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MARVIN MARCELINO
Introduction
"Some men will spin out a long prayer telling God who and what
he is, or they pray out a whole system of divinity. Some people
preach, others exhort the people, till everybody wishes they would
stop, and God wishes so, too, most undoubtedly."
--Charles Finney
Marvin Marcelino
Bangkok, Thailand
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
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PART 1
PERSONAL
INVENTORY
4
Who Am I to
Pray?
Psalms 55:5 _______________________________
Jeremiah 17:9 ______________________________
Romans 7:15-20____________________________
Psalms 139:23-24 ___________________________
Psalms 51:8-12 ____________________________
5
If you pray:
1. How do you pray?
6
If you've experienced this
yourself, what did you do next?
1. When you find yourself really angry over something, have
you ever stopped yourself, and taken at least a moment to
ask the Lord, "What is happening here?"
4. When you were ill or in serious trouble, did you ever feel
the prayers of others? What was that like? What were you
getting from those prayers? What other effects did the
prayers have?
7
Are you a church or cell group
member?
1. How and why does your church/cell pray? How often do
they meet for it?
2. Does your church have any goals for their prayer life?
How can these goals be gauged or measured?
7. What was the most intense prayer that your group ever
prayed? What do you think caused that level of intensity?
8
If you are not attending a
church…
Take up a challenge.
Attend a worship service at a church. Any church you
choose, chosen for your own reasons.
6. What do you think such prayer does for those praying it?
9
What do you expect from prayer?
1. Have you ever received it?
2. Did the Divine response surprise you?
3. When have you most felt that you had lost touch
with God?
4. When have you felt most intimate with God?
5. How have these moments affected your prayers?
6. Have you ever been angry at God?
7. If so, when did you tell that to God?
8. Did there seem to be a response, then or later?
9. Have you ever felt afraid to pray? Why?
10. Does anyone else you know seem to fear something
about prayer?
11. What do you think God really thinks of you?
12. What have you prayed for that, when you look back
on it, you're glad you didn't get? Or prayed that it
would not happen, but you're glad it did?
13. How would your life be different if God had granted
those prayers?
14. How do you think you'd feel if God woke you up out
of a sound sleep?
10
PART 2
BASICS OF
PRAYER
11
What prayer is
not?
“Do you know what prayer is? It is not begging God for this
and that. The first thing we have to do is to get you beggars
to quit begging until a little faith moves in your souls.” --
John G. Lake
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not
pray for tasks equal to your powers, pray for powers equal
to your task.” --Phillips Brooks
12
"Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting
God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know
what He can do. Expect unexpected things, ‘above all that
we ask or think’. Each time, before you Intercede, be quiet
first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can
do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed
people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and
expect great things!" --Andrew Murray
"If we then let the words of Christ abide in us, they will stir
us up in prayer."—Charles Spurgeon
13
WHAT What is a prayer?
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the
greater work.” --Oswald Chambers
14
Prayer is the breath of the soul, the channel of all blessings.
As . . . the repentant soul offers its prayer, God sees its
struggles, watches its conflicts, and marks its sincerity. He
has His finger upon its pulse, and He takes note of every
throb. Not a feeling thrills it, not an emotion agitates it, not
a sorrow shades it, not a sin stains it, not a thought or
purpose moves it, of which He is not cognizant. That soul
was purchased at an infinite cost, and is loved with a
devotion that is unalterable. EGWhite{Maranatha 85.1}
15
What prayers can do?
"Prayers do shape the future in ways different from what
would have been the case had no prayers been uttered. And
this is because of the kind of God to whom the prayers are
spoken. .... God is open to taking new directions and
changing courses in view of the interaction between God and
people. Yet always in view will be God's salvific will for
all." --Terence Fretheim
16
Prayer must have a purpose.
1. To bring adoration / Praise / Blessing to the Lord
a. Psalms 111:1,10 _____________________
b. Psalms 24:1 ________________________
c. Acts 16:25 _________________________
d. Matthew 6:9 ________________________
17
Should my prayer be organized?
Basic Prayer Outline is a suggested guide which
helps one to have a more focused prayer.
A –Adoration ______________________________
C-Confession ______________________________
T-Thanksgiving ____________________________
S-Supplication _____________________________
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the
greater work.” --Oswald Chambers
"Our prayers lay the track down on which God’s power can
come. Like a mighty locomotive, His power is irresistible,
but it cannot reach us without rails." --Watchman Nee
18
WHY Why pray?
19
PRAYERLESSNESS
“Of all the duties enjoined by Christianity none is more
essential and yet more neglected than prayer.”-- François
Fénelon
20
WHEN When do I pray?
21
WHERE Where Do I Pray?
“Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the
place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The
Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life.” --
Leonard Ravenhill
22
TYPES OF PRAYERS
In the public assembly of God's people, prayers should not
be offered that are suitable only to secret communion with
him. We should pray understandingly and intelligently, and
every day we should know better how to offer appropriate
and prevailing prayers. EGWhite{Signs of the Times, May
15, 1884 par. 5}
Prayer In Worship
In worship, Christians pray a lot. They pray for:
forgiveness, oneself and one's own, those who are ill,
the world and its leaders, sins, momentous happenings, and
disasters; the pastor, the sermon, and an open mind in
listening to it; a spirit of fellowship and friendship;
our learning, discerning, and witness; church events,
activities, and ministries; vision and renewed energy;
giving thanks to God; becoming quieted enough to pay
attention to God's presence. These are all a part of prayer in
worship.
23
Are there many forms of prayer
in worship?
Recited scriptural prayers; Composed or poetic prayer
(which can in the right hands say what others want to say
but don't know how to say it);
24
Prayers In Public
Prayer done in a congregation or big meeting such as
Offertory prayer, Dedicatory prayer, Invocation and
Benediction, Thanksgiving
25
What does public prayer teach
each believer?
In public :
they pray when they don't want to pray or don't feel
like praying;
they pray when they have trouble concentrating on
praying;
they pray when they aren't prepared for it;
they pray the Word by drawing on Scriptures in the
liturgy and readings;
they pray for (and with!) those they are in conflict
with;
they pray about people and things they wouldn't
think to pray for or would otherwise forget to pray
for.
