Jesus the prayer warrior
Jesus was dependent on prayer for empowerment and to hear from God. (Luke 3:21-22, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12, Luke 9:28, Luke 11:1-4, Luke 22:39-46, Mark 1:35, Mark 6:46) It was while Jesus was praying that the Holy Spirit descended on him, and the voice of God came from heaven. (Luke 3:21-22) Jesus would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35) While he was in the wilderness, angels were ministering to him. (Mark 1:13) When he came out of the wilderness, he returned in the power of the Spirit. (Luke 4:14) Jesus often went out to the mountain to pray. (Luke 6:12, Mark 6:46) At times he also took disciples with him to the mountain to pray. (Luke 9:28) It was his routine to go pray on the Mount of Olives. (Luke 22:39-46) He would continue all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12) Other times he would rise up before dawn and go to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35) And when he saw the temple was being used as a market, he was outraged, saying, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer.’” (Luke 19:46)
To Jesus, prayer was a process of humbling yourself before God, being under the influence and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, receiving revelation and empowerment from God, remaining in a state of forgiveness, and averting temptation. (Luke 11:1-4) As Jesus knew the time to suffer a horrible death was drawing near, he knelt down and prayed to resist the temptation to deviate from God’s plan saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:39-46) On account of this prayer, an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. (Luke 22:43) Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. (Luke 22:44) And as Jesus surrendered his life, his final cry was, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
Mark 1:13 (ESV), He was in the wilderness – the angels were ministering to him
13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
Mark 1:35 (ESV), He went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Mark 6:46 (ESV), He went up on the mountain to pray
46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
Luke 3:21-22 (ESV), When Jesus was praying, the Holy Spirit descended on him
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 4:14 (ESV), Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.
Luke 5:16 (ESV), He would withdraw to desolate places and pray
16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Luke 6:12 (ESV), All night he continued in prayer to God
12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
Luke 9:28-29 (ESV), He took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray
28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.
Luke 11:1-4 (ESV), When you pray, say
1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
Luke 19:45-46 (ESV), It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’
45 And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”
Luke 22:39-46 (ESV), Not my will, but yours, be done
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Luke 23:46 (ESV), Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!
46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
The power that Jesus got from prayer
Supernatural phenomena would occur in the life of Christ during times of prayer including manifestations of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of healing, the casting out of demons, the appearance of angels and the transfiguration. (Luke 3:21-22, Luke 10:17-24, Luke 22:43) Jesus affirmed his anointing saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” (Luke 4:16-21) He told his disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51) We know how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power – He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10:37-38) The power of the God was with him to heal. (Luke 5:17) Those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured, and the crowds sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. (Luke 6:18-19) When a woman touched the fringe of his garment, she was healed. (Luke 8:44) For Jesus could perceive that power had gone out from him. (Luke 8:46) Jesus gave his disciples similar power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases sending them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. (Luke 9:1-2, Luke 10:9) When a disciple could not cast out a demon, Jesus’ response was, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:29)
Luke 3:21-22 (ESV)
1 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 10:17-24 (ESV)
17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
Luke 4:16-21 (ESV)
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Luke 5:17 (ESV)
17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.
