Prayer Lesson Eleven <<<

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PREVAILING PRAYER

Note the beautiful truth found in the following two verses of Scripture:
1. The Possibilities of a Spirit-filled Life:

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20).

In this verse of Scripture we note that God is unlimited in what He is able to do. He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or even think about asking. Only we can limit God. We need "the power that worketh in us," so that He can answer many of our prayers.

2. The Possibilities of Prayer:
"The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available--dynamic in its working" (James 5:16, Amplified Bible).

This verse of Scripture tells us how to get answers. Our prayers must be earnest, and steadfast. If they are, tremendous power will be available for God to use--even power which will often bring the very answers we are seeking.

EXAMPLES OF PREVAILING PRAYER
1. Old Testament Examples:

a. Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-20-33).

Result: "And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow . . ." (Genesis 19:29).

b. Jacob's brother was on the way to kill him, but Jacob prayed all night (Genesis 32:6-30).

Result: He was reunited with his brother, and his name was changed from "Jacob" to "Israel."

c. Hannah was barren, but she prayed! (I Samuel 1:1-20)

Result: God gave her a son who became one of the greatest judges and prophets of all time, and brought revival to the nation of Israel.

d. After seven years of drought, Elijah prayed for rain (I Kings 18:41-16; James 5:17-18).

Result: It rained! (If you pray for rain, don't forget to carry an umbrella!)

e. Isaiah came to Hezekiah with the news that he was going to die. Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept and prayed (II Kings 20:1-6).

Result: He was healed, and had fifteen years added to his life.

2. New Testament Examples:

a. Peter had been cast into prison, but prayer was made without ceasing by the church for him. (Acts 12:1-16)

Result: Peter was miraculously freed from prison by the angel of the Lord.

b. The early church prayed for signs, wonders and miracles, and boldness to preach the Word of God (Acts 4:24-30).

Result: "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31).

3. Jesus' Teaching Concerning Prevailing Prayer: (Read Luke 11:5-8)

a. The man who needed bread, kept knocking on the door of his friend's house (Luke 11:5-8).

Result: He got all that he needed!

b. The widow persistently kept going back to the judge, asking him to avenge her enemy (Luke 18:1-5).

Result: She got her wish. ds