26
What is expected of a church
leader about prayer?
modeled a life of prayer,
turned to prayer,
described prayer's role in their lives and in churchly
doings,
trusted that God would answer the prayers;
honored those in prayer chains and groups during
worship services,
sought answers to prayer,
learned how to recognize answers,
accepted and sometimes even celebrated God's
replies, even when
those replies weren't what they were hoping for;
constantly asked people about their prayer life,
encouraged deeper involvement in prayer.
27
Such churches are well aware that God gives gifts to those
who keep on praying, most notably the power to get God's
purposes done. And they are keen on tapping into a realm
that is too deep for our bodily senses to pick up on, but that
is there in everything and everyone.
Some of these churches have grown rapidly. But don't think
of prayer as a road to numerical growth: many churches
have grown large and rich without a lot of praying, and
a lot of praying churches stay average or small in size. (In
statistical-talk: an emphasis on prayer has only a mild
correlation with numerical growth or financial donations.)
God gives a different gift to churches that stress prayer:
they're more vital.
28
HOW How do I pray?
“We must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is
impossible to live one way and pray another.” --William
Law
“He who has a pure heart will never cease to pray, and he
who will be constant in prayer shall know what it is to have
a pure heart."--Pere la Combe
Learn to pray short and right to the point, asking for just
what you need. Learn to pray aloud where only God can
hear you. Do not offer make-believe prayers, but earnest,
feeling petitions, expressing the hunger of the soul for the
Bread of Life. If we prayed more in secret, we should be able
to pray more intelligently in public. These doubtful,
hesitating prayers would cease. And when we engaged with
29
our brethren in public worship, we could add to the interest
of the meeting; for we should bring with us some of the
atmosphere of heaven, and our worship would be a reality,
and not a mere form. . . .If the soul is not drawn out in
prayer in the closet and while engaged in the business of the
day, it will be manifest in the prayer meeting. . . .
EGWhite{Our High Calling 130.4}
30
HOW TO APPROACH THE
THRONE OF GOD?
7 Approaches to the Throne of God
1. Ask the Holy Spirit for help
a. Romans 8:26 __________________
b. John 14:26 ____________________
2. Come boldly
a. Psalms 47:8 ________________
b. Hebrews 4:16 _______________
c. Psalms 89:14 _______________
31
“Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we
never gossip about the folk for whom we pray! For prayer is
a great deterrent.” --Leonard Ravenhill
6. With faith
a. Psalms 27:14 _______________
b. Psalms 37:5 ________________
32
Check this out as you approach God in prayer.
NAMES OF GOD
Yhwh-Shammah Lord who is present Ezekiel 48:35
El Shaddai Almighty God Genesis 17:1-20
Yhwh-Raah Lord is my shepherd Psalm 23
Yhwh-Yireh Lord provides Genesis 22;14
Yhwh-Tsidkenu Lord my righteousness Jeremiah 23:6
Yhwh-Nissi Lord my victory Exodus 17:15
El Elyon Most high-strongest one Isaiah 14:13
El Roi The strong one who sees Genesis 16:3
El Olam Everlasting God Isaiah 40:28
Yhwh-Shalom Lord is peace Judges 6:24
Yhwh-El Gomplah Lord god of recompense Jeremiah 51:56
Yhwh-Maccadeshcem Lord my sanctifier Exodus 31:13
Yhwh-Nakeh Lord that smites (evil) Ezekiel 7:9
Yhwh-Sabbaoth Lord of host 1Samuel 1:3
33
People pray in many physical
positions. For instance:
laying flat on the floor, face down, with hands
stretched out (also known as 'prostrate');
standing, hands raised and spread, palms up,
looking upward;
sitting, head bowed, eyes closed, hands folded (the
most common position today);
kneeling, head bowed, hands folded;
kneeling, head to the ground, hands face down on
ground next to head;
standing, eyes forward, facing the altar;
sitting in lotus position, eyes closed, hands in front,
palms up;
laying flat on the floor, face up, palms up;
slow leisurely walking (or sitting), eyes open, in a
place where one can safely pay very little attention
to where one is going.
Each of these positions (and others) can be done for any kind
of praying, but each has special meaning for different kinds
of prayer. Standing (1 Samuel 1:26) with hands raised is
typical of praise, celebrative prayer, and thanks-giving.
Kneeling (Ezra 9:5) and prostration (Joshua 7:6) show
humility and recognition of a superior, and thus are
especially well-suited to prayers of confession, repentance,
or awe. (If you're someone who bows to no one, please
consider praying while laying prostrate.
34
doesn't mention arm gestures in prayer except the raising of
hands; however, starting at least by 800 AD, some devout
Jews have been known to sway while studying the Torah,
chanting Psalms, or praying. Christians praying together are
known to link hands and raise them together.
Why my prayers
fail?
"God hears no more than the heart speaks; and if the heart
be dumb, God will certainly be deaf."
--Thomas Brooks
35
God. It makes prayer psychologically impossible, replacing
it with dead ritual at best."--David Brainerd
"Victories that are easy are cheap. Those only are worth
having which come as the result of hard fighting." --Henry
Ward Beecher
36
Case of an unanswered prayer
A people are here addressed who make high profession, who
are in the habit of praying, and who delight in religious
exercises; yet there is a lack. They realize that their prayers
are not answered; their zealous, earnest efforts are not
observed in heaven, and they earnestly inquire why the Lord
makes them no returns.
37
allow yourself to move around. (As a diabetic, I
know how sleepy I can get when
the blood sugar rises, as it often does when I'm still
for too long.)
check out your diet.
try one of the many simple devotional techniques.
get more sleep.
stop overworking yourself.
38
with God. The Lord will see you being truthful, and will
respond with love and grace.
39
8. Perhaps you recently compromised with the world
around you in a way that compromises your relations with
God at its very root. Which god do you follow?
