Christ's Principles for Powerful Prayer By D. Kris Minefee

 

Christ's Principles for Powerful Prayer

 By D. Kris Minefee

Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Athens, Texas

 Introduction

    The purpose of this study is to gain an extensive and practical approach to prayer as it was taught by Jesus Christ.  These pages are an extensive exposition of Luke chapters 11 and 18 as well as John 14.  It is meant as a small group discussion guide, with a workbook to be filled in as the student learns.    The teachers manual is printed so that it will be easy to read and easy to reproduce on overhead projector sheets.  It is recommended that the student be able to see the answers and then write them in their workbooks rather than just hear them.  The time savings of not having to spell the word or repeat them is well worth the effort of setting up an overhead projector or PowerPoint.

Table of Contents

 

Lesson 1.  Taught by the Teacher Luke 11:1-5

A Platform for Prayer

Model Prayer to My Prayer

 

Lesson  2.  Prerequisites for Prayer   Luke 11:6-13

Steadfastness of the Saint

Goodness of God

Lesson  3.  Presented in Parables  Luke 18:1-14

Persistence in Petition

Poor in Presence

 

Lesson  4.  Patterned in People  Luke 18:15-43

Childlike in Coming

Sacrificial in Service

Positive in Promise

Faithful in Following

Courageous in Calling

 

Lesson 5. Praying in Power John 14

I.  Taught by the Teacher Luke 11:1-4

Luke  11:1. And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

         Have you ever placed yourself among the disciples that asked this question?  What an opportunity, to ask Jesus the best way to pray!  If anyone would know how to reach the Father it would be the only begotten son, Jesus Christ. 

         We were not there in person to ask the Master to teach us to pray but thanks to the Holy Spirit's work through Luke and the other gospel writers we can still learn the same lessons about prayer Jesus taught his first disciples.  And there is nothing lost in the translation, either, God's word is as pure and right in the Bible you hold as it was in the ears of those who listened to Him almost 2000 years ago.

         So, are you willing to learn from Jesus Himself?  Are you willing to listen with an open mind and open heart as the Holy Spirit reshapes our conceptions of prayer and deepens the relationship between God and his people through prayer? Then let’s start with the platform

 

AA. Platform for Prayer

 

 Luke 11:2-4 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.  Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

 

    Let's begin by looking at the model for prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples.  Technically, this is not the Lord's prayer.  He did not pray it to His Father.  The Lord's Prayer is really found in John 17, when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.  This prayer is really a platform or framework upon which we should build our own personal prayers.  It is very simple in construction, as any framework should be.  It leaves room for us to raise up our own edifices of prayer in which we meet with God.

 

Relation: To the Father from His Child 

 

 Our Father which art in heaven

    Look at the beginning of the prayer.  What is the first thing you notice, Who is the prayer to?  The prayer is to Our Father in Heaven.  Jesus used a child's word for father, equivalent to our "daddy" it is the same word used in Romans 8:15 "Abba, Father". 

 

What does this tell us about the relationship of those who pray?  They must be children of God, they must be saved.  It also tells us that in prayer we are to understand God as our “Abba” Father, a very personal, intimate relationship.

 

Application

 

How do you think of God when you approach Him in Prayer?

Do your prayers reflect that understanding or do they sound distant or routine? 

 

Would you talk to your earthly father in the same way you pray to your Heavenly Father?  Would you use the same words, same tone, same order, same beginning same ending etc.

 

What are some ways in which my prayers should change and deepen along with my understanding of God as my Father?  I would spend more, not less time in prayer.  I would grow in respect for Him as I realize how much He loves me and blesses me.  I would talk to him more readily, sooner, quicker, rather than wait until I have to.

 

Story of jumping in my Dad’s lap during an Altus, Oklahoma thunderstorm.

 

Adoration: Praise before Petition 

 

 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

    The next phrase brings us another portion of the platform upon which to build, yet it is often the most undeveloped part of modern prayer.

    Jesus told them to say, "Hallowed be Thy name."  What does this mean?  Is it just a phrase which we repeat in order to make sure our prayer is going to be heard?  No, it is part of the model upon which our own prayers are to be erected. 

    The word "Hallowed" is the verb form of the word holy.  In the case of the model prayer is an acknowledgment of the holiness, the sanctity of God's name and thereby God Himself.  The phrase in this abbreviated model is a place for worship and praise to the One we are praying to.

    In our real prayers this room is often absent or very empty. We are so programmed to ask things from God in prayer that we neglect time spent with God in prayer.  To praise God during our prayer is to honor Him, commune with Him, and render to Him what is due as the Creator of the Universe and the only one who can intervene in time and space to help us.

 

Let's look at some examples of prayers from the great men of the Bible and mark how their prayers begin with praise and worship.

