Understanding Prayer in the Dispensation of Grace
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
Understanding prayer today requires right division. Our access to God and the nature of prayer changed dramatically with the revelation of the mystery to Paul.
The Spirit's Role 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 wisdom: "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" (1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV)
Teaches spiritual truth: "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 2:13 KJV)
Transforms our minds: "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)
1. Changes in Prayer Through God's Timeline A. Time Past Prayer (For Learning)
Kingdom Prayer
Conditional promises: "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14 KJV)
Physical manifestations: "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: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up" (James 5:14-15 KJV)
Through intermediaries: "And the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them" (Leviticus 4:20 KJV)
B. But Now - Grace Prayer
Direct Access
Immediate approach: "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him" (Ephesians 3:12 KJV)
No intermediary: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV)
Spirit's help: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought" (Romans 8:26 KJV)
2. Doctrinal Understanding of Prayer Today A. Our Position in Christ
Complete Access
Heavenly position: "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6 KJV)
Full acceptance: "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6 KJV)
Perfect standing: "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24 KJV)
B. Spirit's Operation
Internal Working
Inner strengthening: "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)
Deep intercession: "The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26 KJV)
According to 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)
Spiritual understanding: "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 2:13 KJV)
Mind renewal: "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)
3 Grace vs Kingdom Prayer A. Different Focus
Grace Prayer
Spiritual emphasis through indwelling Spirit: "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)
Inner growth and mind renewal: "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)
Heavenly focus: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2 KJV)
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)
Kingdom Prayer
Physical blessings promised: "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: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up" (James 5:14-15 KJV)
External manifestations: "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14 KJV)
Earthly kingdom focus: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10 KJV)
Conditional promises: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7 KJV)
4. Understanding Prayer Results A. Grace Operation
Different Expectations
Peace promised: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7 KJV)
Spiritual growth: "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)
Inner working: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17 KJV)
B. Not Based on Conditions
Grace Platform
Faith operation: "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV)
Grace access: "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2 KJV)
Unconditional love: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 KJV)
5. Doctrinal Impact on Prayer A. Changed Relationship
New Standing
Children of God: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26 KJV)
Complete in Christ: "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:10 KJV)
Permanent position: "In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13 KJV)
Conclusion Understanding Prayer Today:
Based on grace position
Through the dispensation of grace
Direct access given
Spirit's help provided
Focus on spiritual growth
Inner transformation, not external circumstances
Remember
Changed operation
Different operation
New relationship
Grace foundation
Spirit guides our prayers
Inner peace through trust
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