Archive for April, 2008

Apr 14 2008

Bible Study Week 7 - What Is The Role Of Intercessory Prayer?

Published by Rose under Weekly Reflections

Purpose of This Lesson

Today we will examine the role of in the life of the and the .

Lesson Objective

This lesson will guide the participants to:

  1. Know the importance of .
  2. Know the necessity of
  3. Know the power of

Introduction

is a powerful weapon in the hands of believers. It is a means by which a medium of communication exists between God and His people. Today we will examine what really happens when people pray together as a corporate body of Christ in the unity of the .

Today’s Lesson:

Begin today’s lesson by reading 2 Chronicles 7:14-162 Chronicles 7:14-16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
14 if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent, unto the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now have I chosen and hallowed this house, that my name may be there for ever; and mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.  

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and Acts 12:1-19Acts 12:1-19
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
12 1 Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And [those] were the days of unleavened bread. 4 And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quarternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. 10 And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and tarried there.  .

Standing in The Gap

There are many notable cases in the of people who offered on behalf of others and how God moved to act by granting them their request. One such was made by the saints on behalf of the apostle Peter during the time when Peter was in prison waiting to be executed by King Herod. This was after James had been killed by the same king, so chances of Peter’s release did not really exist.
But God’s power and might was revealed because as they prayed in unity, God moved and sent an angel to release Peter from prison. The king ended up executing all the soldiers that were on duty that night because they failed to keep Peter in prison!

We therefore see that are powerful and very much needed today more than ever because the Church is facing many trials as the coming of Christ approaches. The devil has gone on the rampage, inflicting much pain and confusion in the Church. For example, who would have thought that homosexuals would be ordained as ministers in the in this day and age? Who would have thought that the could endorse condoms to be used by people today?

But needless to say that as we have witnessed these things happening as the coming of Christ draws near, we have not been left without a weapon with which we can fight the enemy, and this is the weapon of corporate . They are still as effective as they were during the times of the early church, when God intervened for the apostle Peter by sending an angel to deliver him from the hand of King Herod. We therefore need to stand in the gap for the church and pray in unity by interceding for each other because shatters the plans of Satan and devastates his kingdom!

Week 7: Questions for Discussion

  1. How can you define corporate prayers?Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  2. What is the importance of corporate prayers?Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  3. Why do you think that the apostle’s life was centered on prayer according to Acts 6:4Acts 6:4
    English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
    4 But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.      ?Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  4. Do you think intercessory prayers are necessary today in the church?Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  5. Give an example of the significant ways that God has moved in your church recently because of corporate prayers.Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  6. Do you think it is possible to have effective prayers without unity in the church?Please use Acts 2:1-4Acts 2:1-4
    English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
    2 1 And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.       to explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
  7. Would you agree that there is a connection between corporate prayer and the manifestation of God’s power?Please explain and give examples from the ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
  8. Would you say that your church’s is vibrant and effective? If no, what measures can you recommend to have an effective and vibrant ?Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

For Meditation: James 5:16James 5:16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
16 Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.  

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b- The Fervent and Effective

“… The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”
Without effective and powerful prayers, a church ceases to be a powerhouse and becomes a mere clubhouse where members meet only on Sundays. Again, without effective and fervent prayers, the church ceases to be powerful and becomes a like a toothless bulldog, which cannot fight against an invading enemy.

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Apr 07 2008

Bible Study Week 6 - The Place of Prayer

Published by Rose under Weekly Reflections

Purpose of This

Today we will examine the role of prayer in a Christian’s life, and the effect of prayerlessness in the people of God.

Lesson Objective

This lesson will guide the participants to:

  1. Discover the place of in .
  2. Discover the role of in the life of a .
  3. Discover the effects of prayerlessness in a .

Introduction

One great preacher said “the highest use we can make of words is offering them to God in ”. are in great demand but in short supply today. We need prayers for God is looking for people who will stand in the gap and pray for the and the nations. The subject of prayer has been of great debate in many circles and therefore it has been misunderstood by many, but one thing is clear; many churches are not growing because of lack of prayer. Samuel Chadwick said “The crying sin of the today is her laziness after God”. It has been noted that where the church is growing the fastest today, and also experiencing power, is where the people of God have discovered the secret of .

Today’s Lesson:

Begin today’s lesson by reading Genesis 32:22-32Genesis 32:22-32
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two handmaids, and his eleven children, and passed over the ford of the Jabbok. 23 And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was strained, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, [said he], I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. 31 And the sun rose upon him as he passed over Penuel, and he limped upon his thigh. 32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not the sinew of the hip which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew of the hip.  