 

David in Psalms 86: 

 Psalms 86 Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me:
for I am poor and needy.
² Preserve my soul; for I am holy:
O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
³ Be merciful unto me, O Lord:
for I cry unto thee daily.
⁴ Rejoice the soul of thy servant:
for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
⁵ For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive;
and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
⁶ Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer;
and attend to the voice of my supplications.
⁷ In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee:
for thou wilt answer me.
⁸ Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord;
neither are there any works like unto thy works.
⁹ All nations whom thou hast made shall come
and worship before thee, O Lord;
and shall glorify thy name.
¹⁰ For thou art great, and doest wondrous things:
thou art God alone.
¹¹ Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth:
unite my heart to fear thy name.
¹² I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
¹³ For great is thy mercy toward me:
and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
¹⁴ O God, the proud are risen against me,
and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul;
and have not set thee before them.
¹⁵ But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
¹⁶ O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me;
give thy strength unto thy servant,
and save the son of thine handmaid.
¹⁷ Shew me a token for good;
that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed:
because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Daniel in Daniel 9

 Daniel 9:4-19 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; ⁵ We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: ⁶ Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. ⁷ O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. ⁸ O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. ⁹ To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; ¹⁰ Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. ¹¹ Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. ¹² And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. ¹³ As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. ¹⁴ Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. ¹⁵ And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
¹⁶ O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. ¹⁷ Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. ¹⁸ O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. ¹⁹ O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Peter and the early church in Acts 4:23 - 31

 Acts 4:24-30 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: ²⁵ Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? ²⁶ The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. ²⁷ For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, ²⁸ For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. ²⁹ And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, ³⁰ By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

    In these examples you can see that those praying had a deep reverence and appreciation for the High and Holy one they approached in prayer.  They understood what Psalms 100 tells each of us what we should do as we approach God. This was a pilgrim psalms sung as the Jewish pilgrims would come to the Temple for Passover. A Choir within the walls would sing as the pilgrims entered. 

Psalm 100:1-5 

 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. 

If prayer is coming into God’s presence then it must be preceded with praise. One day when we truly stand in the presence of God in heaven praise will pour from us as the only proper thing in His presence. May we understand that truth in our prayers today.

 

Submission: to God's Rule and Will

 

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

 

    The next part of the model prayer deals with submission.  Jesus constructed it in two sections, God's Kingdom and God's Will.

    "Thy kingdom come" had a very real and obvious meaning to the disciples of Jesus.  The prophets had promised a kingdom of God ruled by the Messiah.  God's kingdom was first and foremost that promised kingdom.  It was not established yet or Jesus would not have told them to pray for it to come.  It was however, on it's way and would someday be established over all the earth with Jesus Christ as King.  This petition would fill the Roman dominated Israelite with hope as he endured the rule of another.

    For us this is both petition for a future reality and a present attitude. When I pray is there a place in my prayer for the return of Jesus to establish his kingdom?  Is there an attitude of hope which permeates my prayer because I look for this to happen?  Do I realize that no matter how difficult it may be now, under the rule of Satan in this world, that someday Jesus will reign and all will be right? 

    In a nursing home ministry I once led, I was talking to the residents after one of our services.  One dear lady asked me, "Do you believe Jesus is coming again?" I told her I certainly did.  She smiled very widely as if to say that was the only thing that kept her going.  She then said, "Keep looking up, young man.  Keep looking up!"  To me it was more than just the place I would look for Jesus to come in the clouds.  It was also the attitude I would have if I really believed and prayed for my Lord to return.  How could I be anything but "up?"

    Next Jesus told the disciples to pray, "Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven."  In heaven is the qualifying statement for describing how God's will was to be done.  In heaven God's will is carried out instantaneously by uncountable armies of angels.  Angels aren't earthly creatures so who is to do God's will here?  We are.  His Servants.

    If I add this room to my prayers, how will it change my prayers?  How will it change my life?  To honestly and completely yield myself to God's will is to remove any right of ownership to myself, my future or any possession.  To pray this is to make my words a vow of personal servitude in the ministry of God.  Every prayer then becomes a surrender of my own desires to God's desires for me.

 

The Dedication of Jonathan Edwards, leader of the 1^st Great Awakening.

 

      I claim no right to myself- no right to this understanding, this will, these affections that are in me; neither do I have any right to this body or its members-no right to this tongue, to these hand, feet, ears or eyes.

     I have given myself clear away and not retained anything of my own.  I have been to God this morning and told Him I have given myself wholly to Him.  I have given Him every power, so that for the future I claim no right to myself in any respect.  I have expressly promised Him, for by His grace

I will not fail.  I take Him as my whole portion and felicity, looking upon nothing else as any part of my happiness, His law is the rule of my obedience.   I will fight with all my might against the world, the flesh, and the devil to the end of my life.  I will adhere to the faith of the Gospel, however hazardous and difficult the profession and practice of it may be.