14. Maybe you're not convinced deep down that you really
need God and need to be a part of God's purposes.
15. Maybe you think your own plans are doing well and
God's help would be just a nice added 'plus'. Yet, when
there's no sense of weakness, no keen awareness of our
40
human limits, no awareness that it's God's power that makes
things work, then prayer loses its sense of urgency, and life
loses its touch with reality.
41
Root causes of failed prayers
1. Sin in the heart and life
Psalm 66:18 ___________________________
Isaiah 59:1, 2 ___________________________
Psalm 66:18 ___________________________
Isaiah 59:1, 2 ___________________________
5. Wrong motives
James 4:2, 3 ___________________________
42
PART 3
PREVAILING
PRAYER
43
PREVAILING
PRAYER IS A
NEED
a. It is a holy work
b. Your potential as a created being will risk
c. No higher role, honor or authority can appeal
with God than this.
44
PREVAIL OVER HINDRANCES
1. Prevail over appointment & unexpected guests
2. Prevail over any gadgets that hinder prayer.
3. Prevail over fatigue, hunger and sleepiness.
4. Prevail over laziness and discomforts, noise
“We hear it said that a man will suffer in his life if he does
not pray; I question it. What will suffer is the life of the Son
of God within him, which is nourished not by food but by
prayer...Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished.” --
Oswald Chambers
45
Role of
Prevailing Prayer
extending God’s Kingdom
for defeating Satan
fulfilling God’s eternal plan
to cover the earth with His blessings
Job 21:14, 15
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
46
LEVELS OF
PREVAILING PRAYER
LEVEL 1
Ask Matthew 7:7
LEVEL 2
Seek The asking becomes more intense
LEVEL 3
Knock Interceding becomes more urgent
and insistent
LEVEL 4
Fast To previous crescendo of intensity and
urgency of intercession, fasting is added.
LEVEL 5
Prayer Burden The burden may be
intense and brief or perhaps extended over long
period of time.
LEVEL 6
Wrestling in Prayer Very intense praying
LEVEL 7
Prayer Warfare Prayer battle extending
over a prolonged period. (prayer marathon)
47
DYNAMICS OF
PREVAILING
PRAYER
Praying is like a song it has melody and dynamics.
Lovely is the song that lifts the spirit and touches the
heart. A song from the heart moves the heart. A Prayer
from the heart catches the attention of God.
48
1. DESIRE
“He who desires not from the depths of his heart makes a
deceptive prayer.” --Fenelon
When sincere desire prompts men to pray, they will not pray
in vain. The Lord will fulfill His word, and will give the Holy
Spirit to lead to repentance toward God and faith toward
our Lord Jesus Christ. He will pray and watch, and put
away his sins, making manifest his sincerity by the vigor of
his endeavor to obey the commandments of God. With
prayer he will mingle faith, and not only believe in but obey
the precepts of the law. He will announce himself as on
Christ's side of the question. He will renounce all habits and
associations that tend to draw the heart from God. EG
White-{New Life 24.1}
Paul’s desire
49
a. Romans 10:1 ___________________
b. Philippians 1:9) __________________
“This holy and fervid flame in the soul awakens the interest
of heaven, attracts the attention of God and place the
disposal of those who exercise it, the exhaustless richness of
heaven of divine Grace.” --E.M. Bounds
“Those who know God the best are the richest and most
powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and
strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare and
feeble thing.” --E. M. Bounds
50
2. FERVENCY
Desire and fervency are closely related, yet has its own
contribution. Fervency has to do with passion and zeal.
Fervency is born of love.
"You must pray with all your might. That does not mean
saying your prayers, or sitting gazing about in church or
chapel with eyes wide open while someone else says them
for you. It means fervent, effectual, untiring wrestling with
God...This kind of prayer be sure the devil and the world
and your own indolent, unbelieving nature will oppose. They
will pour water on this flame." --William Booth
“You may pray for an hour and still not pray. You may meet
God for a moment and then be in touch with Him all day.” --
Fredrik Wisloff
51
Let us learn to pray intelligently, expressing our requests
with clearness and precision. Let us . . . pray as though we
meant it. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much." James 5:16 EGW{Our High Calling 130.6}
52
It brings God. There is no power like that of prevailing
prayer.” --Samuel Chadwick
"I lack the fervency, vitality, life, in prayer which I long for.
I know that many consider it fanaticism when they hear
anything which does not conform to the conventional, sleep-
inducing eulogies so often rising from Laodicean lips; but I
know too that these same people can acquiescently tolerate
sin in their lives and in the church without so much as tilting
one hair of their eyebrows."--Jim Elliot
53
3. IMPORTUNITY
Importunity in Greek is anaideia which means to utter
shamelessly. Do not be embarrassed of your prayer and
praying.
“He does not pray at all he who does not plea. Cold prayers
have no claims on heaven and no bearings in the court
above.” --E.M.Bounds
Isaiah 64:7
___________________________________
54
“A servant of the Lord stands bodily before men, but
mentally he is knocking at the gates of heaven with prayer.”
–John Climacus
55
4. FAITH
Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. "He that
cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.
Jesus said to His disciples, "What things so ever ye desire,
when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have
them." Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word?
EGWhite{SC 96.1}
56
“Faith laughs at the shaking of the spear. Unbelief trembles
at the shaking of the leaf, unbelief starves the soul; faith
finds food in famine and a table in the wilderness. In the
greatest danger faith says, ‘I have a great God. When
outward strength is broken, faith rest on the promises, in the
midst of sorrow faith draws the strong out of every trouble
and takes out the bitterness for every affliction.” --Author
Unknown
57
5. THE HOLY SPIRIT
“We must pray in spirit if we would pray at all.” --Trench
58
"The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but
through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men.
He does not anoint plans, but men---men of prayer."--E. M.
Bounds
IN WHOSE SPIRIT?
Ephesians 6:18 ________________________
Galatians 5:16 _________________________
Galatians 5:25 _________________________
Romans 8:4 ___________________________
Galatians 5:16 _________________________
59
THE SPIRIT EMPOWERS YOU TO PRAY
60
6. UNITING IN
PRAYER
The principles of Ecclesiastes 4:12 applies in the
spiritual life and prayer warfare: Though one may be
overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of
three strands is not quickly broken.