Luke 6:18-19 (ESV), Power came out from him and healed them all
18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
Luke 8:44-46 (ESV)
44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”
Luke 9:1-2 (ESV)
1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
Luke 10:9 (ESV)
9 Heal the sick in it and say to them,
Luke 22:43 (ESV)
43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
Acts 10:37-38 (ESV)
37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
John 1:51 (ESV)
51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Mark 9:28-29 (ESV)
28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
The power of prayer in Acts
After the resurrection of Christ, the Apostles were waiting in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and to be clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5) When they were in Jerusalem, they would meet in an upper room where they were staying. (Acts 1:12-13) The apostles with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. (Acts 1:13-14) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4) This was the fulfillment of what was uttered through the prophet Joel, that in the last days, God declares, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.’ (Acts 2:16-18) Those who believed in the message of Jesus devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers as awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done. (Acts 2:42-43) The apostles devoted themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:4)
When the apostles came under opposition, they lifted up their voices together to God and prayed for boldness, saying, “Grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:23-30) And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31) The apostles also selected ministers and prayed and laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:6) When Samaria had received the word of God, Peter and John came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-15) They laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:17) When a woman named Tabitha had died, Peter knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha arise.” (Acts 9:36-40) After he opened her eyes, Peter called the saints and widows presenting her alive. (Acts 9:40-41) Paul also healed the sick by praying and the laying on of hands. (Acts 28:8-10)
It was while Peter was praying on a housetop that he had the vision to share the gospel with the Gentiles. (Acts 10:9-19) Correspondingly, while Cornelius, a devout man who prayed continually to God, was praying, an angel stood before him and directed him to assist Peter with his mission. (Acts 10:1-2, Acts 10:30-33) God coordinated the ministry of the gospel through ministers who were devoted to prayer. (Acts 14:23)
Luke 24:49 (ESV), I am sending the promise of my Father upon you
49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1:4-5 (ESV), You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now
4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:11-14 (ESV), All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 2:1-4 (ESV), They were all filled with the Holy Spirit
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:16-18 (ESV), I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh
16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
18 even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
Acts 2:42-43 (ESV), They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, and the prayers
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
Acts 4:23-31 (ESV), When they had prayed, the place was shaken
23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,
“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed’—
27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Acts 6:4-6 (ESV), But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
Acts 8:14-18 (ESV), Prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,
Acts 9:36-43 (ESV), Peter knelt down and prayed; he said, “Tabitha, arise.”
36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
Acts 10:1-2 (ESV), A devout man who prayed continually to God
1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.
Acts 10:9-19 (ESV), Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray
9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.
Acts 10:30-33 (ESV), I was praying in my house at the ninth hour
30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Acts 14:23 (ESV), With prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord
23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 28:8-9 (ESV), Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him
8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.
Guidelines Jesus gave for prayer
After Jesus was finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1) Jesus’ response varies in different Greek manuscripts as later manuscripts attempted to harmonize instructions of Jesus in Luke 11:1-4 with the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Luke provides more direct and concise instructions and of particular interest. Below is a breakdown of the five points of how Jesus instructed to pray. There are a couple manuscripts that read, for Luke 11:2, “May your Holy Spirit come upon us and cleanse us” in Luke 11:2 (See 2B below)
Luke 11:2-4 (formatted as a list)
When you pray, say:
- Father, hallowed be your name
2A. Your kingdom come (your will be done)
2B. Your Holy Spirit come on us and cleanse us (variant reading)
3. Give us each day our daily bread
4. Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us
5. Lead us not into temptation
Jesus conveyed the concept that God responds to us not just because we are a friend but because of our willingness to be assertive and uninhibited in asking him for our needs. (Luke 11:5-8) Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and the one who knocks, it will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10) Our Father will not give us a bad thing for asking for a good thing. (Luke 11:11-12) If those who are evil give good gifts to their children, much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13) Notice the connection of asking for the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13 and Jesus’ instructions for praying, “Your Holy Spirit come on us and cleanse us” (the variant reading of Luke 11:2). In prayer, we are to seek being filled with the Holy Spirit as Jesus was.
Below is a detailed description of the five core elements of Jesus instructions for prayer according to Luke 11:2-4 in the section above.
Luke 11:1-4 (ESV), When you pray, say
1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:
“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. (variant reading: Holy Spirit come upon me and cleanse me.)
3 Give us each day our daily bread,
4 and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”
Luke 11:5-13 (ESV), How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV), Pray like this
9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
1. Father, hallowed be your name
We are to address our prayers to the one God and Father. The first step of the process is humbling yourself before God and declaring his greatness. We come to him in reverence and respect lowering ourselves before him. We declare his holiness and majesty. We affirm that he is so far beyond us in power and wisdom. We enter into prayer through worship.
