Tree of Life Church - New Braunfels

Principles of Prayer James 5:16 (AMP) A. Prayer must be heartfelt. An important key to keeping prayer genuine is to pray on a continued basis the prayer of dedication and consecration. B. Prayer must continue. A non-working relationship with the Lord disqualifies us from the blessings of God. C. Prayer must stem from righteous living. Remember: A righteous person equals righteous living. 3 Categories of Prayer 1. Prayers that receive from God. 2. Prayers that express something to God. 3. Prayers on behalf of others. Ephesians 6:18 (AMP) Prayers that express something to God. A. Consecration and dedication B. Commitment C. Fasting D. United Prayer E. Giving Thanks F. Praise and Worship G. Praying in tongues A. Prayer of Consecration and Dedication Matthew 26:36 Think on this: “There is a time to pray; if it be your will.” “There is a time to say it; is your will.” The essence of the prayer of dedication and consecration: It is abandoning your way of doing things and learning to let God’s will direct your actions, thoughts and plans. Think on this: Many say their willing to do it God’s way, until their way and God’s way collide. Remember: The prayer of dedication and consecration is a key component to spiritual maturity. Remember: This prayer raises the bar (standards) in our life to God’s standards. B. Prayer of Commitment 1 Peter 5:7 Think on this: For some people growing up, worry was an expression of Love. Remember: Worry is the devil’s playground. Remember: Even from a medical standpoint worry will kill you. This kind of prayer is not always easy to pray. Without praying this prayer our faith will be nullified. C. Prayer and Fasting Fasting doesn’t change God, it changes us. Matthew 17:21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Remember: Fasting is a denial of the demands of the senses. It teaches us how no to be ruled by our physical bodies. Fasting prepares us to operate in faith, which is the spiritual realm. D. Prayer of United Prayer, Thanksgiving, and Praise, and Worship See 2 Chronicles 20:1-25 (NKJV) a. United Prayer See Acts 4:23-37 (NKJV) Remember: United prayer releases corporate faith and power. It also produces harmony and unity within a group. b. Giving Thanks 1 Timothy 2:1 Think on this: Giving thanks keeps us within a “gratitude attitude.” c. The Purpose of The Prayer of Praise and Worship. Psalm 7:17 Psalm 9:1 Psalm 9:2 Psalm 16:7 Psalm 31:21 Psalm 95:6 Psalm 96:9 Psalm 99:5 Quote from a Baptist Preacher: My momma was so busy telling me about the devil, I became a grown man before I found out about the beauty of God. Praise and Worship: 1. Should reflect our renewed position in Christ. 2. Acts as a tool to help align our faith and relationship with God. 3. Should reveal our faith in Him. 4. Reveals our maturity in Him. Remember: Our ability to become consumed with His character and attributes is essential to our growth in Him. 5. Keeps us completely engaged with Him and His perspective regarding our lives. 6. Keeps us fixated on the nature of God. 7. Reminds us of how vast He and His power is in our lives. Think on this: Without His heart at the core of our lives, our focus will begin to be set on things concerning this natural life.