February 19, 2023
COMPASS: PRAYER AND FASTING
February 19, 2023
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Prayer is one of the most intimate relationships which man can have with God the Creator. Just as in a marriage, where we cherish the gift of communication and conversation with our spouse, our conversations with God can take us to another level. Praying frequently throughout the day gradually transforms our salvation status from ‘believer and his God’ to Child and Father (Papa). How do you get beyond the time where it’s no longer a one-sided conversation, but a genuine relationship that satisfies the soul? Never quit. Keep praying. Now join Pastor Falwell as we study the power found both in prayer and in fasting, as we continue to follow the Sermon on the Mount for directions on how to live pleasing God.
Focal Passages: Matthew 6:5-18, 1 John 5:14-15, 1 Thess. 5:16b, John 14:13-14.
The Attitude of Prayer
· Read Matt. 6:5. What is the first assumption Jesus makes about prayer, and the first admonition? How did the general population view the Pharisees? Read Luke 18:9-14. How does this passage illustrate what Jesus said about the Pharisees? What was Jesus trying to help the people understand about the heart attitude when praying? Why must our prayer time be all about Him, and not about us?
· How can we see prayer as a gift from a holy God to us who are His children? Do we deserve to be able to go to Him in prayer? How should this awesome privilege make us feel? Do you stand in awe that God wants to have you pray to Him?
· Read 1 John 5:14-15. Did/do you have a confidence that you could approach your parents about anything? Are you able to pray to God like that? What parameters has He set for you to get the answer you desire? Read James 4:2b-3. How do we pray in order to be within the guidelines of this passage?
The Posture of Prayer
· Read Matt. 6:6. What are some reasons Jesus tells us to get away quietly, praying in private? Is it alright to pray in public? What is a danger we need to avoid when praying in a group? How can we get past ‘what other people think’?
· What does He mean by avoiding “vain repetitions”? Who will intercede for us when we don’t know what to pray for (Rom. 8:26)?
· Read Matt. 6:8, 31-32. Even though God knows our needs, why does He desire that we pray for them? Why is it good when we stay faithful in prayer for indefinite periods of time for the salvation of certain people?
· Read 1 Thess. 5:16b. How do we do this?
The Content of Prayer
· Read Matt. 6:9-13. Jesus teaches His disciples how best to acknowledge their dependence on God through prayer: (vs 9) Why should we begin by recognizing who God is? What are some ways to pray His attributes? (10) How can we celebrate what He does? Why is His will not being done on earth at this time? (11) Why should we verbalize that we are a needy people, dependent on Him? (12) Why is it necessary to ask for forgiveness—and to forgive? (13) How important is it to you that you seek His protection, and long for the things He longs for?
· What two big categories does this prayer involve? Under ‘petitions,’ could you include those whom you pray for daily? Where could you pray as you “put on the armor”?
The Motivation of Prayer
· Read Matt. 6:14-15. What is the conditional statement Jesus seems to indicate? What is His meaning about God not forgiving you unless you forgive? If we would lose our salvation, would that make forgiveness an unforgiveable sin? Is it?
· What is forgiveness? If you are able to forgive the offenses of those who hurt you, what has happened in your heart? Read Phil. 4:15-17.
The Companion of Prayer
· Read Matt. 6:16-18. Why has fasting become very rare for the modern-day church? What does God desire us to do in a fast that glorifies Him?
· Read Isa. 58:6-9a and Mark 9:28-29. Fasting seems to open a new realm of God’s power that we don’t normally see, except when we offer Him our greatest desires with prayer and fasting, while omitting from the body those things that satisfy; why would this be?
Application: Pray regularly; Pray rightly; Pray intently; Fast when necessary!
Close:
Is it wrong to pray while driving your car to a given destination? What are some benefits? If all radio programs are turned off, traffic is normal, and you could be talking on your phone, then talk to God! Do people care when they see you are talking? Probably they don’t. We’re much more important to ourselves than we are to other people. And if the cell phone is quiet, and your thoughts are captive to the Lord, it is a great place to spend fifteen, thirty, or more minutes talking to Him. Be yourself (He knows you better than you know yourself, anyway), sing, praise Him! If you think you can’t sing, you may be right, but He won’t mind. He enjoys our praise and will do nothing to ruin it. If you’re talking to Him, give Him space or time to respond. He will answer. Don’t begrudge God the time to speak to you. Once you start “tasting” that special time of communication with Him, you will want it often. Begin today. Just do it!
By Sandy Day February 19, 2023