Bible Study: “Praying Like Jesus” Week # 7

 

 

PRAYER:

Lord, Jesus Christ, I sing praises to Your Name today and forever. I love to sing praises to You. I will pray to You in my songs, especially in my heart. This is a personal prayer, a prayer of song, as David wrote many years ago. Even Habakkuk song praises to You, my Heavenly Father; as a singer, he song this prayer (Habakkuk 3:1-19), "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. ² O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. ³ God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. ⁴ And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. ⁵ Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.⁶ He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. ⁷ I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. ⁸ Was the Lord displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? ⁹ Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. ¹⁰ The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high. ¹¹ The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. ¹² Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger. ¹³ Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. ¹⁴ Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. ¹⁵ Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters. ¹⁶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. ¹⁷ Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: ¹⁸ Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.¹⁹ The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments." AMEN.

 

Lesson 7: Jesus sang some prayers.

Scripture Reading:     Mark 14:26, Matt. 26:30; Psalm 27; Habakkuk 3:1-19; Ezra 3:11; Psalm 150; Psalm96:1; Zephaniah 3:17

 

Jesus sang. Have you ever thought about that? And, amazingly only a few hours before his crucifixion Jesus sang. Following his time with his disciples in the upper room, Jesus sang with his disciples a hymn (Mark14:26). Most likely this song was the traditional Passover hymn based on Psalms 115-118. Singing hymns and prayers was part of Jewish tradition. Five-hundred-seventy-five references to praise, singing, and music are found in the Bible. At the very center of the volume is a 150-song hymnal knows as the Psalms, the Jewish book of hymns and prayers.  This great collection of songs and prayers express the heart and soul of humanity. In them, the whole range of human experiences is expressed. Honestly, the writers pour out their heart, their true feelings, and their hurts. The Psalms proved the expression of praise, worship, and confession to God.  The key verse is the final verse of the Psalms, Psalms 150:6: Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah! (HCSB) Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord (NIV) Let everything alive give praises to the Lord! You praise him! Hallelujah!  Music is a vehicle that stirs the emotions and expresses our hearts. Singing prayers was adopted by the early church.  Read Ephesians 5:18-20 Throughout the Christian tradition, believers have sung the Psalms, written new songs to sing.

 

Why is singing such a powerful prayer tool?

• Singing causes our bodies, our minds, and our spirits to work in concert.

• Singing seizes our attention and helps focus our thoughts.

 

Prayer can and should include some singing, especially those songs that help us focus on God, his attributes and character. Some of those songs for me are; "Holy, Holy, Holy," "How Great Thou Art," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," "Great Is the Lord," "How Majestic Is Your Name." "In Your Presence O Lord," "Amazing Grace," "I've Got the Life of God in me," Jesus, Jesus, Jesus," "Speak to my Heart," "Because He Live," "Oh magnify the Lord," "God is so good!" "I Sing Praises to Your Name." There are many, many, more. AMEN.

 

The hymnal and song books are wonderful tools in our prayer time. Use them often. Listen to the worship and praise songs of others. Join with them as they sing to God. But, when we pray we need to do more than just sing or listen to music. As wonderful and powerful as music is, we still need to listen for the still, small voice of God that comes in the quiet times. My daily morning quiet time is the best time of the day for me. I sing, read, and pray during my devotion time with God.

 

Have you ever song your prayers to God? Singing praises to God is a powerful way of worshipping Him.

God's Passion for Singing:

God's heart for setting words to melodies is evident from even a casual reading of the Psalms. Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:1)

Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! (Psalm 47:6)

In just four verses we're commanded to sing seven times.

All told, the Bible contains over four hundred references to singing and fifty direct commands to sing. The longest book of the Bible, the Psalms, is a book of songs. And in the New Testament we're commanded not once, but twice, to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to one another when we meet (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Why does God so often tell us not simply to praise him but to sing his praises when we meet? Why not just pray and preach? Why sing? Why are God's people throughout history always singing? Why words and music and not just words alone? Why does God want us to sing? One reason is that God himself sings. In (Zephaniah 3:17) God exalts over his people "with loud singing."

On the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus sang hymns with his disciples (e.g. (Matthew26:30.) (Hebrews 2:12) applies (Psalm 22:22) (Psalm to Jesus when it says, "In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." And Ephesians 5 tells us that one effect of being "filled with the Spirit" is "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart" (verses 18–19). We worship a triune God who sings, and he wants us to be like him.