For God to hear our prayers, we want to be in Gods’ presence. And so we come into prayer seeking the presence of God. It is good to be near to God. (Psa 73:28) When we draw near to God, God draws near to us. (Jam 4:8) The primary way we draw near is through purifying our hearts and humbling ourselves. (James 4:9). And we worship declaring his glory as the congregation in heaven all day and night never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev 4:7-8) We cast our crowns before the throne saying “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev 4:10-11)
Without faith, It is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Heb 11:6) Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Heb 11:1) In coming to God in faith, with full conviction we affirm the reality of God as the core truth that guides our reality. We should draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb 10:22) Our perception should be that it is not a difficult thing at all for the Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, to resolve any issue we may face.
Psalms 73:27-28 (ESV), It is good to be near God
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
James 4:8-10 (ESV), Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Revelation 4:8 (ESV), Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
Revelation 4:11 (ESV), Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power
11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) Without faith it is impossible to please him
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 10:22-23 (ESV), Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Psalms 43:3-5 (ESV), I will go to the altar of God
3 Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
Psalms 69:30-33, You who seek God, let your hearts revive
30 I will praise the name of God with a song;
I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the LORD more than an ox
or a bull with horns and hoofs.
32 When the humble see it they will be glad;
you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
33 For the LORD hears the needy
and does not despise prisoners.
2A. Your kingdom come (your will be done)
“Your kingdom come” is a prayer to put God’s agenda before your own. It is for God’s will to be accomplished in your life and on the earth. We first need to be transformed, and align God’s will with our own. We declare God’s word in our prayers in alignment with his will – holding fast to his promises. We ask God to send us his light and truth so they can lead us. (Psa 43:3)
In great distress Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) If God was willing, Jesus wanted the cup of suffering he was about to go through to be removed, yet he became obedient to death, even on a cross. (Phil 2:8) Therefor God exalted him and gave him a name above all other names so that every tongue would confess Jesus is Lord Messiah. (Phil 2:9) In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. (Heb 5:7) Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered – And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest. (Heb 5:8-10)
We are to have the mind that Christ had. (Phil 2:1-5) We are to obey, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil 2:13) As children of God our goal is to become blameless and innocent, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom we shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life. (Phil 2:14-16) As obedient children, we are not to be conformed to the passions of our former ignorance. (1Pet 1:14) Jesus said, after he had lifted up his eyes to his disciples, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20) As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. (2Cor 6:4-10) As Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
The Kingdom of God is in the midst of us. (Luke 17:21) It does not come in a way that can be observed. (Luke 17:20) Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) He said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:6-8) When demons are cast out or the sick are healed by the power of God, the Kingdom of God has come upon us. (Luke 10:9, Luke 11:20) The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom 14:17) The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it. (Eph 1:13-14) We pray for God’s kingdom to come by praying for the Holy Spirit to come upon us. (see below)
Psalms 43:3 (ESV) Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me
3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
Psalms 57:5 (ESV), Let your glory be over all the earth
5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
Luke 22:42 (ESV), Not my will, but yours, be done
42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Philippians 2:8-11 (ESV), becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hebrews 5:7-10 (ESV), He learned obedience through what he suffered
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Philippians 2:1-5 (ESV), Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:12-16 (ESV), For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
1 Peter 1:14 (ESV), do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance
Luke 6:20 (ESV) Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (ESV), As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way
but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
Luke 9:62 (ESV), No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God
62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3-8 (ESV), Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV), The kingdom of God is in the midst of you
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
Luke 10:9-12 (ESV), Heal the sick in it and say to them,
9 Heal the sick in it and say to them,
Luke 11:20 (ESV), If by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you
But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Romans 14:17 (ESV), The kingdom of God – righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:11-14 (ESV), Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
2B. Your Holy Spirit come on us and cleanse us
