Bible Study:

How many people pray or know how to pray? Some simply recite rote bedtime or mealtime prayers learned in childhood, but don't have a close relationship with God (Mat 6:7-8). Most are prone to pray when they are desperate and need help (Psa 86:5-7) - even non-religious people! For example, in war time...

I have personally know men of great faith who had learned to talk with God. None were born that way, most came to really know God in a personal way only after serious or painful trials or adversities, somewhat like Job (Job 1:1,8-22; 2:3-7; 38:1-3; 42:1-10). One, who was born before the 20th century and lived through the World War I, the Great Depression, WW II and on into the Atomic, Space, Computer and Internet Ages, came to know God only after losing several businesses during the great depression. He went on to serve as an Ambassador of God teaching God's Word in a mighty way. I personally sat at his feet as one of his students (see editorial preface to "Mysteries of God Revealed".

Several friends of faith I have known served in the military during World War II and faced certain death while in combat, but were saved almost instantaneously after crying out to God. The experience was so profound that some turned and later served as ministers of God's Word. Two were shot out of the skies and trapped in their falling disabled planes when they were suddenly ejected and narrowly escaped death as their chutes opened just seconds before hitting the ground. One was in the famous Flying Tigers over Burma. He became a minister of God by whom I was baptized.

Another was shot down on a bombing raid at night over Germany. He said that he had prayed a 10 second prayer just before taking off on a mission in which they would be bombing a German town at noon on Sunday. Thinking of people who whould be just coming out of church then, he asked God not to let them hurt anyone. They were shot down before reaching the target. He was the sole survivor of his crew when he was suddenly thrown out of his B-17, and just seconds after his chute opened he hit the ground, and seconds later his bomber crashed and exploded nearby in a ball of flame. He said that at first he thought he was in hell, but soon realized he was alive and wondered why God had saved him.

Of several others I have known who had miraculously survived combat, one who after being captured by the Japanese survived the Batan death march, and another, a distant cousin who after surviving 35 bombing missions over Germany and having been shot down several times, also returned to serve God as ministers after the war. Another close friend had been a marine in Korea who became paralyzed in combat by shrapnel from a granade, which severed his spine. He turned to God and after 7 years in a wheelchair was instantly healed. He dedicated his life to serve God in the ministery and became my counselor and performed my wedding.

These all learned through faith to love and talk with God because God heard them and delivered them from trials (Psa 145:8-19; 2 Cor 21:3-7; Heb 11 & 12; 1 John 4:16-19).

The following Bible study on prayer, which began as a youth Bible study, asks questions you may have asked, and searches the Scriptures to find answers inspired by God Himself in His written Word (2 Tim 3:15-17). I hope that you will look up and read the Scriptures and that it will help you develop a close relationship with God.

Questions & Answers:

Q - What is talking with God like?
A - Somewhat like talking with your parents, best friends, etc... (Ex 33:11; John 15:14-15)...

Q - But God is in heaven and we can't see God or hear His voice (Psa 11:4; 73:25; Eccl 5:2; Dan 2:28; Mat 5:45; 6:9; 23:9; John 5:37,46; Eph 3:14-15), so How can we talk with someone far away we can't see or hear?
A - It's like talking to a parent or friend who has gone to a far country (and we are waiting for them to return - Mat 25:14; John 14:2). We can't see them now, but can talk over a telephone or cellphone, only the connection with God is through His Spirit - a spiritphone (Rom 8:26-27; 1 Cor 2:9-14).

Q - So how do we make a connection?
A - God is our Father in heaven (Mat 6:9) and wants to hear from us, but "God is Spirit" so we must seek and talk to Him "in Spirit and truth" and God's Spirit connects us to Him (John 4:23-24; Rom 8:26-27). God is gracious to those who love Him and bow down and call on Him in truth and humility, and He gives His Spirit to those who obey Him (Psa 145:8,14-20; Acts 2:38-39; 5:32).
      God calls and invites us or our parents (Mat 22:1-4,9-10; Lk 14:16-24; John 6:44; Acts 2:39) to His feasts to become part of His called-out ones ("ekklesia," meaning called-out-ones, usually translated as church). Then if we are willing and want to keep His commandments God gives us His Spirit, and through it He communicates with our spirit (like a spiritphone - John 6:63; Acts 11:1-12; Rom 8:16,26-27; 1 Cor 2:10-14; 6:19; 12:3,7-11; Gal 3:5; 4:6; Eph 2:18-19; 3:3-5; 6:18; 1 Thes 5:24), as a direct phone line (through Jesus Christ - John 14:6-7,13-18), so we can pray and talk to Him (both the Father and Jesus Christ) at any time (1 Thes 5:17) and ask anything in Jesus name.
     But if we won't keep His commandments, or obey our parents (Eph 6:1-3), or if we think or do evil, we cut ourselves off and God won't hear us (Num 15:30-31; Psa 66:18; Isa 59:1-2; Mat 22:3-6,8,11-14; Gal 5:17-21; Eph 2:2-3; 6:1-3). We may then end up calling and talking to a wrong number, an evil spirit (1 Sam 28:3-10,13-20; Eph 2:1-3; 2 Tim 2:23-26; 1 John 4:1).

