Objective
The lesson will help us ignite the fire of prayer in us. Awaken our spirits to commune with God in prayer each day believing that He cares for us, listens to us and walks with us through our calling even through life's challenges.
Introduction?
As we start our lesson for today, let us get to know a man of prayer in the church's history. He is George Muller:
GEORGE MULLER of Bristol by A.T. Pierson.
As most of you know, Muller (1805-1897) was a rebellious Prussian young man whom God saved in his twenties. Muller later founded an orphanage in Bristol, England. He was concerned about the needs of the many orphans whom he saw on the streets, of course. But his primary concerned for founding the orphanage was to demonstrate that God is still a prayer-hearing God and that it is not in vain to trust Him.
Muller and his new bride literally sold or gave away everything that they owned and gave the money to the Lord's work. Then they set about praying for God to provide for their own needs and the needs of the orphans. Muller's theme verse was Psalm 81:10, "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it." For over 60 years, he saw God faithfully provide for as many as 2,000 orphans at a time, all in response to secret prayer. Muller never disclosed any needs to potential donors, even if they asked. He and his staff would pray and often see God provides the exact amount that they needed on the day they needed it. Muller gave God the glory by writing an an annual narrative of how the Lord provided, once the need had already been met.
When you continue on reading through the life of Muller, you will get to know the God Who answers prayers that He faithfully would meet all our needs. God has used Muller's example over the years to encourage us to pray.
GEORGE MULLER of Bristol by A.T. Pierson.
As most of you know, Muller (1805-1897) was a rebellious Prussian young man whom God saved in his twenties. Muller later founded an orphanage in Bristol, England. He was concerned about the needs of the many orphans whom he saw on the streets, of course. But his primary concerned for founding the orphanage was to demonstrate that God is still a prayer-hearing God and that it is not in vain to trust Him.
Muller and his new bride literally sold or gave away everything that they owned and gave the money to the Lord's work. Then they set about praying for God to provide for their own needs and the needs of the orphans. Muller's theme verse was Psalm 81:10, "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it." For over 60 years, he saw God faithfully provide for as many as 2,000 orphans at a time, all in response to secret prayer. Muller never disclosed any needs to potential donors, even if they asked. He and his staff would pray and often see God provides the exact amount that they needed on the day they needed it. Muller gave God the glory by writing an an annual narrative of how the Lord provided, once the need had already been met.
When you continue on reading through the life of Muller, you will get to know the God Who answers prayers that He faithfully would meet all our needs. God has used Muller's example over the years to encourage us to pray.
Read the text:
Psalm 5:1-3
Open Discussion:
- Who wrote Psalm 5?
- Read verses 1-3; What was the condition of David when he wrote this Psalm?
- How do you picture David praying? What can you say about his "posture in prayer" Read verses 1-3?
We see here his posture of:- Declaration - That God listens, cares and hears
- Desperation - David cries for help
- Dependence - David expresses his prayer through his personal relationship: saying, "my King and my God."
- Devotion - Emphasizing his loyalty to God saying: "for to you I pray" - vs.2b
- Direction - Building hope each day in the morning and breathing as he waits expectantly
Application Points
Application Points:
Try to reflect on these:
Try to reflect on these:
- Do we live in overwhelmingly ungodly times? Why not PRAY?
- Do we face circumstances that are far beyond our ability to change? Why not PRAY?
- Do we sense personal inadequacy? Why not PRAY?
Ministry Time
Minister through the power of prayer that makes our knees each day hopeful and joyful even in waiting.
BRING EVERYONE TO THE "POSTURE OF PRAYER" AS DAVID MODELS. AND PRAY TO GOD EVERYTHING THAT BURDEN YOUR HEART WITH.
- Prayer builds trust in God; overcomes fear.
- Prayer brings us hope that God is our help.
- Prayer blesses us with the privilege to be intimate with God.
BRING EVERYONE TO THE "POSTURE OF PRAYER" AS DAVID MODELS. AND PRAY TO GOD EVERYTHING THAT BURDEN YOUR HEART WITH.
Challenge
Can we have our prayer covenant as a group for one week, starting today? That we will be praying at a certain time wherever we are? We will pray for whatever needs we personally have, the ungodly situation around us and any felt needs anyone would share. Then, next meeting, let us share our experiences as we "walk on our knees."
Time to pray: ______
What to pray: ____________________________
Promises to God to claim as we wait on Him?: ______________________________________________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
Time to pray: ______
What to pray: ____________________________
Promises to God to claim as we wait on Him?: ______________________________________________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7