This study was first taught on July 7, 2010

Topic: The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (1)

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Last week, we saw the divinely acceptable manner for performing acts of righteousness or good works, and the rewards that God gives as a result.

We noted that as much as it is the responsibility of every believer to perform righteous acts, there are appropriate ways of doing them. We therefore saw that acceptable acts of righteousness before God must be done:
(a) With simplicity, that is, in sincerity of heart and purity of motive;
(b) Without hypocrisy; as we take care of those in our immediate environment, before venturing abroad;
(c) Without announcing what we are doing to the public, nor encouraging people to announce it for us;
(d) Anonymously or secretly.

We saw that rewards for good works can never be given by men; hence, we don’t do these deeds to be seen of men, but for the sake of Christ, and for the glory of God. It is God who gives the rewards, which are with Him, as He judges our works to be acceptable or otherwise. Rewards, we noted, can be receive here on earth and in heaven.

We also took special cognizance of the phrase, “Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them…”, noting that this is a serious warning, as it there is a thin line between taking the glory for ourselves, and giving God the glory. We saw the example of Herod, whose speech drew acclaim of the people, but who did not acknowledge God, and was struck dead instantly.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 6:5- 13
Tonight, and for some weeks to come, we shall be looking at another responsibility of every believer: prayer. In our scripture text, we are told, “when thou prayest”, not “if”, which makes it mandatory, and hence a responsibility. We pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to be alive to our responsibilities, particularly, this one.
It is safe to say that irresponsible believers do not pray. Furthermore, as with good works, there is a proper and acceptable way to pray. But before we delve into these, we shall seek to simplify what prayer really is.
1 Kings 18:23-38; Genesis 4:26; 12:8; Jonah 1:1-6; Jeremiah 33:1-3; Acts 7:29-60; 2 Timothy 2:22; Psalm 50:15; Mark 10:47-52; Luke 11:9-10; Psalm 2:8; Matthew 13:10ff, 36ff; John 4:7-10; 14:13-14; 15:7; 2 Chronicles 15:1-4; Proverbs 2:3-5; Psalm 3:4; 34:6, 15, 17-18; 107:10-14, 17-20, 23-30; Luke 18:1-8; Psalm 115:2, 4-8; 1 John 5:14-15; Isaiah 59:1-4; James 4:1-3; 1 Samuel 1:1-18.

Conclusion
Prayer is calling on the name of the Lord. This presupposes a recognition that God can, and will help. It is an indication of the caller’s acknowledgment and worship of God. Calling on the name of God is asking God for help and support; and seeking after God, and solution to life’s challenges, among others.

Prayer is also crying unto God. It is talking to God out of a heart in anguish, despair, desperation, or confusion. Crying unto God can be likened to importunity or knocking on the door of heaven persistently, until we get answers.

Prayer is communication between man and God. Communication is essentially two-way where the caller calls or cries to God; and God answers or responds to the caller. This is significant because, when we pray, it is not inappropriate to expect an answer or response from God. It is, however, inappropriate to expect only what we want to hear as an answer.

When we therefore do not get an answer or response to our prayers, we need to ensure that we are in right standing with God, and that we are not asking amiss.

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