UNITED PRAYER
Why do we need to be united in prayer?
61
“If God will do whatever He wishes, regardless of whether
we pray or not, then we do not need to pray at all, and the
Lord's instructions on praying for the Kingdom and the Will
are superfluous. But the truth is that God waits for a
Remnant to rise up and to pray in agreement with His
Purpose before He does anything - He will do nothing apart
from the Church. Apart from HIM, we CAN do nothing;
apart from US, He WILL do nothing.” –Chip Brogden
“All those who journey soon or late must pass within the
garden gate; must kneel alone in darkness there. And battle
with some despair. God pity those who cannot say, “Not
mine but Thine.” For they only pray “let this trial pass” for
they cannot see the purpose in Gethsemane, for they cannot
see the purpose on Calvary.” –Ernest Crosby
62
God blesses united prayers
The spirit of prayer is deepened.
“The more you pray together the more you sense each
other’s heartbeat. Nothing tends to cement the hearts of
Christian than praying together. Never do they live one
another so well as when they witness the outpouring of each
other’s heart.”--Charles Finney
63
“God needs them all – our open hands, our waiting best, our
praying hearts. To work together and to weave a three cord
that shall not impart, to aid some who is sad.” --Amie
Johnson Flint
The more you hear others joining in prayer for the same
need, the stronger your faith tend to become. You
become encouraged, persevering, constant, concerned.
There is a new firmness and determination. Heart
warms heart. Prayer kindles prayer. Faith strengthens
faith.
PRAYER IN AGREEMENT
1. Agree in the assessment of the need.
2. Agree in deep hunger for God’s answer.
3. Agree in giving God the full liberty to
work.
4. Come to agreement in God’s will in the
matter.
5. Agree in claiming an appropriate
promise.
6. Agree in holy determination to see God’s
answer realized.
7. Agree in giving God all the glory.
64
The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of
God's people are offered, and in answer to these prayers
there may be expected a power greater than that which
comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be
proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for
God and for one another. EGWhite{Central Advance,
February 25, 1903 par. 2}
65
7. PERSEVERANCE
Do you devout yourself to prayers, being watchful?
(Colossians 4:2)
“If you are sick, fast and pray; if the language is hard to
learn, fast and pray; if the people will not hear you, fast and
pray, if you have nothing to eat, fast and pray.” - Frederick
Franson
66
we must give ourselves to earnest, constant, persistent,
sleepless, overcoming prayer.
67
Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of
Elijah. When upon Mount Carmel he offered the prayer for
rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered in making
known his request unto God. EGWhite{ Our High Calling
133.2}
PUSH!
P - PRAY
U - UNTIL
S - SOMETHING
H – HAPPENS
68
Why God takes time to answer?
"It is not enough for the believer to begin to pray, nor to
pray correctly; nor is it enough to continue for a time to
pray. We must patiently, believingly continue in prayer until
we obtain an answer." George Mueller
69
How long does it take God to
answer prayer?
Numbers 12:13 _____________________________
1Kings 18:38 _______________________________
Exodus 17:11-16 ____________________________
Colossians 4:12-13 __________________________
“God does not bestow His gifts to the hasty and casual
comers and goers. Much with God alone is the secret of
knowing Him and of influence with Him.” – E.M. Bounds
8. PRAISE
“The prayer that begins with trustfulness and passes on into
waiting will always end in thankfulness and praise.” --Rev.
Alexander Scottish
70
34:1) with songs (147:1) and with music. (150:3) We
are to be clothed with praise (Isaiah 61:3) and our very
live are to be a praise to God. (1 Peter 2:9)
71
“Whether we think of or speak to God; whether we act or
suffer for him; all is prayer when we have no other object
than his love, and the desire of pleasing him.” --John Wesley
"Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our
intelligence aglow."--Helen Keller
72
PART 4
INTERCESSORY
PRAYER
73
PRAYER OF
INTERCESSION
“And I searched for a man (noun) among them who could
build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the
land, that I should not destroy it, but I find no one.” Ezekiel
22:30
74
You are an intercessor!
Christ ordained you to join Him in the ministry of
intercession.
INTERCESSION IN THE
BIBLE
The Old Testament has many cases of
people standing up for others before God.
The most striking example is that of Abraham. He took the
initiative to step forward before God on behalf of his
neighbors in Sodom and its area. He cared enough to do it,
even though he knew how thoroughly wicked Sodom was,
and knew how furious God was about it -- which explains
why he was so careful in speaking to God about
it (Genesis 18:16-33).
75
A fine example is the exchange between the prophet
Habakkuk and God (Habakkuk 1:1-2:20), where the
prophet asks for God to act against injustice, but God replies
about a coming doom.
Indeed, His whole life, His whole reason for being born, was
to be a living intercession, a giving of His
life to span the rift caused by our rebellion against God.
76
Stephen's last words (Acts 7:60) were an intercession on
behalf of those who were killing him.
The others were not always beloved; they prayed for their
political leaders, some of whom were out to kill them. But
they knew their God was merciful and was intimately
involved with what was going on in the world. And they
knew that they were called by God to share in that
involvement, strength, healing, and love. Don't be fearful; be
persistent and stubborn. God doesn't mind; God likes to
see divine love at work in you. God honors your part in the
relationship.
77
It's been the practice of Christian intercessors over the past
two millennia that intercessory prayer is prayed in a
'Trinitarian' manner: to the Father, through the Son, and in
and with the Holy Spirit. God isn't fussy about that pattern,
but it helps us to see some part of how God works in prayer.
Thus, we are to pray listening for the Spirit, and pray that
God's will be done. I find myself concentrating better when I
mutter the words; it gives my mind more focus. The mind
may go off to explore something during personal devotions,
but not while you're interceding for others -- those others
must be your first concern. So, it's sometimes best to do it
before you seek stillness (though God will sometimes lead
you out of stillness into intercession -- be open to it).
