BUILDING TO LAST (BIBLE STUDY) GUIDELINES
THEME: UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES AND SEASONS (1 CHRONICLE 12:32)
TOPIC: LIVING A LIFE OF PRAYER (PART 3)
BIBLE TEXT: Hebrew 6:12
INTRODUCTION
We have been looking at living a life of prayer as a major tool for a triumphant life in these last days. Two Sundays ago, we examined the prayer life of Jesus and last week, we considered the prayer life of the apostles.
Today, we shall be learning how to sustain our prayer life as we look at some significant kingdom seekers on the altar of prayer in the scriptures. We will be looking at the prayer life of Abraham, Daniel, Nehemiah and Esther. Standing in the gap for others in Prayers is another way of sustaining a consistent prayer life.
EXAMPLES OF KINGDOM ADDICTS AND THEIR PRAYER LIFE IN THE SCRIPTURES
1. FATHER ABRAHAM, A FRIEND OF GOD (AN INTERCESSOR) (Genesis 18:17,20-21,27,31-33)
God is always looking for men and women to partner with Him to accomplish His divine plans here on earth. God is looking for intercessors. Abraham observed the following in interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah. Lessons to learn from Abraham. (a) Kingdom-oriented prayers start with God as the focus, it’s all about His will being established here on earth and intentions, not ours. (b) Speaking to God the creator and ruler of the whole universe with humility. (c) Being persistent in the place of prayer until an answer is received.
2. DANIEL INTERPRETED THE KING’S DREAM (Daniel 2:16-23)
Daniel acknowledged that God is the custodian of the secret things and as he worshipped Him the secret was revealed to him. He humbly prayed that God would discover to him the king’s dream, and the meaning of it. He engaged his friends in praying for the revelation of the secret things. Praying friends are valuable friends; let us show that we value our friends and their prayers. And whatever we pray for, we can expect nothing but the gift of God’s mercies.
3. NEHEMIAH, THE KING’S CUP-BEARER (Nehemiah. 1:1-11)
Nehemiah was an example of a compassionate man who was moved by the love and concern for his brethren to take steps though contrary to the norms but worthy of eternal praise to God. A compassionate heart is a good ground for God’s manifestation of favour and blessings. Nehemiah’s compassionate heart moved him to pray and thereby paved the way for the favour he experienced in executing the national project of rebuilding the broken wall of Jerusalem.
4. ESTHER’S INTERCESSION FOR THE JEWS (Esther 4:12–17)
Esther did not let the opportunity to help others pass, but she strove to plead for her people. How great her devotion! “If I perish, I perish!” She looked to God, not to man. She has faith not only in her prayers but in those of others. She feels her need for the prayers of others. She is ready to share that which she enjoins on others. “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me.” Esther 4:16
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we can always learn from those who have gone ahead of us in the faith to live the best prayer life in these perilous days.
Jesus is Lord!
