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5th Retreat: Unanswered Prayer Session 3

31 May 2007

YAG RETREAT
Session #3
Thursday, 31 May 2007
A FRESH EVALUATION AND APPRECIATION OF PRAYER
WHAT EXACTLY IS PRAYER?
Many aspects may be brought up to attempt to define prayer: –
The following fundamentals may be highlighted: –

1. It is Response to God amidst the circumstances of life

a) Heart

b) Mind

c) Fear

d) Illness

e) Enemies

f) Adversities

g) Blessings          (Cf. Psalm 103-104)

i) Forgiveness

ii) Healing

iii) Redemption

iv) Crowning

v) Satisfaction

vi) Renewala) Petitioner

b) God

c) Petitioner

d) Till a conclusion is reached

e) A new level of faith-relationship then exists

f) A new level of prayer-communication commences

g) These new patterns are virtually endless

h) The greatest honour God can give to a person this side of heaven

I speak with him face to face Even plainly, and not in dark sayings…

Number 12:8

3. It is found and practised in a Covenantal relationship

a) A covenantal relationship

i) Walking with God

ii) Delighting in the Word of the Lord

iii) Davidic Covenant

iv) Potential friendship with the Lord Jesus          (John 14:21)

b) A relationship with God may be broken

i) Estrangement

ii) Restoration

iii) Resumption of Relationship

iv) A more matured relationship subsequently

4. It is Ministry

a) On behalf of others

b) It is a most vital ministry

c) It is of great significance

d) It is unfortunately poorly understood and practised

5. It is a Personal Relationship

a) It can be very real and meaningful

b) It can be strained

c) It can be restored

d) It can be developed

e) It can become greatly honoured by the Lord

Face to face relationship

Numbers 12:6-8

And I will love him and manifest Myself to him

John 14:21

CHALLENGES OF THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER

1. Deep knowledge required

a) Every single prayer in the Scriptures to be fully studied

b) Vital lessons learned

c) Good practice to be cultivated

d) The greatest example of all- The Lord Jesus Himself          (Hebrews 5:7-8)

2. Great Faith needed

a) God honours faith

b) Answers are often directly related to the faith of the petitioner

3. Great obstacles to overcome

a) Opposition from the Evil One          (Cf. Daniel 9-10)

b) The problem of unbelief          (Cf. Mark 9)

c) Doubts          (James 1:6-7)

d) Asking amiss          (James 4:3)