     I receive the blessed Spirit as my Teacher, Sanctifier, and only Comforter, and cherish all admonitions to enlighten, purify, confirm, comfort and assist me.  This I have done.

     I pray God, for the sake of others, to look upon this as a self-dedication, and receive me as His own.  Henceforth, I am not to act in any respect as my own.  I shall act as my own if I ever make use of any of my powers to do anything that is not to the glory of God, or to fail to make the glorifying of Him my whole and entire business.

     If I murmur in the least at afflictions: if I am in any way uncharitable: if I revenge my own case: if I do anything purely to please myself, or omit anything because it is a great denial: if I trust to myself: if I take any praise for any good which Christ does by me: or if I am in any way proud, I shall act as my own and not God's.  I purpose to be absolutely His.  -Jonathan Edwards.

 

Recognition: Of God’s Power in Life

 

Give us day by day our daily bread.

    The next phrase asks God for daily bread.  Certainly this looks to our food which ultimately comes from God, but within the framework of this model prayer it goes much further.  

    Bread was the "staff of life."  It was the most important part of the middle eastern diet.  Meat, fresh vegetable and fruit were luxuries at most tables, but bread meant they would not starve.  "Daily bread" is that bread which is necessary to sustain our lives today.  It means we stand upon the promises of God to care for his children and provide for their needs.  It does not presume upon tomorrow except to believe that God will as always provide for us once we are there.  The Wycliffe Bible Commentary says, "The Greek is concise and graphic,  'Keep giving to us our daily allotment'."

    This room, in the building of my house of prayer, is more than the simple idea of "daily bread." It is an affirmation of God's promise for the necessities of life.  It is praying from faith not want. It is recognizing that it is God who must supply life itself to me.

 

    Look at the following verses in which the first daily bread was given by God to his people of the Exodus.

 

 Exodus 16:15  And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. 

Deuteronomy 8:3   And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 

 

What was the lesson of the manna to the Israelites?  It showed God's provision yet it also showed the people's need of faith.  God only would provide enough for the day.  They had to trust him for tomorrow's provision.

 

What is the lesson of the manna to us?  The daily bread is an object lesson in God's care for us.  The greatest thing isn't the bread but learning to trust God.  Notice what Moses said in Deut 8:3.

 

Reconciliation: Repentance toward God and Forgiveness of Others

 

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.

 

    Now Jesus instructs that each prayer should have a place in which forgiveness is asked from God and because of that forgiveness we also forgive those who have sinned against us.

    Very few prayers omit asking for forgiveness but we often neglect to grant that forgiveness to others.  It should be noted that forgiveness is given by God based upon what Jesus has done for us. No work or righteousness which we do can have redeeming merit from God.  Yet we must not ignore the fact that these two acts of forgiveness are tied together.  It should seem impossible to us who have been forgiven all our sin through Jesus Christ, to be unable to forgive someone else a slight or and offense.  

Read the following parable told by Christ.

Matthew 18:23-35 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.  But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.  But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.  So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. 

What is the lesson to be learned from this parable?  We who have been forgiven a debt against God which we could never repay, should be grateful and willing to forgive those who have sinned against us.  To not do so is to mock and count as nothing the much greater forgiveness we have already received.

    The forgiveness of our unbelief against God, is not conditional upon anything except the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and my accepting His death on my behalf.  Continued forgiveness from God after I have experience the new birth of salvation may be hindered if I cannot forgive those around me.  It is absurd to harbor feelings of resentment and bitterness toward another when God, who has every right to send me to hell for all eternity, willing forgave me and made me his child.  What offense against me could be greater than my rebellion against God which caused His own Son to die on the cross?

In practice, the fact that I will not forgive someone keeps me from going to God in prayer. I do not wish to be reminded by the Holy Spirit while in the presence of God that I am asking for forgiveness while refusing to grant it to someone else. 

Humiliation: a Cry for Deliverance  

And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

 

    The final phrase which the disciples were instructed to pray dealt with temptation and deliverance from that temptation.  The word temptation can mean both temptation to sin and a test.  Indeed a temptation to sin is a test of a moral kind.  Jesus is not however saying that God tempts man to sin. 

 

Read James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

    James makes it very plain that God does not tempt in the way Satan tempts.  

The model prayer expresses an attitude, it began in petitioning God for His kingdom to come and proceeds with our submission to his will.  Now within that submission to whatever God brings into our life, we turn to the One into whose hand our entire being has been given and ask Him to remember that we are human and dependent upon Him.  

Lord, Keep us from temptation, protect us in the midst of trials, for we are weak, easily swayed and in our own power easily defeated.  

This room in the prayer is one of humility which is entered from the previous room of submission to God. In submission, we show our willingness to accept whatever God’s will is in our life, in humiliation we confess we need God’s protection and strength to succeed in that submission. 

