Studies

Prayer and Fasting

Psalms 63:1-8
~ David had a very intimate and passionate relationship with God.

• His soul thirsted for his time with God.
• He loved to sing praises to his Lord.
• He would lie on his bed at night and just think about God.

Luke 11:1-13

~ A great prayer life is something you can be taught to have.

• Have a structure to your prayer life.
• Bold and persuasive prayers attract Gods attention.
• Do not be afraid to ask, God like a good parent will never give you anything that will harm you. He will not always give you what you want, but will give you what you need.

Obstacles to Powerful Prayers

1. Psalms 66:16-20
~ If you cherish sin in your heart God will not listen to your prayers.

2. Proverbs 21:13
~ If you ignore the cry of the poor you too will cry out and not be answered.

3. Proverbs 28:9
~ If you close your ears to God's word then your prayers are an insult and detestable in God's site.

4. Luke 18:1-8
~ A lack of persistence in prayer can result in them going unanswered.

5. James 1:6-8
~ If you doubt, you are a double-minded person and will not receive anything from God.

6. 1 Peter 3:7
~ Being a bad husband will assuredly hinder your prayers.

7. 1 Peter 4:7
~ Not concentrating and being alert will prevent you from having effective prayers.

• If you are drowsy then walk around and pray aloud.

8. 1 John 5:14-15
~ Prayers contrary to God's will shall not be answered. Great men of the bible have experienced this:

• 2 Samuel 12:15-23 - David begs God for his son's life but God refuses his request.
• 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Paul's request was turned down by God.
• Mark 14:32-42 - Even Jesus was unable to change God's mind on the crucifixion issue !

{There are 667 specific prayers in the bible with 454 traceable answers}

Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18
~ Christians should fast, but must not make a show of it.

Joel 2:12-14
~ If you have drifted from God, fasting can help you return to him.

Isaiah 58:1-14
~ TRUE fasting in God's eyes is more than just abstaining from food. It should be coupled with righteous behaviour and generosity to the poor.

CONCLUSION:

Ephesians 6:18
~ Pray in the spirit on ALL OCCASIONS with all kinds of prayers and requests.

James 5:16
~ The prayers of righteous men and women are POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE.