As (Aug 23)

Today's lesson was more of a discussion on the importance of prayer and some hindrances to the power of prayer. I don't have it all written out, but here are a few scriptures / quotes that I may have used during the discussion.

Hindrances to the Power of Prayer

1. doubt

2. unbelief

3. unforgiveness

4. selfishness

There are endless possibilities through prayer. Prayer is our channel to get to know God intimately. God wants us close to Him so He can begin to share His heart with us. Through prayer we can touch anybody's heart. We must pray with clean hands and a pure heart. The two great hindrances to prayer are unforgiveness and unbelief. Don't let your prayer life be hindered. God is calling His church to believe Him for the impossible but first we must allow Him to deal with our heart. Jesus said when you pray forgive and when you pray believe. These are two great keys to answered prayer.

Psalm 24:3-5

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Galatians 5:13-15

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Matthew 6:9-15

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

James 5:13-16

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Matthew 5:23-24

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.