    I believe Paul is operating in this attitude when he wrote in 1Cor. 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
 

What is the way of escape? 

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

    Without humility my prayer is only a sham.  I must recognize that I am incapable of anything unless God intervenes to keep me from evil.  Humility is not weakness, it fact true humility is the key to real strength.  For God's strength is not given to the proud but only to the lowly.  Real strength is mine only when I realize how weak I really am.

 

Model Prayer to My Prayer 

    Now let's take the Model Prayer Christ left for us and from that platform or foundation build the superstructure which will be my own place of prayer. 

    Here are the rooms, the qualities that we have seen in the model prayer:  Relation, Adoration, Submission, Recognition, Reconciliation, Humiliation. 

What is the entrance to any prayer? The relationship we share with God. 

What room should run the length of my house of prayer?  Adoration.

Fill in the other rooms with a quality and a phrase from Luke 11:2-4.

 

 

Principles for Powerful Prayer

 

Lesson 2 The Prerequisites for Powerful Prayer

Prerequisites for Prayer

 

1. The Steadfastness of the Saint  Luke 11:5-10

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?   And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.  I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.  And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 

    A prerequisite is an accomplishment, action or knowledge that must precede another accomplishment, action or knowledge.  Without the proper prerequisite as your first step, there can be no success in the following steps. 

 

    After Jesus gave his disciples the framework for their own prayers, He then gave them some examples.  I believe that the examples Jesus uses in Luke 11 are a description of prerequisites for powerful prayer.  These truths must be understood and implemented before I can move on to powerful pray. These truths are first about myself and how I pray and then about God who I pray to.

 

    Read through the story in Luke 11:5-10 and think about the following questions.  

Considering the context what is the purpose of the example?

To teach further about prayer. 

What is the main action of the friend who needs bread.

Persistent asking, importunity. 

How does Jesus sum up the truth He is teaching?  Keep asking, seeking and knocking. 

What is His promise to those who learn and practice this truth?  They will receive, find, and have it opened to them. 

    According to this passage, the first prerequisite I need in my prayer life is persistence. Jesus uses the word "importunity" in the parable to describe the man who will not go away.  It is used only this once in the Bible, it literally means shamelessness. The man seeking the bread was not embarrassed or ashamed to go to a friend and ask for it. Nor was he ashamed to continue knocking until his friend inside relented and gave him the bread.  Why?  Because they were friends, they had a relationship.

 

How does this attitude apply to the Christian prayer life?  We are approaching our Heavenly Father, there is no embarrassment or shame in coming before Him to express our needs.  Because of that relationship we not only will come asking, we will continue seeking and stay knocking because of the relationship we share as Father and child.  The only thing we could do wrong is to quit before we receive our answer.

 

Read the following scriptures about boldness in our relationship with God.  It is this boldness that translates into persistence and persistence that translates into successful prayer.

 

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

Ro 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

Ga 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

 Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

1Jo 3:19-21 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

 

Quote: Adinirom Judson – God loves importunate prayer so much that He will not give us much blessing without it.

2. Prerequisite 2: Believing in The Goodness of God Luke 11: 11-13 

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

    The second prerequisite flows from the first and is so closely associated with it, that in practice they are inseparable. Jesus talked about an earthly father and son relationship and then uses this strong, simple truth to explain and encourage those who had asked about learning to pray. 

    Read this parallel passage in Matthew 5:9-11 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?   

 

What is the truth that Jesus is teaching about those who go to God in prayer?  That God their heavenly Father loves them.  Even as they themselves would not hurt the children they love when they come to them, God wants for us good things because He loves us.

 

    In my prayer life I must be aware of and truly depend upon the love of God.  If I prayer filled with doubt about how God feels about me how can I be successful in prayer.  God does not count how many hours I pray and then when I reach a certain number I gain my request.  Time with God is not like the Green or Gold stamps that my mom used to collect at the grocery store and then redeem at the Redemption Centers.  If my concept of prayer is no greater than "God who giveth me things", then my prayer life will be one of shallowness and disappointment.

 

Consider the following verses about God's love for us.  Do you really believe them?  Do they make a difference in the way you pray? 

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1John 4:8-10 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 

1Jo 4:16-19 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. 

Psalms 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 

    It is love that should drive prayer, because it is love that drives God to answer my prayer.  When I know this and go to God because of it, then my prayers will be something more than just a duty, or ritual or a formality.  Only a deepening relationship built upon love will form the foundation for a persistent, insistent, and consistent prayer life.

Luke 11 Review

 

Prayer Principles Checklist

Powerful Prayer should contain these elements.

Relation with God.

Adoration of the Father

Submission to the Divine Will

Recognition of necessity of God for life.

Reconciliation with God and with others.

