Characteristics of Prayer

Hello Everyone,
Paul was a man of prayer. He was a great Believer, a scholar, a model missionary, a GIANT among men--spiritually, morally and intellectually, but above all he was a man of PRAYER.

His Christian life began in prayer, Acts 9:10-11; he prayed for himself, 2 Corinthians. 12:7-9, he asked others to pray for him, Eph. 6:18-20, and he practiced intercession, praying for others, like Jesus, John 17:9.

It is significant to notice that Paul's prayers were full of praises.
Look at his praises in Col. 1:3 and 12.
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

And so not only at Thanksgiving, and not just at meals, but always and in all things...give thanks! A study on PRAYER is also a study on PRAISE.In Colossians 1:9-14 Paul is talking about how he was praying for them.

Let’s look at THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PAUL’S PRAYER
Read with me: Colossians 1:9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Verse 9 tells us that: It was marked by PERSISTENCY. “…we have not stopped praying” Paul knew something about unceasing prayer.1 Thessalonians 5:17—“Pray without ceasing”.

Let’s Compare Luke 18:1…“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up”.

Prayer is warfare. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

If we give up when we are praying the battle goes to the enemy.

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Paul’s prayer was marked by INTENSITY.

In KJV the word "desire" is used in verse 9. It indicates that Paul was passionate in his praying; his prayers were filled with a deep longing.

There was intensity about them. Compare Matt. 17:21… KJV Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Paul’s prayer was marked by UNITY.

Paul says, “We have not stopped praying for you” You can pray alone but there is special power in united, corporate prayer.

Acts 16:25“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them”.

Matthew 18:19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

These are the characteristics of Paul’s prayer: Persistency, Intensity, & Unity.

They are also good examples for us to follow in our own prayer life.

All for Jesus
Phil