You may be the answer God sends into their lives. That's not
a license to be a buttinski, stepping into everyone's private
lives like some sort of conquering hero. But the Spirit might
be calling you to be more than a bystander. Be ready for it.
When you intercede, bring your knowledge, gifts, abilities,
attention and energies before God and say, 'use these, if
that's what it takes to set this right'.
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WANTED:
GIFTED INTERCESSOR
Are you?
Anyone can pray for others and step in with God on their
behalf. But some people are gifted at intercession. They have
an ear for the needs of others, and take them before God
even when those other people reject God.
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harm to their enemies by praying for divine acts of
judgment, Jesus reminded them of why He was there (and
they, too): "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy
peoples' lives, but to save them" (Luke 9:56).
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When the gifted pray-er comes to that person, he/she will
give a verbal prayer of blessing which mentions what the
blessing or gift is for that person. The related, traditional gift
of 'helps' is about putting what we have into the task, the
mission, or the spiritual life of another. It's about furthering
other peoples' gifts.
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Each group develops its own rhythm, style, schedule, and
history. If it is a group that meets on a regular basis, it needs
a clear purpose that the members invest themselves in.
God takes that and blesses it, since it's what God hopes to
create between us. The procedure that most people find most
natural is to stand together in a ring, and have each person
share for however long is needed, then going to the next
person in the ring, until done.
If hands are linked, one person can pass their turn on to the
next simply by squeezing the next person's hand or softly
saying something. Another common way is for each to share
freely, in no particular order, waiting until the person
speaking is done. Those who have experience in leading
groups say that these are fine ways to begin, but it tends to
become a rut, or concentration spans lapse. It helps to move
from one procedure of prayer to another.
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More number, more power
Level 1: Prayer Partners
Level 2: Prayer Groups
Level 3: Simultaneous Prayer Group
Level 4: Calls to prayer by responsible and influential
leaders to leaders or groups
Level 5: Widespread movements of prayer
If it's too big, try splitting it into two separate groups, each
led by someone who has had responsibilities in the original
group. It's a good idea for the groups to keep in touch
regularly after that, exchanging prayer concerns and perhaps
taking on a service activity together.
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Types of intercessory prayer
General Intercessor
Prays daily for specific lists.
e.g. Salvation of individuals by name, may mixed
prayer needs.
Crisis Intercessor
Prays for specific need until answer comes.
e.g. crisis level trouble marriage, sudden illness, etc.
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Variations for group praying
1. Sentence prayers : each person, one at a time, offers a
brief specific concern, praise, or thanks to God, ending with
"Amen" or some other refrain. No explaining it, just saying
it and leaving it. (Allow those who don't want to share to say
just "Amen" so it passes on to the next person.)
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gives everyone time to think on the phrase, or to silently let
it sink in, listening for some stirrings within.
(The tags and response can be much less mundane than that.
But simple often works best.)
Without a deliberate effort to keep prayer concerns as wide
as God's world, groups (and people) tend to get ever
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narrower in what they pray about. This can be prevented by
creating a structure in which a broad range of concerns are
addressed each meeting.
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Prayer group etiquette
There are rules of behavior - a kind of prayer group
etiquette -- for intercessory prayer circle members to
follow:
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suddenly steer into intercession for someone in need who is
there with laying on of hands. But don't blurt out the time
and place for the church picnic.)
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14. Don't reduce intercessory (or any other) prayer to the
constant repeating of catch-phrases, like, "more! more!"
or "fire! fire! fire!". That's not really intercession,
because it's detached from people.
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righteous ascend to God, that the word spoken may be a
message of truth to reach the hearts of the hearers, and that
souls may thereby be won to Christ.—Review and Herald
July 24, 1883. {Pastoral Ministry 49.4}
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Why need a prayer group
leader?
The leader sets the basic course for the prayers of the
meeting, maintains the contacts, makes suggestions for
further devotions, and provides a way for the group to
effectively pray on private matters without breaching
privacy.
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A prayer group leader should
have traits like these:
a servant's heart. (Intercessory prayer is not a stepping-
stone to church office or power-broker roles.)
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is loving, not harsh. (The leader should be someone who
draws people in, not scare them off.)
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REFERENCE INTERCESSOR FOR WHOM FOR WHAT
Job 9:32-35 Someone Job Remove terror of God
Job 42:7-10 Job his “friends” Forgive folly words
Psalms 85 Son of Korah Judeans Restoration
Ps. 106:19-23 Moses Israelites Forgive idolatry
Isaiah 53:12 Suffering servant Transgressors Forgiveness
Isaiah 59:16 God Human Justice
Isaiah 64 Isaiah Judeans Forgiveness
Jer. 17:16 Jeremiah Judeans Not to intercede
Jer. 14:19-22 Jeremiah Judeans Forgiveness
Jer. 15:1 Moses, Samuel Israelites General
Jer. 18:28 Jeremiah Judeans Turn away God’s wrath
Jer 42:1-7 Jeremiah The remnant Direction / decision
Ezek 22:30-31 Someone Judeans Turn away God’s wrath
Daniel 9 Daniel Judean exiles Forgiveness, return
Matt. 5:44 God’s people Persecutors General
Matt 8:5-13 Centurion Servant Heal paralysis
Matt 9:18-26 Ruler Daughter Resurrection
Matt 15:21-28 Canaanite woman Daughter Release demons
Matt 17:14-18 Father Son Heal from demons
Luke 22:14-18 Jesus Peter Faith will not fail
Luke 23:34 Jesus Romans Forgiveness
John 4:46-52 Royal official Son Heal fever
John 11 Mary & Martha Lazarus Heal , resurrection
John 17 Jesus Disciples Unity
Acts 7:59-60 Stephen Murderers Forgiveness
Acts 8:14-17 Peter & John Samaritan Receive Holy Spirit
Acts 9:36-43 Peter Dorcas Resurrection
Acts 12:1-19 Jerusalem church Peter Release from prison
Acts 13:3 Antioch Barnabas/Saul Consecration
Acts 28:7-8 Paul Publius’ Dad Healing from fever
Romans 1:8-10 Paul Roman churc General
Rom. 8:26,27 Holy Spirit Saints General
Romans 10:1 Paul Israelites Salvation
Rom. 15:30-31 Roman church Paul Rescue fr non-believer
Eph 1;15-23 Paul Eph. church Wisdom, revelation
Eph 3:14-21 Paul Eph. church strength fr Holy Spirit
Eph 6:18 Ephesians church all saints General
Eph 8:19 Ephesians church Paul Right words to speak
Phil 1:3-11 Paul Phil church Love may abound
Col 1:3-12 Paul Colossians ch General
Col 4:3-4 Colossian Church Paul, others Proclaim truth clearly
1 Thes 3:9-13 Paul Thess church strength / blameless
1 Thes 5:25 Thessalonians Paul, others General
2 Thes 1:11,12 Paul Thessalonians General
2Thes 2:16-17 Paul Thes church Encouragement
2 Thes 2:1-4 Thessalonians Paul Message spreads
1Tim 2:1-4 Timothy Everyone Peace. quite lives
Philemon 4-6 Paul, Timothy Philemon Active sharing faith
Heb 13:18-19 Hebrews Paul, others Restoration
Heb 13:20-21 Paul Hebrews God equip them
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High level prayer partners with
remarkable prayer results.