 

Week # 7         PRIVATE DEVOTIONS TIME: Public Prayer (Matthew 11:25)

"²⁵ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."

 

Week # 7         NOTABLE PRAYERS: Daniel (Daniel 9:4)

"And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;"

 

Week # 7         QUESTIONS:

1).        Why is singing a powerful tool?

2).        What kind of prayer was Daniel's prayer in (Daniel 9:4)?

3).        What is your favorite personal song of praise?

4).        Have you started a daily quiet time with God?

 

Week # 7         PRAYER FOCUS:

I will pray for God to put a new song in my heart for Him, and for all my praises to flow to Him.

 

Week # 7         PRAYER REQUEST:

Pray for divine protection over our nations during the critical upcoming elections. (Proverbs 3:5; Psalm 91).

 

Week # 7         APPLY IT:  A Daily Quiet Time with God

 

Week # 7         THOUGHT4TODAY:

Turn your sights toward what is true, noble, lovely, and right-and be encouraged.

 

Week # 7         Reading Assignments………………..Book of Genesis Chapters 31-35

Bible Study: "Praying Like Jesus" Sharing

Week # 6 Sharing…………

Week # 6         PRIVATE DEVOTIONS TIME: In the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-42)

^"41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

⁴² Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

Week # 6         NOTABLE PRAYERS: Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:15-19)

^"15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. ¹⁶ Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

¹⁷ Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

¹⁸ And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. ¹⁹ Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only."

Week # 6         QUESTIONS:

1).        Read Psalm 34:1-4, and express yourself in your situation with praises and thanks to God.

WOW! I will bless the Lord right now in my situation. It's not easy, but I have and still is learning to trust the Lord in my bad times. My soul will boast in the Lord! I give Him glory, honor, and praise right now. My situation is a tough one, but I am trusting my God, I am trusting You, Lord. It was not for You, I would be all mixed up right now. I am so grateful that You keep me in perfect peace as I pray and keep my mind on You through it all. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayers when I seek You. Glory to God!

2).        What is worship to you?

Worship to me is giving respect to God who is the Supreme Being in my life, and it's due to Him because He created the heaven and the earth. My worship is to God Almighty, the only true source of my being, the very essence of my being and living. Worship is talking to God, singing praises to Him, praying to Him, and listen to Him; reading His Word; also, I believe that dancing before the Lord is worship too.

3).        Read Hebrews 4:15-16, and meditate upon it with praises to God in your heart.

I love this song! While meditating on this scripture this song came to my heart………………

 

FLOW TO YOU,  FLOW TO YOU,  LET THE RIVER OF MY WORSHIP FLOW TO YOU

LORD I PRAY IN ALL I DO;  LET THE RIVER OF MY WORSHIP FLOW TO YOU

LIKE STREAMS IN THE VALLEY SWELL WITH THE RAIN LET THE SONGS OF MY HEART RISE TO BLESS YOUR NAME;  FLOW TO YOU, FLOW TO YOU,  LET MY WORSHIP, FLOW TO YOU

(SPECIAL) 
LET ALL MY WORSHIP,  LET ALL MY PRAISE FLOW TO YOU,  FLOW TO YOU
(REPEAT SEVERAL TIMES)

NOBODY BUT YOU,  FLOW TO YOU,  FLOW TO YOU;  LET THE RIVER OF MY WORSHIP
FLOW TO YOU

LORD I PRAY IN ALL I DO, LET THE RIVER OF MY WORSHIP FLOW TO YOU

LIKE STREAMS IN THE VALLEY SWELL WITH THE RAIN LET THE SONGS OF MY HEART RISE TO BLESS YOUR NAME FLOW TO YOU, FLOW TO YOU LET MY WORSHIP, FLOW TO YOU

(SPECIAL) 
LET ALL MY WORSHIP LET ALL MY PRAISE FLOW TO YOU  FLOW TO YOU
(REPEAT SEVERAL TIMES)

NOBODY BUT YOU Amen!!!
Thank you for visiting All

 

I

4).        What kind of prayer was King Hezekiah in (2 Kings 19:15-19)?

^"15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. ¹⁶ Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

¹⁷ Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

¹⁸ And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. ¹⁹ Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only."

 

This was a prayer of thanksgiving, giving honor, and glory to God as he make petition to God for hearing him and bring deliverance from the enemy. He was worshipping God in his prayer. He was giving glory, honor, power, and praise to God Almighty.