Q - Why should we want to talk with God? What are your reasons?
A -  We are God's children created in His image (male and female - Gen 1:26-27; 1 John 3:1-3).
    * God is our Father, who gave us life (Gen 2:7; Isa 63:16; Mat 6:9; Rom 1:7; Gal 1:4; 1 Thes 1:2-3; Eph 3:15; ...). Even though we haven't seen or heard Him, we know about Him through the church (our mother - Gal 4:26; Eph 5:24,32; Rev 12:1-2,5-6), and should earnestly desire to know our heavenly Father personally, even as many little childen who have lost parents in the war, later when they grow up want to know all about their human fathers.
    * God created all things and gives us all our needs and desires. He put Adam and Eve in the Garden He planted in Eden (Gen 1:29; 2:8-9,15-16 - Eden is a Hebrew word meaning pleasure or paradise).
    * Like a loving parent God loves you & wants a close relationship with you (Gen 2:8; 3:9; Job 14:15; Isa 45:17-22; 55:7; Jer 3:22; 4:1; 12:15-16; 24:7; 30:7,10; 36:7; Hos 6:1; 14:1-9; Mal 3:7; John 15:9-13; 1 Pet 5:6-7; 1 John 1:3; 3:1-3...). How much does God love you? (John 3:16-17; 15:12-13; Rom 5:5-11).  
    * God wants to be your friend (John 15:14-15; Jam 2:23)...
    * We often need His help, in trouble, etc. (Deut 4:29-31; 30:1-10; 2 Chron 7:14; Psa ; Heb 4:15-16)... David often prayed when in trouble...(read his Psalms).
    * God wants to forgive our sins and to heal us (Isa 40:31; 43:1-3,25; 53:5-6,11-12; 55:6-7; Jam 5:13-16).
    * God wants to teach us His ways of blessings (Lev 26:1-15; Deut 4:1-2,5-14,23;5:29-33;  6:1-3,24; 10:12-13; 12:1,28-32; 28:1-14; 30:11-16,19-20; Isa 2:3; Mic 4:2) and how to succeed - Joshua 1:8; John 10:10; 14:25-26; 3 John 2)...
    * God wants to help and comfort us in times of trouble and at all times, He cares for us (John 14:13-18,21-23,27; 15:7-11; 2 Thes 2:16-17; Heb 4:16; 1 Pet 5:7).     
    * God wants to give you everything that you could ever want that is good for you...and especially spiritual gifts (Gen 1:29; Deut 6:1-3; 11:8-15; Mat 7:11; 1 Cor 12:1-11,31; 13:13.; Eph 4:8; Jam 1:17; Rev 21:7).
    * We are made from the dust, elements - C,H,O,N, etc. - and are flesh and blood and bone that can't live forever but will return to dust (Gen 2:7; 3:19; Eccl 3:20-21; 12:6-7), but God wants to give us the gift of eternal life (John 6:68; Rom 6:23; 1 Cor 15:35,38,44-54; Rev 21:7).

Q - How do you talk with God?
A - The same way we talk with a parent or close friend...sharing your thoughts and feelings, asking questions, showing appreciation and being thankful, discussing your problems, hopes and dreams, talking about the problems and needs of others who need His help, etc... (Read the Psalms, prayers of David)

Q - What should you say in prayer?
A - Examples of prayer - Moses (Ex 3 & 4:1-17; 5:22-23; 6:12,30; 15:1-18; 17:4; 19:3,20-24; 32:11-14,31-34; 33:9-23; Num 11:2,21-23; 12:13; 14:13-24; Psa 90 & 91); David (Psalms); Solomon (1 Kg 8:22-53; 2 Chron 6:12-42; 7:12-22); Ezra (8:21-23); Nehemiah (1:1-11; 9:1-38; 13:14,22,29-31); Daniel (2:16-23; 4:34-37; 9:2-23; 10:2-3,10-14); Jesus (Mat 15:36; 26:27,36-44; 27:46; Mk 14:23,32-39; Lk 9:28-29,35; 10:21; 22:17,19,41-45; 23:34,46; John 6:11; 11:41-43; 12:27-29; 17:1-26; Jesus' apostles Acts 1:24-26; 2:41-43; 4:31; 8:14-17; 9:40; 13:2-4; 16:25-26; 22:6-10,17-21; 28:8; Jam 5:17-18, etc...

Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them to pray (Lk 11:1-11; Mat 6:5-15; 7:7-12,21-23),
He said:

• "When you pray say: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name!'
  Why say that? We need to know and believe in God and He is OUR Father (but not just mine) and that He is in heaven (not now here on earth) and He is holy and His laws are holy ("hagiazo," means separate, pure, clean - different than the world). God is righteous, just and fair, a loving and merciful Father - Heb 11:6; Lev 19:2; Rom 7:12). God's Name represents His authority.



• "Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"
  Why? That is the message of the Gospel (good news) of the Kingdom of God and salvation that Jesus and His disciples preached, soon to be restored on earth at Christ's return (Mat 24:3-14; Mk 1:14-15; 16:16; Eph 1:13; Rev 11:15). God's will is to restore the Kingdom of God on the earth and bring universal peace, prosperity and abundance,  health, joy to all, all evil will be stopped (Acts 3:19-21). God's laws are ways of true love and goodness, health, prosperity, etc. - Deut 6:1-3).



• "Give us this day our daily bread."
  God created all life and He provides all their needs (Mat 6:25-34;...). We also need to ask for His spiritual food (John 6:26-27,31-35,41,48-51). Why? (1 Cor 2:9-14).



• "And forgive us our debts," (what we owe to God and others - and our sins, trespasses, offenses)
  When we disobey our parents or God, or do wrong to anyone (ie. lie, steal, etc.), we become debtors to them. But we must not let pride or guilt or fear of punishment or reprisal cause us to try to hide or cover it up or justify ourselves by blaming others as Adam and Eve did (Gen 3:6-13). We should humble ourselves and confess and ask forgiveness and repent and not do it again. God is merciful and quick to forgive and will give us a blessing when we humble ourselves and go to Him in repentance (Num 14:11-20; Ezra 8:21-23; Neh 1:4-11; Psa 51; Dan 9:3-19; Eph 6:1-9; Jam 4:6-10; 1 Pet 5:5-7).



• "as we forgive our debtors" (those who owe us or have transgressed against us).
  Why forgive those who sin against us? Jesus said, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Mat 6:14; also Mat 5:7,38-45,48). Are you merciful and quick to forgive others when they repent and ask you for forgiveness or do you seek to take vengeance? Vengeance belongs to God (Rom 12:9-21). If you aren't merciful and forgiving, don't expect God to be merciful and forgive you (Mat 6:15; 18:21-35 - see Have You Been Offended?).



• "And lead (bring) us not into temptation (adversity), but deliver us from the evil" ("poneros," harm, evil, wickedness). Our untrained human nature is inherently selfish with the natural needs and desires (lusts) of the flesh and subject to temptations (Jer 17:9; Mat 15:18-20; Rom 7:14-24; 8:7-8,20-21; Jam 4:1-7). We need God's help and intervention through Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit and His instruction to resist the temptations of sin and evil and to build truly righteous Godly character (Psa 51:9-13; Mat 26:41; Rom 7:25; 8:1-6,14-17,21,26-28; Eph 2:1-10; Heb 10:12-18). And we need God's protection from the harm and evil of the devil and this world (2 Cor 11:3,13-15; Gal 1:4; 1 Pet 5:8-9; Rev 12:13-17).

Q - Why do we pray in Jesus Name?
A - John 14:13-17,21-23; 16:23-24 - Man has been cut off from the tree of life and direct access to God because of sin beginning with Adam and Eve (Gen 3:6-11,22-24; Isa 59:1-2; Rom 5:12). But Jesus Christ came to reconcile us to God by paying the penalty for our sins with His life and as our High Priest and intercessor with God (Heb 9:11-15,24,28), therefore we come to God the Father through Him, praying in His name (by His authority we can talk directly to the Father - John 16:23-27; Acts 4:12; Heb 4:14-16). He is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1-2), who makes intercession for us (Isa 53:12; Heb 7:25).

