Bible Study Guides - Our Need of Prayer

September 30, 2012 – October 6, 2012

The Power of Prayer

Key Text

“Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 93–104; Testimonies, vol. 1, 120, 121.

Introduction

“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power.” Gospel Workers, 254.

1 THE GULF BRIDGED

How and why has direct communication with our Creator been cut off? Genesis 3:6–10. What has Jesus explained to us about the only way it is restored? John 14:6; 16:19–28.

Note: “The distance from earth to heaven may seem very great, for sin has fixed a great gulf; it has separated man from God, and has brought woe and misery upon the human race. But Christ throws Himself into the gap. He it is that opens communication between man and God.” Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, January 15, 1889.

“This earth because of transgression had been struck off from the continent of heaven. Communication had ceased between man and his Maker; but the way has been opened, so that he may return to the Father’s house. Jesus is ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ [John 14:6]. The gate of heaven has been left ajar, and the radiance from the throne of God shines into the hearts of those who love Him, even though they dwell in the sin-cursed earth. The light that encircled the divine Son of God will fall upon the pathway of all those who follow in His footsteps.” The Review and Herald, February 28, 1888.

“We are to pray in the name of Christ, our Mediator. Our petitions are of value only as they are offered in His name. He has bridged the gulf that sin has made. By His atoning sacrifice, He has bound to Himself and His Father those who believe in Him. His is the only name under heaven whereby we may be saved.” The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1903.

2 “THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS”

What should be our attitude in prayer? Matthew 6:7; Luke 18:9–14.

Note: “There are two kinds of prayer—the prayer of form and the prayer of faith. The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need of God, is formal prayer. … We should be extremely careful in all our prayers to speak the wants of the heart, and to say only what we mean. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions, if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt that he was a sinner, and his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner’ [Luke 18:13].” The Signs of the Times, August 14, 1884.

What characteristic of Jesus should always bring us hope? Luke 15:1, 2. How did Jesus respond to what was intended as a charge against Him? Luke 5:30–32.

Note: “It was taught by the Jews that before the favor of God is extended to the sinner, he must first repent. In their view, repentance is a work which men are to accomplish of themselves, by which to earn the favor of heaven. And it was this thought that moved the Pharisees to exclaim in astonishment and anger, ‘This man receiveth sinners’ [Luke 15:2]. According to their ideas He should permit to approach Him those only who had repented of their sins. But Jesus teaches that salvation does not come through our seeking after God, but through God’s seeking after us. Repentance is born in the heart by beholding the love of Christ, who gave His life to save the sinner. It is the goodness of God, manifested in Christ, that softens the heart. It is the virtue that goes forth from Jesus that inspires the purpose of the soul to turn away from sin. We do not repent in order that God may love us, but God reveals His love to us that we may repent. Thus repentance is not the ground of God’s love toward us, but the fruit of that love.” The General Conference Bulletin, December 1, 1895.

3 ALL ARE INVITED

As we see our sinfulness, what comfort comes in seeking Heaven’s blessing? Hebrews 4:15, 16.

Note: “We are not to be so overwhelmed with the thought of our sins and errors that we shall cease to pray. Some realize their great weakness and sin, and become discouraged. Satan casts his dark shadow between them and the Lord Jesus, their atoning sacrifice. They say, It is useless for me to pray. My prayers are so mingled with evil thoughts that the Lord will not hear them. These suggestions are from Satan. In His humanity Christ met and resisted this temptation, and He knows how to succor those who are thus tempted. In our behalf, He ‘offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears’ [Hebrews 5:7].

“Many, not understanding that their doubts come from Satan, become faint-hearted, and are defeated in the conflict.

“Do not, because your thoughts are evil, cease to pray. If we could in our own wisdom and strength pray aright, we could also live aright, and would need no atoning sacrifice. But imperfection is upon all humanity. Educate and train the mind that you may in simplicity tell the Lord what you need. As you offer your petitions to God, seeking for forgiveness for sin, a purer and holier atmosphere will surround your soul.” The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1903.

“Jesus receives and welcomes you as His own friend. He loves you. He has pledged Himself to open before you all the treasures of His grace. He says, Make use of My name, and it will be your passport to the heart of My Father, and to all the riches of His grace.” Ibid., February 28, 1906.

What type of prayer is always answered positively—and immediately? Psalm 51:1–12; I John 1:9; 5:14, 15.

Note: “When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ ‘gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.’ Galatians 1:4.” The Desire of Ages, 266.

4 GETTING RESULTS

What makes prayer effective? Mark 11:22–26; James 1:6.

Note: “The life of the soul depends upon habitual communion with God. Its wants are made known, and the heart is open to receive fresh blessings. Gratitude flows from unfeigned lips; and the refreshing that is received from Jesus is manifested in words, in deeds of active benevolence, and in public devotion. There is love to Jesus in the heart; and where love exists, it will not be repressed, but will express itself. Secret prayer sustains this inner life. The heart that loves God will desire to commune with Him, and will lean on Him in holy confidence.” The Review and Herald, April 22, 1884.

How often are we to pray? I Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 16:8.

Note: “We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand.

“We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart’s desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.” Gospel Workers, 258.

What assurances does God give us concerning prayer? Jeremiah 29:12, 13; James 5:16.

Note: “That prayer which comes forth from an earnest, believing heart is the effectual, fervent prayer that availeth much. God does not always answer our prayers as we expect, for we may not ask what would be for our highest good; but in His infinite love and wisdom He will give us those things which we most need.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 531.

How are we invited to pray? Luke 18:1–8.

5 STRENGTH FROM ON HIGH

How can prayer boost weary laborers? Isaiah 40:31.

Note: “[Many] workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened.” Education, 260, 261.

“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience.” Gospel Workers, 254, 255.

In what sense does a victorious heavenly atmosphere encompass the soul that has been praying? Isaiah 26:3.

Note: “If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 129.

“Go forward, the Lord says; I understand the case, and I will send you help. Continue to pray. Have faith in Me. It is for My name’s glory that you ask, and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7). I will be honored before those who are watching critically for your failure. They shall see the truth triumph gloriously.” Our High Calling, 127.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When was prayer first needed, and how long will this need continue?

2 How can we be sure that Heaven welcomes our prayers?

3 What are some benefits to be gained from prayer?

4 How can we know our prayers are heard?

5 What encouragement can we find in the Bible?