BROTHERS ARMED FOR BATTLE #8 of 8 – THE OTHER OFFENCE
A MEN’S BIBLE STUDY ON THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR (HOWEVER, THIS STUDY IS APPLICABLE FOR ALL, NOT JUST MEN!)
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
- Of what value is prayer?
- How can it be used as an offensive weapon?
- Why should we make prayer a priority?
- When should we be the most adamant in prayer?
- What are the hindrances to an effective prayer life.
We have prayer as an offensive weapon besides the “Sword of the Spirit”. We are to use it to fight Satan and to get God’s work done on earth.
THE FREQUENCY OF PRAYER
Praying always…
Psalms 55:16-17 – As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Acts 6:4 – But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
2 Timothy 1:3 – I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
THE FULLNESS OF PRAYER
…with all prayer and supplication…
- Praise
Psalms 47:6-7 – Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
Psalms 96:1-2 – O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
- Thanksgiving
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- Request for Guidance
James 1:5-6 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
- Confession of Sin
Psalms 32:5 – I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
- Request for Physical Needs
Matthew 6:11 – Give us this day our daily bread.
- Request for Spiritual Needs
1 John 5:14-15 – And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Hebrews 4:14-16 – Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
- Intercession – Ephesians 6:18 (More Below)
FORCE OF PRAYER
…in the Spirit…
Ephesians 5:18 – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Romans 8:26-27 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Jude 1:20-21 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
FOCUS OF PRAYER
- …all saints… – See Ephesians 1:16-23, 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-14.
- Government Leaders and the Unsaved
1 Timothy 2:1-4 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
FAITHFULNESS IN PRAYER
…watching thereunto with all perseverance…
Mark 13:33 – Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
1 Peter 4:7 – But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Luke 18:1-8 – And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