Humiliation before God

Before Prayer is Powerful I must.

Commit myself to persistent prayer

Believe in the goodness of God.

 

  

 

Christ's Principles for Powerful Prayer

Lesson 3 Patterned in Parables

II. Patterned in Parables Luke 18:1-14

A. Persistent in Petition  Luke 18:1-8

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;  

1. Praying or fainting 

    The eighteenth chapter of Luke is the next passage dealing with Jesus' lessons on prayer.  Two parables are given which illustrate two important points about prayer. Later in the chapter Luke gathers real people who came to Christ, though they did not ask about prayer, each of their experiences illustrate coming before God.  The entire chapter then becomes a collection of case studies about prayer specifically and calling out or coming before God in general.

    Luke says the first parable was for the purpose of praying rather than fainting.  The term "that men ought always" means "with a view of being necessary” this was more than a suggestion it was a definite principle about the powerful prayer in the disciple’s life.

    Jesus’ purpose was to encourage us to pray instead of fainting.  Literally, this means not to give in to evil, to turn coward, lose heart, or behave badly.  In other words, don't give up, don't quit instead pray.

    Notice that Jesus contrasts the two words, pray and faint.  He uses them in opposition to each other.  

If we are not praying then, what are we in danger of?

If I am not praying then I am in danger of fainting.     

    This casts a different light upon the practice of prayer.  Instead of a sometimes occurrence or a type of  emergency escape,  prayer becomes the source of consistent power for the everyday struggles of the believer.  

    We might think that words like fighting, or believing or enduring, would be more appropriate here than praying, but Jesus choose the word pray. 

    What do you think makes prayer so vital for the battles of life?  Prayer is the essential. Prayer signals my willingness to continue the fight, but it also shows my submission to God. Without this there is no hope of victory no matter how long I fight on my own. 

    With this understanding of the importance of prayer, what should happen as the difficulties become greater?  Difficult situations should drive us then to greater, deeper and longer times of prayer.  

Read the following scriptures. 

 Psalms 55:16-18 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. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. 

    How does David react to his enemies?  He increases his time and intensity in prayer.  

    What should be my reaction to increasing problems and trials.  More prayer, deeper prayer, longer prayer. 

2. The Persistent Widow and the Unrighteous Judge   

         Now Jesus uses the parable of the persistent widow to press home the point.

Luke 11:2 - 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

 

 What is the context and purpose of the parable?

Luke 18:1 To teach about prayer. 

Who are the characters in the parable?  An unrighteous judge and a persistent widow. 

         The Judge was probably a Roman provincial magistrate.  He was not therefore under Jewish law or the Jewish God. A widow asks "Avenge me of mine adversary"  To "avenge " meant to do justice, protect me. The woman had an enemy which was seeking to do her harm. She goes to one in authority and asks for justice and protection.

         The judge will not help her for justice sake but relents to her persistence.  Lest she weary me, literally means, "Lest she beat me under the eye."  The term was an figure of speech it meant that the judge feared damage, "a black eye", to his reputation because of her persistence in asking for justice.

 

3. Persistent Saints and A Righteous God

Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 

         Jesus often used undesirable characters in his parables to increase the power of the truth. Remember the unrighteous steward who stole from his master, the undesirable Samaritan who stopped to help, or the ungrateful son who had denied his father and ran away.  In this case Jesus contrasts the uncaring judge with the Heavenly Father. 

         What is the point of the contrast, that Jesus is making with the judge? If an unrighteous, uncaring judge would do right because of persistence, how much more will a holy, loving, God care for us, his own children.  

What is the qualifier that Jesus adds to God's answer to our prayer? He adds the qualifier, "Which cry day and night to Him."   

         The key is persistency.  We cannot expect God to help if we faint before He answers.  He will answer, that is not in doubt.  He will answer because He loves his children. The only conditional element is our willingness to continue to go to God in prayer and abide with Him there.  

         This principle is stated in Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  

4. Praying Every Hour for a Hundred Years 

         The Moravians were a band of persecuted Protestants who became the first true missionaries of our modern age.  They began to go to the new world around 1730 and to start churches among the native Indians and slaves.  Before the work of missions began the Moravians under the leadership and protection of  Count Zinzendorf began a prayer chain.  In two bands, one of 24 men the other of 24 women, they determined to pray every hour of the day.  Stopping whatever they were doing or rising up from bed these men and women began a chain of prayer 24 hours a day that lasted for over 100 years. Because of their devotion missionaries were sent throughout England and the new world of America.  Ultimately, those reached though the missions outnumbered the home church by thousands. This all took place at a time in which this type of mission activity was virtually unknown.  Yet here it was accomplished through the power of persistent prayer. 