 

Week # 6     Sharing…………

 

Week # 6         PRAYER FOCUS:

For God to change hearts towards Him, for Christians to stand up for God no matter what takes place in our country as believers of God as the Holy One.

Week # 6         PRAYER REQUEST:

Pray for the Church to see the need to repent of personal and national sins in the fear of the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 9:10).

Week # 6         THOUGHT4TODAY:

Put your hope fully in Me. I have shielded you from many hardship, and I will continue to protect you.

Week # 6         APPLY IT:  A Daily Quiet Time with God

Father God, help the Body of Christ to stand up for righteousness no matter what. Yes, we as Americas are free to worship, but our country is based upon God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, righteousness. Please help us to remember that at all times, and help us not to compromise with other religions, especially those that disrespect our Savior as Lord of lords and King of kings.  If these religions dis-own Your Son Jesus, help us to stand against it at all times, no matter what.  Help our country to keep honoring You as the Great Creator of all men, and all creation.  It may be hard, but give us this day the strength, endurance, and the spiritual integrity to stand up against ungodliness. We praise You and give You honor and glory in Jesus' name. Bless the Body of Christ to come together more in prayer. We are one in the bond of love, and peace, in the name of Jesus, AMEN.

Week # 6       Reading Assignments…………Book of Genesis Chapters 26-30

I have finished my reading for this week's assignment!

 

Words of Encouragement:

 

Wait patiently with me while I bless you. Don't rush into My Presence with time-consciousness gnawing at your mind. I dwell in timelessness: I am, I was, I will always be. For you, time is protection: you're a frail creature who can handle only twenty-four-hour segments of life. Time can also be a tyrant, ticking away relentlessly in your mind. Learn to master time, or it will be your master.  Though you are a time-bound creature, seek to meet Me in timelessness. As you focus on My Presence, the demands of time and tasks will diminish. I will bless you and keep you, making My Face shine upon you graciously, giving you Peace.

 

Week # 6     More Scriptures:

Micah 7:7

⁷ Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Revelation 1:8

⁸ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1

3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 

Numbers 6:24-26

²⁴ The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

²⁵ The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

²⁶ The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Bible Study: "Praying Like Jesus" Week # 6

This Week's Prayer

 

 

Our Father in heaven, we praise You and thank You too. Your grace and mercy has always been with us. We give You all glory, honor, and praise. At this time, Lord, we desire to give You thanks for who You are, and what You have done in our lives. God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace: We thank you for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. We thank you for the mystery of creation: for the beauty that the eye can see, for the joy that the ear may hear, for the unknown that we cannot behold filling the universe with wonder, for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of our selves. We thank you for setting us in communities: for families who nurture our becoming, for friends who love us by choice, for companions at work, who share our burdens and daily tasks, for strangers who welcome us into their midst, for people from other lands who call us to grow in understanding, for children who lighten our moments with delight, for the unborn, who offer us hope for the future. We thank you for this day: for life and one more day to love, for opportunity and one more day to work for justice and peace, for neighbors and one more person to love and by whom be loved, for your grace and one more experience of your presence, for your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation. For these and all blessings, we give you thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Bible Study: “Praying Like Jesus” Week # 6

PRAYER:

 Our Father in heaven, we praise You and thank You too. Your grace and mercy has always been with us. We give You all glory, honor, and praise. At this time, Lord, we desire to give You thanks for who You are, and what You have done in our lives. God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace: We thank you for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. We thank you for the mystery of creation: for the beauty that the eye can see, for the joy that the ear may hear, for the unknown that we cannot behold filling the universe with wonder, for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of our selves. We thank you for setting us in communities: for families who nurture our becoming, for friends who love us by choice, for companions at work, who share our burdens and daily tasks, for strangers who welcome us into their midst, for people from other lands who call us to grow in understanding, for children who lighten our moments with delight, for the unborn, who offer us hope for the future. We thank you for this day: for life and one more day to love, for opportunity and one more day to work for justice and peace, for neighbors and one more person to love and by whom be loved, for your grace and one more experience of your presence, for your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation. For these and all blessings, we give you thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Lesson 6: Jesus offered thanks.

 Matthew 11:25; I Corinthians 3:16; Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Psalm 138:2-3; Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus gave thanks when he prayed (Read Matt. 11:25-26). He set for us a model that we should follow. To fail to give thanks reflects on the condition of our relationship with God. If we are not thanking God, we are probably unaware of God's merciful and generous provision.