AD 30, Peter’s preaching resulted in three thousand
conversions. His partners for ten days did the next level
prayer.
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PART 5
PRAYER
WARRIOR
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PRAYER WARRIOR
Jesus the Master Prayer Warrior
“We need now to pray as we have never prayed before.” --
E. G. White {Today With God 336.3}
Jesus opened His public mission with fervent prayer and His
example makes manifest the fact that prayer is necessary in
order to lead a successful Christian life. He was constantly
in communion with His Father, and His life presents to us a
perfect pattern which we are to imitate. He appreciated the
privilege of prayer, and His work showed the results of
communion with God. Examining the record of His life, we
find that upon all important occasions He retired to the
grove, or to the solitude of the mountains, and offered
earnest, persevering prayer to God. He frequently devoted
the entire night to prayer just before He was called upon to
work some mighty miracle. During these nightly seasons of
prayer, after the labors of the day, He compassionately
dismissed His disciples, that they might return to their
homes for rest and sleep, while with strong crying and tears
He poured forth earnest petitions to God in behalf of
humanity. EGW, You Shall Receive Power 14.2}
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THE PRAYER WARRIORS
Who will become partners with Christ in this great work?
Satan is working diligently; he is determined to battle to the
last for supremacy. The Christian united with Christ, must
exert an influence that will be a positive power to counter-
work the deceiving power of Satan over human souls. The
Lord calls for faithful workers, who will give direct personal
labor to reach men and women where they are, and educate
and train the trembling sinner to look to Christ and live.
Bear in mind that no one becomes virtuous or pure or holy
without seeking most earnestly and continually to be thus.
EGW{Home Missionary, Nov. 1, 1897 par. 16}
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Are you a Warrior?
If you're studying spiritual warfare as a group, ask these
questions among yourselves, and share your
answers with the group.
Do you think that you've ever met Satan? (I'm not talking
'symbolically', or 'it was like Satan' – I mean the real
presence of the Evil One, so strong you can almost touch it.)
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A must for a Prayer Warriors
God's workers must be men of prayer, diligent students of
the Scriptures, hungering and thirsting after righteousness,
that they may be a light and strength unto others. Our God is
a jealous God, and he requires that we worship him in spirit
and in truth, and in the beauty of holiness. The psalmist
says: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear
me." We must, as workers, take heed to our ways. If the
psalmist could not be heard if he regarded iniquity in his
heart, how can the prayers of ministers be heard if iniquity
is regarded among them? There are dangers to which we
are continually exposed. It is Satan's studied plan to make
the workers weak in prayer, weak in power, weak in
influence before the world, because of the defects in their
characters, defects which in no way harmonize with the
truth. We must, as workers, be united in frowning down and
condemning anything that bears the least approach to evil in
our association with one another. Our faith is holy, and our
work is to vindicate the honor of God's law. Our work is not
of a character to bring any one down to a low level in
thought or in deportment. There are many who claim to
believe and to teach the truth, who have error and fanciful
ideas of their own mingled with the truth. There is an exalted
platform upon which we must stand. We must believe and
teach the truth as it is in Jesus. EGWhite-{Signs of the
Times, October 15, 1885 par. 2}
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In every Christian home God should be honored by the
morning and evening sacrifices of praise and prayer. Every
morning and evening earnest prayers should ascend to God
for His blessing and guidance. Will the Lord of heaven pass
by such homes, and leave no blessing there? Nay, verily.
Angels hear the offering of praise and the prayer of faith,
and they bear the petitions to Him who ministers in the
sanctuary for His people, and pleads His merits in their
behalf. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence, and gives
men the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains
strength to resist temptation.--Review and Herald, Feb. 1,
1912. {YRP 138.3}
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Prayer Warriors Pray Together
Draw nigh to God and then you will draw nigh to one
another. By desire, by silent prayer, by resistance of Satanic
agencies, put your will on the side of God's will. While you
have one desire to resist the devil, and sincerely pray,
Deliver me from temptation, you will have strength for your
day. It is the work of the heavenly angels to come close to
the tried, the suffering, the tempted ones. They labor long
and untiringly to save the souls for whom Christ has died,
and when souls appreciate their advantages, appreciate the
heavenly assistance sent them, the Holy Spirit is working in
their behalf, when they put their will on the side of Christ's
will, angels bear the tiding heavenward. Returning to the
heavenly courts they report their success for the souls for
whom they have ministered, and there is rejoicing among the
heavenly host. "There is joy in heaven over one sinner that
repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons which
need no repentance." EGWhite--Ms 14, 1899. pp. 1, 5, 6. ("To
Every Man His Work," February 28, 1899.)