5. Fainting Faith and a Questioning Lord

Luke 18:8  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

         Jesus give us His word that God will answer.  But in spite of this, He wonders if He shall find faith on the earth when He comes.  This is a question directed to us.  We who stand between the saints of old, who did not faint, and the return of our Lord, will we pray or faint? 

Considering the context, what do you think will be a sign of faith when Jesus comes back?  My faith and my faithfulness will be seen by the quality and quantity of my prayer life.  In this context the question could just as easily be restated as, "When the Son of Man comes will he find the saints praying?" 

          Under the pressure of finances, under the stress of those who are watching for mistakes, under the strain of difficulties and weakness will I continue to persist in prayer? In the midst of these I should hear the words of Jesus, "Child, pray don't faint."  I sometimes want to faint, to have rest even if it is the rest of failure, but the echo of Jesus words does not cease in my heart, "Pray, don't faint."

          Prayer will keep me from sinking, pray will hold me above the waves of despair. Prayer is the only response to the forces that oppose us.  Pray, pray and then pray some more! 

6. Praying Till the Answer Comes.

         Remember the story of Daniel. Here was someone who prayed regularly and deeply at all times.  When bad times came Daniel increased and intensified his prayers.  Look in Daniel the tenth chapter as he prays and fasts for three weeks until he receives an answer.

            Daniel 10:1-14  1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4  And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5  Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6  His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. 10 ¶ And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. 

What was Daniel's overall attitude while waiting for an answer to his prayer?  Mourning, fasting, no pleasant bread (rich foods), no wine, no meat, no anointing (no lotions, perfumes). 

What caused Daniel's answer to be delayed?  Satan, the prince of Persia, blocked the messenger.

What would have happened if Daniel had stopped praying after only a few days?  He would not have received his answer.  His prayer was the cause of the messenger being sent it was the cause of the battle.  Without the prayer the battle and messenger would have ceased. 

Looking at both what Jesus taught and Daniel 10, what must be my response to unanswered prayer?  Keep on praying, persist in passionate prayer until there is an answer. 

B. Poor in Presence   Luke 18:9-14

1. The Proud Pharisee and Repentant Publican

         The next parable Jesus tells is of two men praying in the Temple.   

Read  Luke 18:9-14  

What is the context of this parable?  Still teaching about prayer. 

Who are the characters? A Pharisee and a publican a tax collector. 

During the time of Christ, how were these two classes of people looked upon?  The Pharisees were considered closest in lifestyle to what the law demanded, they were looked up to as holy and righteous examples of Godly living.  The Publicans were Jewish tax collectors but for the Roman Empire. They were looked upon as almost traitorous for their collaboration with the Romans. 

Why did Jesus choose these two in his parable?    Christ again uses strong contrasting characters in his parable for the greatest effect.  The Pharisee in the eyes of the people should have been the "good guy" the publican the bad. 

Use the table below to contrast the two prayers 

	Pharisee's Prayer	Publican's Prayer
Posture	The Pharisee stood	the publican, standing afar off
Audience	prayed with himself	(God)
Attitude	I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  (Pride)	would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast  (Humility)
Subject	I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  (Himself)	God be merciful to me a sinner.  (Mercy from God)
Result	(no change)	this man went down to his house justified

 

This contrast brings us to the key teaching of this parable, about prayer specifically and approaching God in general. God accept the humble and rejects the proud.

 

2. The Paradox Principle

         A paradox is something that seems contradictory or false but is nevertheless true.  Jesus states in the conclusion of the parable, "for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."  This is contradictory to the world's ideas of "looking out for number one." or "nice guys finish last" or "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."  To the world if you are going to make it you must push yourself to the front.  In the Christian life and in the particular aspect of prayer the opposite is true.

 

Notice the following verses.

 Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

 

Mat 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith  unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

 

1 Cor 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.

 

Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

 Proverbs 18:12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

 Proverbs 29:23. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

 James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

 Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

          These verses teach a principle that runs the length and breadth of God's word.  What is the Paradox Principle.  That God's ways are opposite to the ways of the world. In this case, He will not honor the proud in His presence but will bless the poor in spirit.

 

         What is the principle in regard to prayer and coming before God? He that exalts himself will be abased, he that humbles himself will be exalted.  In other words, "Powerful prayer is only possible through powerless people."

          The two parables of Luke 18 teach us that the person praying must be persistent in their prayer yet humble in their heart. When we are confronted by events, pain, sorrow or loss we must come before God with the unfailing persistence of the powerless widow and the humble heart of the sinful publican. These are the gifts we lay before God in prayer and through these we will find power in our prayers. The rest of the chapter provides an opportunity to see these truths illustrated by the actions and attitudes of several different people who came to Jesus.

 

 

Christ's Principles for Powerful Prayer

Lesson 4 Patterned in People

III.       Patterned in People Luke 18:15-43

The rest of the chapter deals with different people coming to Jesus.  Each case is different in its location and characters yet they all share one common thread, they came or called out to Jesus.  Most of these were successful, some were not.  The glimpses of life which we see can further instruct us about coming into and dwelling in God's presence. 