How often do we forget the gracious hand of God and his bountiful blessings on our life.

Let's stop for a moment and consider the blessings of God:

• Born in America.

• Finest medical care in the world.

• Freedom to worship.

• Wealth.

• Family.

• Friends.

• Church.

• Job.

• Health.

• Home.

• Spiritual blessings. Etc.

We should always be thankful and express thanks to God for each of those blessings and more. Why give thanks? It is only good manners to return thanks for a kindness done to us. It is courtesy, politeness, acceptable behavior for those who have been the recipients of favor and kindness and blessing. Thanksgiving is essential to prayer, since all that we are, all that we have and all that we receive comes from our gracious God.

Consider these verses:

Psalm 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Psalm 92:1;

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:

Psalm 106:1

Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.

Psalm 107:1

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.

Psalm 118:1

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Jesus has model a lifestyle of thanksgiving; we are commanded to give thanks, but we have a propensity to forget God's goodness in our lives. (See Luke 17:11-19). In a village north of Jerusalem Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks (Read Luke 17:15-16). Jesus affirms him even as he confronts the thanklessness of the others (Read Luke 17:17-18). Jesus gave thanks when he prayed and considered it a normal response to a loving God who answers our requests. Let's not forget our manners. Let's give thanks to a good, merciful, and kind God.

Let's talk about our worship/praise to God:

Do you ever get tired of this world? Do you get tired of the monotony of life and seek a higher, more exciting plane? Do you ever long to leave all the filth and degradation behind, for just a little while? Would you like a break sometime—to just get away from it all, and go to a place where you can just leave it all behind?

That is what worship does (Hebrews 4:15-16)!

Worship is…..

A. Hard To Define. It is not really defined in Scripture—it is shown, but not explained. The primary Old Testament term translated "worship" means "to bow down… to prostrate oneself" and the primary New Testament term literally means "to kiss toward".

• "It may be regarded as the direct acknowledgment to God, of His nature, attributes, ways and claims. Whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise and thanksgiving… or by deed done in such acknowledgment" (W.E. Vine)

B. Sacred. Many people do not recognize the sanctity of certain things. To them, holy things are common. How does such a casual attitude toward God, cause us to lose sight of the aura of awe and majesty that surrounds Him (Hebrews 10:29; 12:28)

• God seeks intimate fellowship with us. But what do we need to remember (Psalm 8:3-4; 89:7)?

C. A Spiritual Exercise. It is an exercise of the mind and heart, more than just an action of the body. How is each of the following expressions of worship an exercise of the inward man? (Remember that each of these can be done without really worshipping God.)

• Ephesians 5:19—

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-29—

• Hebrews 4:15-16—

D. Man's Link With God. Worship transports us from this earthly realm to the heavenly. It conveys us into the company of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 4:15-16).

• In what manner can we now "draw near" to God (Hebrews 10:19-22)? • Why do we come before Him (1 Peter 2:5)?

E. Man's Gift to God. God is the giver of every good gift (James 1:17). Everything we have received already belongs to Him (1 Chronicles 29:14).

• How is worship the one thing which comes from us—which we can give back to God (Hebrews 13:15)? F. Expression of An Adoring Heart. How we worship God reflects our impression of God (Psalm 98:1-4). How we worship God reflects our thankfulness (Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:19-20; Philippians 4:6-7).

CONCLUSION—Worship proclaims our dependence on God. Worship is always offered to a greater being from a lesser being. God does not need our worship (Acts 17:24-25) but He does seek it as an expression of our love and communion with Him (John 4:23-24). Worship is a part of our prayer life.

Week # 6         PRIVATE DEVOTIONS TIME: In the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-42)

^"41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

⁴² Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

Week # 6         NOTABLE PRAYERS: Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:15-19)

^"15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. ¹⁶ Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

¹⁷ Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

¹⁸ And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. ¹⁹ Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only."

Week # 6         QUESTIONS:

1).        Read Psalm 34:1-4, and express yourself in your situation with praises and thanks to God.

2).        What is worship to you?

3).        Read Hebrews 4:15-16, and meditate upon it with praises to God in your heart.

4).        What kind of prayer was King Hezekiah in (2 Kings 19:15-19)?

Week # 6         PRAYER FOCUS:

For God to change hearts towards Him, for Christians to stand up for God no matter what takes place in our country as believers of God as the Holy One.