The righteous men of old knew that the blessings of God came from going to the holy place and establishing an alter to God. We should also seek to go to the holy place in prayer. (Psa 43:3-4) Now that Christ has come, we are God’s temple by God’s Spirit dwelling within us – God’s temple is holy, and we are to be that temple (1 Cor 3:16-17) Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit – we are not our own. (1 Cor 6:19)
In prayer we go through a spiritual decontamination process. We seek to be cleansed and sanctified by the Holy Spirit (2Thes 2:13, 1Pet 1:2). Through believing and repentance we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9) We seek to put off our old self which belongs to our former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of our minds to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:22-24) The new self is being renewed in the knowledge after the image of its creator. (Col 3:10) God saves us by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit that he pours out richly on us through Jesus Christ. (Tit 3:5-6)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also pursue holiness as it is written, ‘you shall be holy, for I am holy.’ (1Pet 1:14-16) The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16) Seeking righteousness gives us the attention and favor of God (1Pet 3:12). We are to be baptized (immersed) by the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 3:16) Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit that we receive from God – we are not our own. (1Cor 6:19-20) Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb 10:19-22) We must strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Heb 12:14)
Psalms 43:3-4 (ESV), I will go to the altar of God
3 Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV), You are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you
16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV), Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV), Saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth
13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
1 Peter 1:2 (ESV), In the sanctification of the Spirit
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
Acts 2:38 (ESV), Repent and be baptized – for the forgiveness of your sins
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 1:9 (ESV), If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV), Put on the new self – in true righteousness and holiness
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV), The new self, which is being renewed after the image of its creator
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator
1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV), Made to drink of one Spirit
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV), Do not get drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV), The washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Romans 5:5 (ESV), God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV), But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
James 5:15-16 (ESV), The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick
15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
1 Peter 3:12 (ESV), The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Luke 3:16 (ESV), He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire
16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV), Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Hebrews 10:19-23 (ESV), Our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV) Strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord
14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
3. Give us each day our daily bread
Asking God for our daily bread is asking for the spiritual provisions that are needed for the day. The daily bread includes receiving an impartation of the nature of God as we subject ourselves to God’s controlling influence. We come to God for our daily dose of the Holy Ghost as we continually need to recharge. Spiritual nourishment comes by the word of God and by renewal and regeneration in the Holy Spirit. As believers, we all eat the same spiritual food and drink the same spiritual drink. (1Cor 10:3-4) We are not to be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit. (Eph 5:18) According to God’s mercy, we receive washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, that now is richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ. (Tit 3:5-6). God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that is given to us. (Rom 5:5)
Our problems and concerns are diminished, and we can transcend our circumstances as we encounter God and are transformed in the state of our mind and emotions. This is facilitated when we partake of the divine utterances of God and become activated in the Holy Spirit. (1Cor 14:4) What results from encountering God is that the power of God transforms us and changes both our hearts (resulting in the fruits of the Spirit) and our minds (resulting in revelation and inspiration). (Col 3:10)
We build ourselves up in the holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude 1:20) The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2Cor 3:17) By experiencing the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another – For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2Cor 3:18) When the apostles prayed for boldness they said, “grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30) And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
We are to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that we may prophesy. (1Cor 14:1) No prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1Cor 12:4-6) To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1Cor 12:7) For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (1Cor 12:8-10) All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1Cor 12:11)
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV), Put on the new self – in true righteousness and holiness
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
1 Corinthians 10:3-4, All ate the same spiritual food
(ESV) 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV), Do not get drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV), The washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
1 Corinthians 14:14 (ESV), If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays
4 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.