Q - How do we know when God answers our prayers?
A - 1 John 2:3-5; 2:27; 3:32; 5:14-15 - "whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (3:32).
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we asked of Him." (5:14-15).
     God gives us love, peace, joy, faith, comfort, understanding, wisdom, healing, etc. and many other gifts through His Spirit and Word (John 16:13,24; Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 12; 2 Cor 1:3-7; Gal 5:22-23; Phil 4:4-9,13,19; Heb 13:20-21; Jam 1:5-6). God is faithful to fulfill His promises, though sometimes He tests our faith and patience to see that we learn the lessons He is trying to teach us (Deut 7:8-9; 26:16-19; Rom 4:20-22; 8:28,35-39; 1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 1 Thes 5:23-24; 2 Thes 3:3-5; Heb 10:23; 11:13,33-39; 1 Pet 4:1-2,12-19; 2 Pet 1:2-4; 3:9; 1 John 1:9). Many prayers and promises will be fulfilled at Christ's return, ie. "Thy Kingdom come!" (Rev 11:15,18).

Q - When will God not hear our prayers?     
A - Sin and pride and lack of faith cuts us off from God so He will not hear - Psa 66:18; Isa 59:1-2; Lk 18:19-14; John 9:31; Heb 11:6; Jam 1:5-8; 4:3-10; 5:15-18; 1 Pet 5:5-7; 1 John 1:6,9-10; 2:9-11; 3:6,10; 4:8,20).

Q - Why do people turn away from God?
A - Some have been turned off by religious parents and others who misrepresented God by their words or actions. Others have been turned of by unbelievers, sometimes teachers and others who, not knowing God, taught them untruths. Many have been lead away from God because of cares of this life, peer pressures and wanting to follow the crowd, and by temptations of society and Satan, the god of this world, to indulge in what God calls sin (Mat 13: ; John 6:58-71; 7:17-19; 8:19,31-47; 2 Cor 4:2-3; Gal 1:6).

Q - Why not turn to God, whatever your situation, and seek His favor ("charis," grace, unmerited favor or pardon, joy, acceptance, benefit, gift that is free - Gen 39:21; Ex 3:21; Psa 84:11; Prov 3:34; 8:35; 12:2; 14:9; Zech 12:10; Lk 1:30; 2:40; John 1:14,17; Acts 15:11; 18:27; 20:24,32; Rom 1:5,7,11; 3:24; 5:2,15-17,20-21; 6:1-2,14-15; 12:6; 1 Cor 1:4; 15:10; 2 Cor 1:12; 4:15; 6:1; 8:1-7,9; 9:8-15; 12:9; Gal 1:15; Eph 1:6-7; 2:5-10; 3:2-8; 4:7,29; Col 1:3-6; 3:16; 4:6; 2 Thes 1:12; 2:16; 1 Tim 1:13-14; 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6-7,9; Tit 2:11; 3:7; Heb 2:9; 4:16; 10:26-29; 12:15,28; 13:9; Jam 4:6; 1 Pet 1:10,13; 3:7; 4:10; 5:5,10-12; 2 Pet 3:18; Rev 22:21) NOW?
A - God says He will answer if we humble our pride and turn away from breaking His spiritual laws that produce love, peace, joy, faith, hope, etc. (Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:22-23; Jam 4:6-10), and return to Him in sincerity and truth (John 4:23-24). God has a special reward for those who turn to Him now (Heb 2:1-18; 9:11-15,28; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev 19:7-9; 20:4-6; 21:7; 22:7,12).
     God is greatly grieved by the attitudes of humanity and our suffering because of sin ("hamartia," meaning to miss the mark or true goal and purpose of life, and so not receiving the blessings and prize - Gen 6:5-6; Judg 10:16; Psa 78:38-40; 95:10; Isa 53:3-6; Mat 9:36; 14:14), but He is patient"long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" ("metanoia," a change of mind from evil to good, to turn away from sin and turn to God, and thereby recieve His blessings - Jer 4:1-2; 18:11; Joel 2:12-32; 2 Pet 3:9). He sent Jesus Christ to show us the way to His salvation from the way of sin and death (John 3:16-17; Heb 2:9-18; 4:15-16; 5:8-9; 9:11-15,24,28; 12:1-11; 13:20-21; 1 Pet 2:21-25 - see "Who is Jesus Christ?" and "Passover...The Beginning of Salvation")

©Copyright: November 29, 2008, A.L.Stout, Serf Publishing, Inc.