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PRAYER WARRIORS’ CREED
Heaven will never be reached by an easy-going people
merely professing to be Christians. God calls for
thorough work on the part of every one of His
followers. . . .
By resolute self-denial,
By constant watchfulness,
By earnest prayer,
By the diligent use of every means of grace,
And by the help of Jesus Christ our Redeemer,
We shall come off victorious.
The rest in heaven is for the weary,
The crown for the brows of the warriors.
EGWhite-{Our High Calling 82.6}
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PART 6
PRAYER
SESSION
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PRAYER SESSION
SEQUENCE OF THE PRAYER SESSION
Personal Preparations
1. Short Study from “The Next Level Prayer”
2. Prayer Requests and Thanksgivings
3. Song of Worship
4. Prayer invitation for the Holy Spirit & Prayer of
Declaration
5. Prayer by group, (of two, three or more)
6. Song of Praise
7. Benediction
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Song of Worship
Sing songs of worship – Songs must be well
chosen to set the spirit, atmosphere and ambiance by a
song leader.
Songs like Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus or
Holy Holy Holy and others.
Sample
“Dear God the Holy Spirit we come
before you to ask help and guidance us as we
say our gratitude, praise and supplication
before God the Father. May you direct our
minds and spirits as we come before the Holy
Throne of God. God the Son may you drive
away any evil spirit that is in our midst and
send the angels of host to surround us. God the
Father we invite your holy presence in our
midst for we are now declaring this place holy
in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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Prayer by group (by two, three or more)
Solemnly each group will proceed to prayer.
All groups do not finish at the same time so we
encourage others to continue praying silently
individually.
(Avoid conversing with another because it
distracts the others who are still praying.)
If a person has already mentioned the names
and condition the next person may not repeat it but may
say…”Dear Father God, I agree with the prayer of
Sister Maurice. I pray also for...” (and continue on )
Song of Praise
Sing songs of praise that is triumphant and
joyful led by the song leader. Songs like Doxology, To
God Be the Glory etc.
Benediction
Benediction is not another prayer like you
during the group prayer session. It is more of a farewell
of encouragement.
Example of Benediction:
Brethren may the Mercies of the Father,
the love of Christ Jesus and the companionship of the
Holy Spirit be upon you always. Amen.
or
Brethren, arise, go and claim the promises of God with
joy be assured that the answers to our petitions will be
delivered in Jesus name. Amen.
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Real prayers, real answers
I used the format for the prayer session as a result…
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PART 7
PRAYER
MINISTRY
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Starting a Prayer Ministry
"Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when,
whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees."
-Victor Hugo
PRAY. (...surprised?...)
But what do you pray for?
Pray for discernment and guidance: is this what the Spirit
really wants for this church? (Maybe the Spirit wants not a
separate prayer ministry that operates within everything.
Maybe the prayer is supposed to grow from amidst whatever
else the Spirit wants the congregation to emphasize.) What
does God want us to do in prayer?
PRAY.
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Pray for colleagues and support: the pastor. (Without the full
support of the head pastor and/or the responsible pastor
on a pastoral staff, it will not go far, if at all. If the pastor is
not opting in, pray for a change of heart.)
What next?
Also, hone down the vision, so you can easily share it with
others, again and again so that it sinks in or catches fire.
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This is not something to be done alone. And, be ready to
accept the idea that someone else may be called to be the
main leader. Someone else may have the special set of gifts
that takes the prayer ministry forward in depth, member
involvement, and effectiveness. Most of all.... (... hopefully,
by now you can say the rest of it ....)
Try these:
When some news item really grabs your attention, made you
angry, sad, determined : Pray about it -- not just once or
twice, but at least once a day for four days, and from then on
as long as you feel led to keep praying on it.
1. Try asking someone if you could pray with them --- but
only when they're openly struggling with something in their
lives, or at some other appropriate moment. (Odds are they'll
accept.)
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5. Who are the "gifted intercessors" (people whose special
gift is prayer) in your worship community? What is special
about their intercessions? Pray for them. Pray with them.
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Some other things that any of
you can try:
1. If someone comes to mind right now: Take the time right
now to pray for that person.
3. Maybe you're one of those who find all this talk about
prayer so boring it puts you to sleep.
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Bible People Who Ministered Through Prayers
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Let’s Pray-Over
The Praying Over is the same like how you pray for a
person, a program or a situation. Check this example,
.
Stones have been used as memorials of God's dealings with
His people.,… Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us;
for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which He spake
unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny
your God" [Josh. 24:26, 27]. {13Manuscript 336.3}
The group places their hands over the person or objects that
needed a prayer
What to pray-over?
Person – People who will take part in the holy
service or worships
e.g. Speaker / translator
Participants of a worship service etc.
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Try the Prayerwalking!
Prayer walking is not new.
Requirements
1. Requires patience. Wait for results in God’s time.
2. Refresh self to God. Prepare heart, soul and mind.
3. Refresh relationships. Repair relationship before the
walk.
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4. Brief the team. Organize and designate location.
5. Agree on budgeted time, meeting place.
6. Review information. Fortify prayer with
information.
7. Emphasize significance of the prayerwalk. Link
map, calendars and special significance for church
future hopes and plans.
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PART 8
PRAYER
VERSUS
SATAN
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REMEMBER WHEN
YOU PRAY…
You are putting yourself in the frontline of the battle,
where you will be the first to be attacked, hit and hurt by
the power of darkness.
The forces of darkness will not stop until you are DOWN
and OUT!
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SNARES OF SATAN
“Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to
God, and a scourge for Satan.” --John Bunyan
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I saw that Satan carries out his plans well. As the servants of
God appoint meetings, Satan with his angels is on the
ground to hinder the work. He is constantly putting
suggestions into the minds of God's people. He leads some in
one way, and some in another, always taking advantage of
evil traits in the brethren and sisters, exciting and stirring up
their natural besetments. If they are disposed to be selfish
and covetous, Satan takes his stand by their side, and with
all his power seeks to lead them to indulge their besetting
sins. The grace of God and the light of truth may melt away
their covetous, selfish feeling for a little, but if they do not
obtain entire victory, Satan comes in when they are not
under a saving influence, and withers every noble, generous
principle, and they think that too much is required of them.