Colossians 3:10 (ESV), The new self – being renewed after the image of its creator
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Jude 1:20-21 (ESV), Building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV), Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV), Filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness
29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV), Earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that we may prophesy
1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
2 Peter 1:21 (ESV), Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV), To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
4. Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us
When we ask God to forgive our trespasses, we are acknowledging that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. We draw near to God by cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts. (Jam 4:8) God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (Jam 4:6) Rather than approach God with a self-righteous attitude, we come to God in humility – mourning and weeping on account of our transgressions. (Jam 4:9) If we humble ourselves before the Lord, he will exalt us. (Jam 4:10) We must be honest about our sins and confess them despite the discomfort in doing so. (1John 1:5-10) We cannot remain in denial about aspects of ourselves and our life that need to change. Those who think that they need nothing fail to realize that they are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (Rev 3:17) We must look at ourselves critically so that there are no blind spots. (Luke 6:41-42)
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1John 1:5) If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1John 1:6) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:7) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1John 1:8) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9) If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1John 1:10)
As we are activated in the Spirit, greater revelation comes to us than at the point when we had begun to approach God in prayer. The discernment in the Spirit gives us insights of hindrances and obstacles in our walk with God. A major hindrance is unrealized sin that has to do with our prior actions, experiences, and interactions. It is critical to subject the depths of ourselves to examination by the Holy Spirit. This includes searching for places within our heart and mind that have residual hostilities and resentment. Usually, this pertains to people who hurt us, betrayed us, lied to us, violated our trust, broke promises, used us, abused us, misjudged us, slandered us, or otherwise let us down. God wants us to walk in freedom and newness of life, but we must first resolve any unforgiveness, hate, and bitterness. If we surrender our hard hearts, God will bring healing to us by the power of his Spirit. (Jam 5:15-16)
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Mat 6:14-15) So if you are offering your gift at the altar (of prayer) and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go – First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Mat 5:23-24) We must let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be put away from us, along with all malice. (Eph 4:31) We must be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave us. (Eph 4:32) As ones holy and beloved, put-on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Col 3:12-13). Above all put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Col 3:14)
Romans 7:14-25 (ESV), I am of the flesh, sold under sin – Wretched man that I am
14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
James 4:6-10 (ESV), Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
1 John 1:5-10 (ESV), If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Revelation 3:17 (ESV), Not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Luke 6:41-42 (ESV), First take the log out of your own eye
41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
James 5:15-16 (ESV), Confess your sins to one another
15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV), If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 5:21-24 (ESV), First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV), Forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV), As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
5. Lead us not into temptation (but deliver us from evil)
Lead us not into temptation is a prayer to remain clean and holy once the power of God has sanctified us and renewed us. Praying for the strength to resist temptation is something that Jesus emphasized saying, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38) We strive to remain obedient and submitted to God’s will as we remain unstained from the world. (Jam 1:27) Those who are loved by God are called to be holy “saints.” (Rom 1:7) Through Christ, we have access in one Spirit to the Father so that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. (Eph 2:18-19) We are to examine everything – holding fast to what is good and abstaining from every form of evil. (1Thes 5:20-21) In doing so we receive revelation through prayer of things we need to cut out of our life and changes that should be made to our lifestyle and activities that prevent us from being in situations where we will be tempted. We should not grieve the Holy Spirit by going against the controlling influence of God. (Eph 4:30)
Let not sin reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. (Rom 6:12) Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness – but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. (Rom 6:13) If you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness. (Rom 6:16) Thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (Rom 6:17-18) Just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. (Rom 6:19)
Humble yourselves, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1Pet 5:6-7) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1Pet 5:8) Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1Pet 5:9) And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1Pet 5:10)
As for us, the people of God, we should pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1Tim 6:11) Fight the good fight of the faith taking hold of the eternal life to which we were called. (1Tim 6:12) May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Thes 5:23) Our prayer should be that our love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that we may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness. (Phil 1:9-11) We must exhort one another as long as it is called “today,” than none of us may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin – for we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. (Heb 3:13-14)
Mark 14:38 (ESV), Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation
38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
James 1:27 (ESV) Religion that is pure – to keep oneself unstained from the world
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Romans 1:7 (ESV), To all those who are loved by God and called to be saints
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:18-19 (ESV), you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God
18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 (ESV), Do not quench the Spirit
9 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies
Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV), Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Romans 6:10-11 (ESV), You must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God
