A Practical Guide to Prayer in the Grace Age
Key Scripture
"For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27 KJV)
Introduction
This practical guide shows how to pray in our current dispensation of grace, providing clear steps and guidelines for daily prayer life.
Understanding Prayer's Purpose Today
Focus on spiritual growth, not physical changes or circumstances
Inner transformation through the Spirit
God's peace in all circumstances: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7 KJV)
His work in our inner man: "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16 KJV)
Praying According to God's Will
For salvation of all: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV)
For spiritual understanding: "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Colossians 1:9 KJV)
For inner strengthening: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:14-16 KJV)
For growth in love: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment" (Philippians 1:9 KJV)
1. Daily Prayer Elements A. Three Components
Prayer
Spiritual communion with God
Relationship focus: Regular conversation with our Father
Open communication: "That we may have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him" (Ephesians 3:12 KJV)
Supplication
Bringing needs to God while seeking inner peace
Understanding God works in our inner man
Trusting His wisdom: "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26 KJV)
Thanksgiving
Grateful attitude: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Recognition of spiritual blessings
Constant practice: Part of all prayer
B. The Spirit's Work in Prayer
Helps our weakness: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26 KJV)
Provides understanding: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:12-13 KJV)
Guides according to God's will: "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:27 KJV)
2. Practical Steps A. Daily Application
Begin Your Day
Morning spiritual communion
Setting mind: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2 KJV)
Preparing heart for spiritual growth
Throughout Day
Constant communion: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)
Seeking spiritual wisdom
Maintaining inner peace
End of Day
Review spiritual growth
Trust God's working
Rest in His peace
3. What to Expect from Prayer
A. God's Work in Us
Inner peace rather than changed circumstances
Spiritual growth and understanding
Renewed mind: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2 KJV)
Strength for situations rather than removal of situations
B. Prayer Basics
When to Pray
Any time: No set times required
As led by the Spirit
Regular communion with God
Where to Pray
Any place: No special location
Private space for focus
During daily activities
How Long to Pray
No set requirements
Led by the Spirit
Quality over quantity
4. Practical Tips A. Making Prayer Effective
Stay Focused on Spiritual Growth
Minimize distractions
Keep mind engaged with spiritual things
Return focus to God's working
Be Specific Yet Trusting
Express needs while seeking peace
Thank God for His wisdom
Trust His spiritual working
Note Spiritual Progress
Observe inner peace received
Track spiritual growth
Notice mind renewal
5. Common Challenges A. Dealing with Issues
When Distracted
Return focus to spiritual matters
Trust the Spirit's help
Maintain peace focus
When Tired
Rest in God's grace
Keep communion simple
Trust the Spirit's work
When Discouraged
Remember God's faithfulness
Focus on inner peace
Trust His spiritual working
Conclusion Effective Prayer Today:
Focuses on spiritual growth
Trusts God's inner working
Maintains peace through circumstances
Follows Spirit's leading
Remember
Prayer changes us, not circumstances
The Spirit works in our inner man
Peace comes through trust
God's will is spiritual growth
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