Childlike in Coming  Luke 18:15-17

         The first to come to Jesus after the parables were babies, brought by their parents to be blessed of Jesus. 

What lesson does this incident teach?  Those who would come to God must be like a little child, meek, humble, and sincere. 

What parable does it resemble?  The 2nd, the self-righteous Pharisee and the repentant publican.

 

Sacrificial in Service  Luke 18:18-27

         The next narrative moves from the positive lesson of childlike faith to the negative lesson of self-righteousness.  Here we learn from the failure of the rich, young ruler to dwell in the presence of Christ. 

         This event often causes confusion because Jesus did not tell the young man how to be saved.  Let's examine the story more closely.  

Why did Jesus remark on the ruler's use of the word "good" in reference to Jesus? To force the man to think about who he stood before.  Jesus did not refuse the term, he simply wanted the man to realize that in using it in reference to Jesus it was the same as calling Jesus God.  This was true but the man was not cognizant of it.

Why did Jesus give the man part of the 10 commandments in response to the question about eternal life?  The man asked, "What can I do to inherit, to earn eternal life."  Jesus answered the question directly, "You must keep the law." 

What was the man's response to Jesus answer?  These have I kept. 

         Next Jesus tells the young man that he lacks one thing.  The one thing reflects back to two commandments that Jesus had not quoted.  By using these Jesus would show he had not kept the law.  

What commandments are reflected by Jesus answer?  Love thy neighbor as thyself, Thou shalt have no other God's before me.  If he was really keeping the law his money would be distributed to those in need and the money would not stand in the way of his service to God in following Jesus. 

What was the rich young ruler's response?  He was sad, heartbroken and discouraged. 

What response do you think Jesus wanted?  Repentance and humility before God, a call for mercy rather than an appeal for a deserved reward. 

         Mark's Gospel tells us that Jesus loved this man and Luke says he was sad when the young man did not respond.  Jesus then uses the occurrence to teach a lesson about salvation and entering into the kingdom of God. 

What does Jesus say about the rich entering the kingdom?  It is as hard as a camel passing through the eye of a needle.

Judging by the apostles response to Jesus statement, was Jesus speaking literally or figuratively?  Literally, the apostles rightly ask, "Who then can be saved?"  They realize that a camel passing through the eye of a needle is impossible therefore salvation for anyone rich or poor is impossible.

What does Jesus say to make them understand?  The things which are impossible with men are possible with God 

What lesson does this incident teach?  Coming to God must be without my own self-righteousness and pride. 

What parable does it most closely resemble?  The 2nd.

 

Positive in Promise  Luke 18:28-30 

         Peter perhaps because he saw the love in Jesus eyes for this man  or just because he witnessed the refusal to follow, turns to Jesus and makes a  natural comparison .         

            Again we are struck by a contrast, this time between those who are followers of Christ and those who will not follow Christ,  Between those who dwell in His presence and those who do not enter in.  

What had Peter and the others done that the rich young ruler had not been able to do?  Sacrificed all and followed Jesus.  His career, his family, his life was no longer his but belonged to Jesus. 

What was Jesus response to Peter's statement?  Peter your reward is both now in this life and in the life to come.  What you have sacrificed has not been lost but invested for a much greater return. 

What lesson does this incident teach?  Those who would come to God and stay with Him have a positive motivation in the promises of God. 

What parable does it most closely resemble?  The 1st, it shows persistence in the cause of Christ. 

      Faithful in Following  Luke 18:31-34

         Now Jesus turns to the other apostles and presents them with a challenge to their staying with Him.

                            Though Jesus was very blunt and even graphic in his explanation of  what lay before them, the apostles did not understand what he meant. 

 In spite of their inability to understand, what was their response?  They continued to go with Him, no matter the challenges or their own ignorance they would stay with Jesus.

 What lesson does this incident teach?  Those who dwell in God's presence will continue there no matter what the obstacles or deficiencies.

 What parable does it most closely resemble?  The first, It shows persistence.

 

CCourageous in Calling  Luke 18: 35-43

         Now on the road to Jerusalem, Jesus passes though the town of Jericho.  On the well-traveled road, sits a blind man.  Mark's account tells us that his name was Bartimaeus.  

         The story is very straight forward and doesn't require much explanation.  The blind man called out to Jesus refusing to be quiet even when those around him told him to shut up.  

What would have happened if Bartimaeus had listened to those around him?  He would not have met Jesus, he would not have received his sight. 

What lesson does this incident teach?  Those who seek God and His help will not be deterred by opposition. 

What parable does it most closely resemble?  The first, it shows persistence in the face of opposition.