Week # 6         PRAYER REQUEST:

Pray for the Church to see the need to repent of personal and national sins in the fear of the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 9:10).

Week # 6         THOUGHT4TODAY:

Put your hope fully in Me. I have shielded you from many hardship, and I will continue to protect you.

Week # 6         APPLY IT:  A Daily Quiet Time with God

Week # 6       Reading Assignments…………Book of Genesis Chapters 26-30

Bible Study: "Praying Like Jesus" Sharing

Week # 5         PRIVATE DEVOTIONS TIME:     Before Meals (Mark 8:7)

"And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them."

Week # 5         NOTABLE PRAYERS:        Solomon (1 Kings 3:6; 8:22)

⁶ And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

1 Kings 8:22

²² And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

Week # 5         QUESTIONS:

1).        Do you pray before your meals?

Yes I do! I was raised to say grace before I eat, but now I can say I pray before I eat, not just grace before meals 

2).        Have you had an experience with God since you started this study?

Yes I have! God has been blessing me, but the enemy is working to discourage me on every hand; I trust God through it all, even right now as I write this answer.

3).        What kind of prayer King Solomon prayed in (I Kings 3:6; 8:22)?

This was a prayer of thanksgiving, praise, and gratefulness. He was so grateful that God had kept His Word to his father, to him, and his people at this time of his life.

Week # 5         PRAYER FOCUS:

To acknowledge God in all my ways, even before I eat; (Proverbs 3:6) "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Week # 5         PRAYER REQUEST:

Pray for elections to be fair, honest, and without corruption (Proverbs 16:13)

Week # 5         APPLY IT: A Daily Quiet Time with God

Father, I desire to vote intelligently in all elections. I pray that You will bring to light the things we need to know so we may vote in line with Your plan, will, and purpose. May things not only to come to light for the Christian community, but may things be made clear to the unbelieving community as well. I pray that what is right would be so clear that even unbelievers would vote using wisdom and demanding honesty and uprightness from their politicians.  Dear Father, in the name of Jesus, may the citizens of our nation become so weary of sin and degradation in our nation's leaders that they will begin to seek out godly leaders to represent them on every level of government. Give such leaders favor with the public and the media. Father, make our nation a fragrance in the earth, a force to be reckoned with, a hand extended to those in need right here in this country. We pray this in Jesus' name. AMEN.

Week # 5         THOUGHT4TODAY:

"Take charge of your thoughts by reminding yourself of My Presence in the present."

Week # 5        Reading Assignments………………..Book of Genesis Chapters 21-25

I have finished reading my weekly reading assignment!

Words of Encouragement:

Hold my hand-and trust. So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well. It is virtually impossible to stumble while walking in the Light with Me. I designed you to enjoy Me above all else. You find the deepest fulfillment of your heart in Me alone.  Fearful, anxious thoughts melt away in the Light of My Presence. When you turn away from Me, you are vulnerable to the darkness that is always at work in the world. Don't be surprised by how easily you sin when you forget to cling to My hand. In the world, dependence on Me is a prime measure of maturity.

More Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 41:10

¹⁰ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Ephesians 5:8

⁸ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Psalm 62:5-6

⁵ My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

⁶ He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

Bible Study: "Praying Like Jesus" Week # 5

 This Week's Prayer…….

 

Father God, we come to in a grateful heart for all that You have done for us today; thank You for waking us this morning, protecting us last night, for providing all our needs today. We ask that You hear our prayer over our food each day. Bless us to pray over our food before we pray. Teach us how to pray over our food before we eat in Jesus' name. These lessons have been a blessing to our spiritual walk with You, Lord. Lord, we pray in all things, even as we eat our meals. We thank You, Lord. We sanctify our food in Jesus' name. Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and us to thy service, and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others, in Jesus' name.  Most Holy, Righteous and everywhere present God, our Father who art in Heaven, we ask thy blessing upon this food. Bless the hearts and hands that provide the same. And when it is ours to pass from time to eternity, own us and crown us heirs to Thy kingdom. These favors and blessings we ask in the name of Christ, our Great Redeemer. Teach us to pray, and bless us to use our time with You, Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN

Bible Study: “Praying Like Jesus” Week # 5

PRAYER:

Father God, we come to in a grateful heart for all that You have done for us today; thank You for waking us this morning, protecting us last night, for providing all our needs today. We ask that You hear our prayer over our food each day. Bless us to pray over our food before we pray. Teach us how to pray over our food before we eat in Jesus' name. These lessons have been a blessing to our spiritual walk with You, Lord. Lord, we pray in all things, even as we eat our meals. We thank You, Lord. We sanctify our food in Jesus' name. Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and us to thy service, and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others, in Jesus' name.  Most Holy, Righteous and everywhere present God, our Father who art in Heaven, we ask thy blessing upon this food. Bless the hearts and hands that provide the same. And when it is ours to pass from time to eternity, own us and crown us heirs to Thy kingdom. These favors and blessings we ask in the name of Christ, our Great Redeemer. Teach us to pray, and bless us to use our time with You, Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN.

 

 

Lesson 5          Jesus prayed before meals.

Matthew 14:19; Matthew 15:36; Mark 6:41, Mark 8:7, 14:22, Luke 24:30; Acts 27:35; I Corinthians 11:24

Quote:

Little Johnny and his family were having dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate he started eating right away. "Johnny, wait until we say our prayer," his mother scolded. "I don't have to," the boy replied. "Of course, you do," his mother insisted. "We always say a prayer before eating at our house." "That's at our house," Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house, and she knows how to cook." (LOL)

Praying before meals was a common Jewish practice (and, most evangelical Christians do likewise.) Jesus followed that practice, too.

We see that evidenced:

• when he fed the five thousand with the boy's lunch of bread and fish (Mark 6:41);

• when he fed the four thousand (Mark 8:6);

• when he shared a meal with his disciples in the upper room the night before his crucifixion (Mark 14:22);

• and, following his resurrection, when he shared a meal with Cleopas and his wife in Emmaus (Luke 24:30).

We also see this practice evidenced when Jesus taught his disciples to pray in what we know as the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:11).

Praying before meals is a good thing. It reminds us that we are the beneficiaries of good things. That God has blessed us with the ability to eat as well as the resources to eat. It puts our life into perspective that without God's intervention, his help, we would perish. As we need food and water to survive, we need God's involvement in our lives, too.

Parenthetically, being thankful for God's blessings shouldn't end at the breakfast table.

• What about when you get in your car to drive to work?

• Or stop at the gym to work out? Or fill your car up with gasoline?

• Or pick up a book at the library? Or sit down at your desk at your job?

 

Let's not make prayer at meals a sacrament, but let's not ignore it either (and all the other benefits and gifts that God has provided.)

May I offer a few suggestions about praying before meal.

1. Pray, but don't preach. Be brief and to the point.

2. Be sincere, but don't be stale. Use variety.

3. In public, be a witness, but don't be a show off. I imagine that Jesus would pray before meals in a public place, but he would not draw attention to himself by praying ostentatiously. He prayed over the loaves and fish but the writers did not record his words, perhaps because they were brief. Remember you can pray with your eyes open and you can offer a silent prayer to God.

4. In public, don't pray, if you aren't going to leave a proper tip. I've been told that, generally speaking, the smallest tips are left at restaurants on Sundays by the church crowd.

Don't be a positive witness through your prayers and then a negative witness through your tipping.

Week # 5         PRIVATE DEVOTIONS TIME:     Before Meals (Mark 8:7)

"And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them."

Week # 5         NOTABLE PRAYERS:        Solomon (1 Kings 3:6; 8:22)

⁶ And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

1 Kings 8:22

²² And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

Week # 5         QUESTIONS:

1).        Do you pray before your meals?       

2).        Have you had an experience with God since you started this study?

3).        What kind of prayer King Solomon prayed in (I Kings 3:6; 8:22)?

Week # 5         PRAYER FOCUS:

To acknowledge God in all my ways, even before I eat; (Proverbs 3:6) "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Week # 5         PRAYER REQUEST:

Pray for elections to be fair, honest, and without corruption (Proverbs 16:13)

Week # 5         APPLY IT: A Daily Quiet Time with God

I feel I may not ever pray like Jesus, but I am trying to get a lift style as to praying as close as I can like Jesus did.  I have been praying more wherever I am, whenever its needed, and focusing on the Lord more than on my situation too.

Week # 5         THOUGHT4TODAY:

"Take charge of your thoughts by reminding yourself of My Presence in the present."

Week # 5        Reading Assignments………………..Book of Genesis Chapters 21-25

 

Jesus prayed before meals.