Prayer

Prayer is all about just talking to God. Making things known to Him so He can help. In times of trouble the first person we should seek out and talk to is God. He holds the answers and ways out.

James 1:1-8

1:1 written to the dispersed and to all those who have ears to hear.

1:2 joy G 5479; cheerfulness, calm delight. Temptation G 3986; adversity, a putting to proof. We are told in v: 3 why it is joyful.

1:3 Always know when adversity (temptation) comes along it has a purpose, and that’s to bring patience.

1:4 perfect G 5046; complete (in labor, growth, mental and moral character). Entire G 3648; complete in every part. Allow patience to bring growth in your character, so we are able to work for God. We pray to God and things may seem slow in answer but HE could be using that time to build you up for bigger things.

1:5 liberally G 574; bountifully. Upbraideth G 3679; taunt, reproach. Ask in faith and you will receive that wisdom from God.

1:6 wavering G doubting. Doubting will bring nothing. As wind drives the water which creates a wave but turns to nothing. Faith is the key! God will always answer what is best for you, and to have faith in this will carry you along.

1:7-8 These will receive nothing of the Lord. Don’t be a doubter.

1 Peter 3:7-12

3:7 (compare Gen 2:24). We are heirs together! We must not let strife come into our lives, so our prayers will not be hindered.

3:8 pitiful G 2155; compassionate, sympathetic. Show that Christian love and these characteristics. We don’t have to agree on every little detail of God’s word, but as long as we agree it is the word that where all good and power come from. God has different duties and purposes for different people.

3:9 railing G 3059; slander. Don’t look to do bad to others, if bad is done to you. All blessings come from God and HE enjoys His children following His word.

3:10 guile G 1388; deceit. (compare James 3). Control the things that come out of our mouths. The tongue can bring evil.

3:11 eschew G 1578; to shun, avoid. Seek/ensue are both words that require action on our part.

3:12 God looks out for those that are doing what is right. None are perfect, but those that seek to do evil will not receive those blessings. In as much as we are heirs to the promise (v: 7) we need to seek them and know so we understand what they are, and can remind God of them.

Luke 18:1-17

18:1 don’t let trouble cause you to give up or tire out, but seek God!

18:2 This guy was probably an atheist, but also a judge.

18:5 Because of her persistent request he will grant it. Good example for us to follow as we pray to God. Remind God of the promises, but don’t chant or do things as the heathen do, rather be persistent and don’t waver.

18:6-7 God is longsuffering toward us. HE will answer our prayers!

18:8 Belief in God and His abilities to avenge His own is key. The faith must be evident for prayers to be answered.

18:9 Trusted not in God.

18:10 The subject is prayer. Publicans: not highly sought after people (looked down upon). Pharisees: the religious of the time.

18:11-12 (compare Prov 28:13). Showing a holier than thou attitude. He never makes mention of his sins.

18:13 smote upon his breast: This is expressive of mental grief (compare Luke 23:48, Jer 31:19, Nah 2:7). This is true repentance!

18:14 justified G 1344; just or innocent. When speaking to God don’t be holier than thou , show humility.

18:15-16 This is how it is.

18:17 how is a child? They are all believing, they have great trust and faith in what you tell them. We are to be this way with God. Receive those promises in our hearts knowing its fact.

Luke 17:3-4

17:3-4 Christian love and compassion. We must forgive so we are not hindered on our own prayers.

Matthew 6:5-8

6:5 hypocrite G 5273; play actor, stage player. Don’t try and con God, don’t play religion. Be humble and honest before God.

6:6 closet G a spot for privacy. Private G 2927; concealed, private, inwardly. Our Father knows what we are thinking, and knows our inner prayers (ones we don’t speak out loud).

6:7 (compare 1 Kings 18). Don’t repeat the same things over and over again. (keep the flesh out).

John 17:1-20

17:1 with the deeds, miracles and salvation.

17:2 eternal life is available to all.

17:3 Eternal life!

17:5 before the creation of the world.

17:6 manifested G 5319; to render apparent. They taught the word.

17:7 no doubt or wavering.

17:8 no doubt involved here. Remember many didn’t believe Jesus.

17:9-10 Prays for His own.

17:11 we are supposed to be one body with Christ the head.

17:12 (compare Ezekiel 28). Perdition G 684; die, destruction and perish. Satan is already sentenced to die.

17:13 we can experience that joy in the world now.

17:14 the word of God is a dividing point for many today.

17:15 the evil G 4190; the evil one, satan, devil. We have work to do, that is why God wants us here.

17:16-17 we are separated by His word for His people.

17:18 sent G 649; (apostle), to send out, set apart.

17:20 through that word which brings redemption!