They become weary of well-doing, and forget the great
sacrifice which Jesus made to redeem them from the power
of Satan and from hopeless misery. { Christian Experience
and Teachings, 172.1}
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Satan is preparing his deceptions that in his last campaign
against the people of God, they may not understand that it is
he. "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an
angel of light." . . . Satan will go to the extent of his power to
harass, tempt, and mislead God's people. {Maranatha,
206.1}
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Satan's host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we
neglect the exercise of prayer, for then his lying wonders are
more readily received. That which he failed to accomplish in
tempting Christ he accomplishes by setting his deceitful
temptations before man.--1Testimonies 296 (1862).
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PART 9
POWER IN
PRAYER
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The Power of God is
Waiting
“If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power."-
-Billy Sunday
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If the loving-kindness of God called forth more thanksgiving
and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We
would abound more and more in the love of God and have
more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that
God does not hear your prayers, change your present order
and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider
His goodness and mercies you will find that He will consider
your wants. EGW {5Testimonies 317.1}
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How to remain in the
power of God?
Neglect of prayer leads men to rely on their own strength,
and opens the door to temptation. -The Signs of the Times,
Nov. 6, 1884. {2SM 352.1}
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There will come times when the church will be stirred by
divine power, and earnest activity will be the result; for the
life-giving power of the Holy Spirit will inspire its members
to go forth and bring souls to Christ. -Review and Herald,
July 4, 1893. {ChS 98.4}
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What will you do now?
“Prayer in its highest form is agonizing soul sweat.” --
Leonard Ravenhill
"He prayed for His enemies, and you do not even pray for
your friends."- Johann Arndt
Let us make Christ's prayer the rule of our life, that we may
form characters that will reveal to the world the power of
the grace of God. Let there be less talk about petty
differences, and a more diligent study of what the prayer of
Christ means to those who believe on His name. We are to
pray for union, and then live in such a way that God can
answer our prayers. {RC 200.3}
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Credits
Credits to the people who made their materials available
with permission
Pastor Dan Longman path2prayer.com,
Pastor Ernesto Doug Venn of the Hope of Bangkok
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The Adventist Memorandum
I am a person of God with a holy purpose.
Commissioned to do the will of Him
who chose and sent me.
I am to make a difference,
by being a sincere Seventh-day Sabbath
keeper and faithfully await Jesus’ second
coming
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YOU ARE FAITH
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WHEN GOD TAKES AWAY
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ARE YOU JESUS?
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GOD ASKS
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SAME, SAME BUT DIFFERENT
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YOUR ARE GOD’S SPECIAL CHILD
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AND THE GREATEST OF THEM ALL IS LOVE
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PARADOX OF LIFE
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Self
We have conquered outer space but not our inner space.
We have professed to be unique but really one is a copy-cat of another.
We have thought to have loved enough but never without condition.
We have exposed ourselves upright but desperately hide the real self.
We have beautified our complexion but ignore the blemishes of the heart.
Education
We have drunk too much academic theories but less of life’s practicalities.
We have asserted to be educated but act more uncivil than the unlearned.
We have conquered great heights but not prejudices and pride.
We have researched a lot but discover the more we know less.
We have access to so much knowledge but not enough wisdom.
Governance
We have penned ten thousands laws but cannot even follow God’s ten.
We have made laws to rule us but always live to be above them.
We have made the strictest laws with glaring loop holes for one to avoid them.
We have rulers supposed to protect but they are the source of fear and insecurity.
We have formed a government but that which we can control.
Relationship
We have loved but can not die for anyone.
We have good means of communication but have less sincerity.
We have forgiven but not really forgotten.
We have crossed miles but never over the fence of our neighbor.
We have obeyed values but only for the watchful eyes.
Religion
We have justified believing in God but reduced God to suit our wants.
We have held a faith but can never really show the conviction.
We have professed to be Christ-like but never really started.
We have religiously gone to church but are never really spiritual.
We have read the sacred writings but use it to judge others.
Service
We have preached about world peace but not against domestic violence.
We have claimed to belong but really social standing is what we are after.
We have professed a job well done which never last for years.
We have built monuments meant only for self advertisement.
We have offered service but made sure the return is big.
Possessions
We have gained wealth but insist to look at self poor.
We have owned so much clothing but still are considered naked.
We have gained more money but have fewer morals.
We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values.
We have secured material riches which made us more insecure.
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The Holy Spirit Grieves When...
Marvin A. Marcelino
In My Heart
I cherish darling sins.
I care for worldliness rather than spiritual matters.
I do not repent, ask and pray for forgiveness from God.
I let Satan rule over me rather than Christ Jesus.
In My Church
I bring my gossip, criticism, jokes and foolishness.
I steal somebody else’s attention from the message delivered.
I do not contribute to the solemnity of the worship.
I deprive others of my talent and ministry for God’s cause.
In My Home
I do not set an example as a living testament.
I do not mold my household towards Christian standards
I bring home idols that lessen my family’s love for God.
I do not care for my neighbor.
In My Classroom
I do not get best grade for my parents.
I ignore the wisdom shared by my teachers.
I disregard the principles of Christian education.
I do not use my best abilities for God’s glory.
In My Workplace
I selfishly insist my own ideas and ways.
I secretly manipulate transactions for my own benefit.
I do not work hard for the best of my department.
I do not give the best service or product to my clients.
In My Community
I do not contribute to spiritual and moral revival.
I do not cooperate for unity, peace and prosperity.
I do not live up to the truth and faith I profess.
I do not act NOW.
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THE TV IS MY SHEPHERD
Author Unknown
The TV is my shepherd,
my spiritual life shall want.
It maketh me to sit down and
do nothing for His name sake,
because it requireth my spare time.
It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian,
because it presents so many shows that I must see.
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God’s Promises When You Are In Need
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HELP ME TO BE
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THE CHURCH LEADERS’ PRAYER
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