10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:12-19 (ESV), Lot not sin therefore reign in your mortal body
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
1 John 1:5-10 (ESV), God is light, and in him is no darkness at all
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Romans 6:12-19 (ESV), Let not sin reign in your mortal body
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
1 Peter 5:6-10 (ESV), The devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV), Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV), May your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV), Be pure and blameless for the day of Christ
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Hebrews 3:13-14 (ESV), If we hold our original confidence firm to the end
13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Praying in the Spirit
There are two modes of praying: praying in tongues and praying with our mind. What are we to do? We are to pray in our spirit, but also pray with our mind also; we shall sing praise with our spirit, but also sing with our mind also. (1Cor 14:15) Speaking in a tongue is praying in such a way that you utter speech that is not intelligible. (1Cor 14:9) When you pray in a tongue, your spirit prays but your mind is unfruitful. (1Cor 14:14) Speaking in a tongue builds yourself up in the Spirit. (1Cor 14:4) It is the activity of speaking to yourself and to God – uttering mysteries in the Spirit. (1Cor 14:2) Doing so is tasting the heavenly gift and sharing in the Holy Spirit, partaking of the beautiful utterances of God. (Heb 6:4-5) The alternative to being drunk on wine is being filled with the Spirit – singing and making melody to the Lord with our heart. (Eph 5:18-19)
Paul, addressing the Corinthian church, wrote, “I want you all to speak in tongues.” (1Cor 14:5) He said, “I thank God I speak in tongues more than all of you.” (1Cor 14:18) The Spirit (God’s controlling influence) helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Rom 8:26) That which searches hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom 8:27) We are urged to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Eph 6:18) We are to build ourselves up in our most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God. (Jude 1:20-21)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1Cor 12:7) We are to pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that we may prophesy. (1Cor 14:1) The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. (1Cor 14:4) When we prophesy we speak from God as we are carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2Pet 1:21) We should all want to speak in tongues, and even more to prophesy. (1Cor 14:5) Do not forbid speaking in tongues and earnestly desire to prophesy. (1Cor 14:39) God bears witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Heb 2:4) The gospel should not be shared in word only but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (1Thes 1:5) Do not quench the Spirit. (1Thes 5:19) Do not despise prophecies. (1Thes 5:20) Test everything holding fast to what is good. (1Thes 5:21)
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV), The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV), To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV), Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts
1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV), The one who speaks in a tongue speaks to God – he utters mysteries in the Spirit
2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:4 (ESV), The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself
4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:5 (ESV), I want you all to speak in tongues
5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:9 (ESV), With your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible
9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
1 Corinthians 14:14 (ESV), If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.
1 Corinthians 14:15 (ESV), I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also
15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.
1 Corinthians 14:18 (ESV), I Thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1 Corinthians 14:28 (ESV), Let them speak to himself and to God.
28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
1 Corinthians 14:39 (ESV), Do not forbid speaking in tongues
39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
Hebrews 6:4-5 (ESV), Tasted the beautiful utterances of God and the powers of the age to come
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come
Ephesians 5:18-19 (ESV), Do not get drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
Ephesians 6:17-18 (ESV), Praying at all times in the Spirit
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Jude 1:20-21 (ESV), Build yourself up – praying in the Holy Spirit
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
2 Peter 1:21 (ESV), Men spoke form God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV), In power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction
5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV), Do not quench the Spirit
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.
Hebrews 2:4 (ESV), God also bore witness by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will
4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Pray without ceasing
In every place the people should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. (1Tim 2:8) Let those who are suffering pray. Let those who are cheerful sing praise. (Jam 5:13) If anyone is sick, let them call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. (Jam 5:14) And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and their sins will be forgiven. (Jam 5:15) Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed – the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (Jam 5:16)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil 4:6) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7) Nothing we consume is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (1Tim 4:4-5) A husband and wife should not deprive each other except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that they may devote themselves to prayer. (1Cor 7:3-5)
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord, rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. (Rom 12:11-12) Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Col 4:2) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thes 5:16-18) Do not quench the Spirit. (1Thess 5:19) Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplications. (Eph 6:17-18) Beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keeping yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21)
1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV), In every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling
James 5:13-18 (ESV), Pray for one another
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (ESV), It is made holy by the word of God and prayer
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (ESV), Only deprive one another that you may devote yourselves to prayer
3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control
Romans 12:11-12 (ESV), Be constant in prayer
11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Colossians 4:2 (ESV), Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (ESV), Pray without ceasing – do not quench the Spirit
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Ephesians 6:17-19 (ESV), Praying at all times in the Spirit
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
Jude 1:20-21 (ESV), Building yourselves up and praying in the Holy Spirit
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