Christ's Principles for Powerful Prayer

Lesson 5 Praying in Jesus Name

 Praying In Jesus Name John 14:12-14

 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Greater Works

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. - John 14:12

The greater works were not greater miracles but greater works of all aspects of God’s work and especially of showing the love of God to others.

It would be greater because Jesus would no longer be restricted to His kenosis (emptying) on earth but would return to full omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence in heaven.

Philippians 2:4-8 (The kenosis of Christ)
 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.   Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation (kenao, to empty), and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

It would be greater because the Holy Spirit would be given to every believer and the work of the Gospel would increase in quantity throughout the earth but not in quality of miracles done by Christ, which none could ever exceed.

Praying in Jesus Name as part of the Greater Works

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. – John 14:13-14

The Scope of Prayer- Whatsoever Ye

The Condition of Prayer – Shall Ask

The Ground of Prayer – In my name.

The Certainty of Prayer – I will do it.

The Purpose of Prayer – that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

The Summation of Prayer. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. – Wycliffe Bible Commentary

Grasping the Power of Asking In Jesus Name

Six times in the Upper Room Discourse Jesus tells the apostles “ask in my name.”

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

From John 16:24 we know that this is a new teaching, a new principle for the apostles and their prayer life.

What does the phrase “in my name” not mean?

It cannot refer to power in the phrase or its repetition as a means of power. Jesus warned about praying as the pagans.

Matthew 6:7-8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

It is not a magic talisman, or magic word. The phrase in itself has no power at all. The power is in what the phrase actually means to a praying saint or disciple of Christ.

What does the phrase “in my name” mean to the people of Jesus day?

In the Old Testament “name” often meant reputation or renown, and when God acted “on account of his name” it was to defend his honor.

“In the name of God” could mean as his representative acting on his behalf, according to his command, by his help or using his name in a miraculous act

 In the Old Testament and later Judaism “Name” could also simply be a polite and roundabout way of saying “God” without uttering his name.

In this context “name” means something like: those who seek his glory and speak accurately for him, who are genuinely his authorized representatives. - Bible Background Commentary - The IVP Bible Background Commentary

In my name. This is equivalent to saying on my account, or for my sake. If a man who has money in a bank authorizes us to draw it, we are said to do it in his name. If a son authorizes us to apply to his father for aid because we are his friends, we do it in the name of the son, and the favour will be bestowed on us from the regard which the parent has to his son, and through him to all his friends. So, we are permitted to apply to God in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, because God is in him well pleased and because we are the friends of his Son he answers our requests. Though we are undeserving, yet he loves us on account of his Son, and because he sees in us his image. No privilege is greater than that of approaching God in the name of his Son; no blessings of salvation can be conferred on any who do not come in his name.  - Barnes' Notes on the New Testament.

To pray in Jesus name is to pray in Jesus place, to pray as Jesus would pray if He were still upon the earth. It is like a power of attorney, used by someone we trust to act in our best interest, to act in the same way we would act if we could be there. This is why we were not told to pray in Jesus name until He returned to heaven. We are now His representative acting according to His will for the purpose and doing the works He would do if He were still upon the earth. – Kris Minefee

 Conclusion

When we realize how central prayer is, to everything that Jesus left us to do until He returns, we begin to realize how much we need to truly pray. It is past time to rid ourselves of rote prayers, routine prayers, comfortable prayers and committless prayers. We must begin to pray as the voice of Jesus himself calling out to the Father for the souls of mankind, the work of the Church and the glory and honor of God through Jesus Christ.

It is pray or faint, pray or fail, pray or forsake. Start today to pray in the full understanding of Jesus name and our prayers will truly take the last step to becoming powerful.

 Final Review

          Listed below is a summary of the individual truths I have learned from Jesus in Luke 11 and 18 about prayer and coming to God.  These are not all the truths about prayer, but like the disciples they should form a foundation that the other truths concerning prayer found in God's word may be added to until my prayer is no longer just a ritual but it becomes a place where I meet with God, and a time of communion not just communication. 

Powerful Prayer should contain these elements.

 *       Relation with God.

*       Adoration of the Father

*       Submission to the Divine Will

*       Recognition of the necessity of God for life.

*       Reconciliation with God and with others.

*       Humiliation before God

Before Prayer is Powerful I must.

*       Commit myself to persistent prayer

*    Believe in the goodness of God.

 Powerful Prayer is completed in my life by

*     Persistence in prayer.

*       Humility in attitude. 

Powerful Prayer is seen in God’s people by

*       A Childlike Coming into his presence.

*       The willingness for Sacrificial Service.

*       A Positive belief in the Promises of God.

*       A Faithful Following where Christ leads.

*       The Courage to Call until He answers. 

Powerful Prayer must be Prayed In Jesus name.

* In his stead,

* According to His will

* As his representative on earth.