Prayer is not based upon our condition, behavior, or anything of ourselves, but upon:
1. THE BLOOD OF THE LORD
“Having therefore, brothers, boldness for entering the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus.” Hebrews 10:19
Only the blood of the Lord can satisfy God’s righteous demands and can cleanse us that we may draw near to God with boldness.
2. THE NAME OF THE LORD
“If you ask Me anything in My [the Lord’s] name, I will do it.” John 14:14
Our prayer must be in the Lord’s name; this means that we must pray by depending on the Lord and by being joined to the Lord. Only then will we gain God Himself.
When we rely on the Lord’s blood and are joined to the Lord’s holy name, we will have a conscience void of offense. In this way our prayers will be unhindered.
“Let us come forward to the Holy of Holies with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.” Hebrews 10:22
To call on the name of the Lord is:
1. TO CALL “O LORD JESUS!”
“The same Lord of all is rich to all who call upon Him. For, Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:12-13
2. SPIRITUAL BREATHING
“I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon. Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.” Lamentations 3:55-56
We breathe out our burdens, sorrows, and sins, and we breathe in the Lord’s strength, comfort, salvation, and rest.
(1) Call out of a pure heart
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18
(2) Call with the saints
“But flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22
There are many blessings from God to the person who prays:
1. PRAYERS BEING ANSWERED
“Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
2. RECEIVING THE GRACE OF GOD
“Let us therefore come forward with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for timely help.” Hebrews 4:16
3. RECEIVING THE REVELATION OF GOD
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:17
4. ENJOYING THE PEACE OF GOD
“But in everything, by prayer...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Dear saint, after reading through this lesson, does not your heart long to build up your own prayer life?
You may start by practicing this:
I will pray every day from ____ to ____.
I will pray together with _______________ as my prayer partner.