, oral “confession of blessings.”
2. Giving thanks is an act of the will. It is also a sacrifice It is one of the few “actions” we can do for
God. ! Leviticus 22:29; Psalm 107:22; Psalm 116:12, 17
D. Thanksgiving is the “knife-in-the-heart” of the ungrateful, complaining spirit.
1. An unthankful heart is one that has turned away from God. This was the downfall of the Israelites on
their way to Canaan. Romans 1:21; Luke 17:12-17
2. Gratitude and murmuring never abide in the same heart at the same time. A true Christian corrects
complaining and promotes gratitude and thanksgiving. Philippians 4:11
II. WATCHING IN THANKSGIVING
A. We are exhorted to “watch” in Thanksgiving. Prayer is usually contemplating the present needs or
looking to the future. Thanksgiving takes a deliberate “looking back” to past blessings for which to be
thankful. Colossians 4:2
B. What are areas of blessings that we can be thankful about? Be specific.
1. Spiritual blessings
2. Material blessings
3. Physical blessings
4. External blessings 1 Corinthians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:3
III. THANKSGIVING – THE FAITH BUILDER
A. Answered prayer promotes more praying. There is nothing that will help your prayer life more than
having prayers answered. Returning thanks for blessings already received increases our faith and enables
us to approach God with new boldness and new assurance.
B. As one meditates upon the answers to prayers already granted, faith grows bolder and bolder. We begin
to believe in the depths of our souls that there truly is nothing too hard for God. John 11:41
PRAYER THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
Lesson 9: Importunity
I. OUR DESIRE IS A REGULAR, HABITUAL LIFESTYLE OF PRAYER
A. We have now considered seven different aspects of prayer. There are even several more disciplines that
can be incorporated into our prayer life.
1. Scripture praying – using an open Bible during prayer time. Develop actual prayers based on the
thoughts and phrases included in Scripture. Colossians 1:9-11
2. Singing – singing is an act of praise and thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:19
3. Meditation – applying Scripture to our lives and focus on the works of God and past victories.
Joshua 1:8; Psalm 143:5
4. Listening – Give God a chance to speak! Ecclesiastes 5:2
B. Our desire isn’t just to know all these aspects of prayer, but to do them; to practice them regularly.
There are practical ways to accomplish that.
1. Commitment is key! Accomplishment always begins with a commitment of the will.
2. Once a commitment is made, follow-through and persistence are essential. We must have
“purposeful regularity”.
a. Find the best time for personal prayer. Psalm 5:3
b. Recognize the overwhelming importance of daily time with God. 1 Samuel 12:23
c. Fight all interruptions fiercely.
d. Develop a practical prayer plan.
II. PRAYER AND IMPORTUNITY
A. Christ teaches us to be importunate; to be annoyingly persistent! Luke 11:5-9
i.
NLT
Luke 11:9 "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will
find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
B. Is repetition Biblical? Does it show a lack of faith to ask the same thing again? Matthew 6:7; James
1:6
1. Jesus cautioned His followers against “vain” repetition “as the heathen do.”
2. The Christian in right standing with God, who brings before the Lord a similar petition from day to
day, is not in the same category as a wheel-spinning Buddhist.
C. Repetition (as long as not vain or like the heathen) is a Scriptural practice.
1. Mighty men of God, in whom God was pleased, are recorded as using repetition in prayer. Abraham,
Jacob, Elijah, Daniel… even Jesus! Genesis 32:26; 1 Kings 18:44; Daniel 10:2-3; Luke 22:44
2. The entire point of the Parable of the Importunate Widow is perseverance in prayer. It has no other
meaning. Her widowhood, her friendlessness, and her weakness counted for nothing with the unjust
judge. Importunity was everything. Luke 18:1-8
3. The superficial pray-er sinks into silence when the answer is delayed. But the man of prayer hangs
on, and on, and on… James 5:16b