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and Mark 14:32-41Mark 14:32-41
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
32 And they come unto a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled. 34 And he saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death: abide ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt. 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they knew not what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  

Are We Praying or Playing?

The measure of a man or woman of God is not the amount of his or her public appearance, but rather the quality of his or her private communication with God. It is written about Jesus our Lord; “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16Luke 5:16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
16 But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed.  

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).
God is looking for people who can stand in the gap and pray, people who will not take NO for an answer; people who will wrestle with God in prayer until He has changed the destiny of their lives and that of their and families. Jacob was such a man, He wrestled with God until daybreak and said “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Gen 32:26Gen 32:26
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.   b). When faced with deep agony and distress about the forthcoming death on the cross, Jesus withdrew to the garden of Gethsemane to pray and asked his disciples to accompany Him and “keep watch” with him, i.e. pray together with him; but they soon fell prey to sleep and three times Jesus came to wake them up asking them “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come”… (Mark 14:41Mark 14:41
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  ).
Today, there are many such who are playing instead of praying, who need to be woken up like the disciples were woken up by Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Just like the disciples, many love to serve God, but they do not have time with Him. What a tragedy! Prayerlessness is a sin and many are guilty of this sin according to the Prophet Samuel who said “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. (1 Sam 12:231 Sam 12:23
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
23 Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.  ).

Week 6: Questions for Discussion

  1. What is your understanding of Gen 32: 27Gen 32: 27
    English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
    27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.       where Jacob spoke and said “I will not let you go unless you bless me”?Please explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  2. How can you relate this passage of scripture to an effective life of in a ?Please explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  3. Do you think the man Jacob struggled with in this passage was God?Please use Gen 32: 30Gen 32: 30
    English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
    30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, [said he], I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.       to explain…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  4. What do we learn from the story of Jacob’s struggle with God until daybreak in relation to our own lives today?Please explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  5. What do you think Jesus meant when He said in Mark 14:38Mark 14:38
    English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
    38 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.           that “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” in relation to ?Please explain…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  6. What do you think Jesus meant by saying to Simon Peter in vs. 38 that “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation”?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
  7. Give examples of possible temptations that may fall into by failing to pray according to the warning given in vs. 38.Please explain…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
  8. Do you think it is possible to live a victorious without ? Please use the example of Peter’s betrayal of Christ in Mark 14: 17-72Mark 14: 17-72
    English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
    17 And when it was evening he cometh with the twelve. 18 And as they sat and were eating, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you shall betray me, [even] he that eateth with me. 19 They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? 20 And he said unto them, [It is] one of the twelve, he that dippeth with me in the dish. 21 For the Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born. 22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take ye: this is my body. 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them: and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Verily I say unto you, I shall no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad. 28 Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou to-day, [even] this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake exceedingly vehemently, If I must die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all. 32 And they come unto a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled. 34 And he saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death: abide ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt. 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they knew not what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Arise, let us be going: behold, he that betrayeth me is at hand. 43 And straightway, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And when he was come, straightway he came to him, and saith, Rabbi; and kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him, and took him. 47 But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. 48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but [this is done] that the scriptures might be fulfilled. 50 And they all left him, and fled. 51 And a certain young man followed with him, having a linen cloth cast about him, over [his] naked [body]: and they lay hold on him; 52 but he left the linen cloth, and fled naked. 53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 54 And Peter had followed him afar off, even within, into the court of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light [of the fire]. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found it not. 56 For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together. 57 And there stood up certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands. 59 And not even so did their witness agree together. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and saith unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. 63 And the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What further need have we of witnesses? 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be worthy of death. 65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the officers received him with blows of their hands. 66 And as Peter was beneath in the court, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest; 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, [even] Jesus. 68 But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. 69 And the maid saw him, and began again to say to them that stood by, This is [one] of them. 70 But he again denied it. And after a little while again they that stood by said to Peter, of a truth thou art [one] of them; for thou art a Galilaean. 71 But he began to curse, and to swear, I know not this man of whom ye speak. 72 And straightway the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word, how that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.           to explain and compare with Christ’s warning to Peter in vs.38……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

For Meditation: Matthew 6:24Matthew 6:24
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  

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Where is Our Devotion?
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other…”
The Devil will compromise with you to pray as the common standard, on going to bed, and a little prayer in the morning. Hell will be full if we don’t do better for God than that, because you can’t pray too much; you may pray too little.

If God is our master then let us devote ourselves to a life of !

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