TOWARDS A TOTAL GRADUATE (TTG)

2017

OLUWASEGUN OMIDIORA
LANGUAGES & GENERAL STUDIES DEPT.,
COVENANT UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA.
MAY 2017
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To establish that God answers prayers.
To instruct on Bible principles for answered
prayer.
To inculcate in the trainee a life of effectual
praying
To enhance the understanding of the student on
the subject of prayer.
To equip the students with the knowledge of what
to do to effect desired change in life.
 PRINCIPLES OF ANSWERED PRAYER
Basic truths or guidelines that lay a proper
foundation in order that a person may pray and
receive answers to prayer.
 Foundation is very important e.g. the foundation
of a building determines how far and how well it
can stand.
 You need to know the "ABC" of prayer Ps. 11:3
 Knowing what to do is vital to getting the desired
result Isa. 65:24.
WHAT IS PRAYER?
Prayer is communicating with God. Matt. 7:7,
Jer. 29:11-12; 33:3
It is talking to God and hearing from Him.
It is asking and receiving .
Not a monologue, not complaining and telling
Him our problems. Matt. 6:32 (God knows)
It is asking God to intervene in a situation on the
basis of His word and our relationship with Him.
Prayer is a key to unlock the doors of fulfilment
Prayer is not begging God to do things for us.
It facilitates access to what God has already
promised us in Christ Jesus.
Prayer cannot change God but it changes
situations Heb. 13:8, Mal. 3:6
REMEMBER
Your emotions will not move God against His
word.
Some have never prayed - for prayer is asking and
receiving an answer Matt. 7:7-8, 1 Jn. 5:14
1.Daniel prayed and received an answer
2.The Apostles prayed - Acts 4:29 -Vs. 31 answer
Acts 4:30 = Acts 5:12 answer
 If you pray aright 100 times a day, you will receive
100 answers a day.
Prayer is the cornerstone of Christianity Jn.
16:24
HOW TO PRAY
The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray –
Lk11:1
Except we know God's protocol for prayer,
certainly we will not receive anything from Him.
 All you need for life and godliness is available but
you must know how to draw from your heavenly
account. Thus knowing how to pray becomes an
important issue. For God is no respecter of
person.
 THE MODEL PRAYER MATT. 6:9
1. Our father who art in heaven.
The prayer is to your heavenly father.
God is not the father of everyone but
those who have accepted Jesus as
their Lord and Saviour Rm. 8:15-16
(LB)
 Father - Source, sustainer, protector,
counsellor, provider, supporter Ps. 103:13-14
David emphasized the closeness and intimacy
of God in His fatherly role.
 Luke 15:11-32 Jesus gave this parable to
illustrate and introduce God as a father that
cares.
Knowing you are approaching a loving and
caring father, you come with boldness.
2. Hallowed be thy name
Reverence, hold in awe, worship, praise Him. Ps.
100:4 (call Him by His names)
For your prayer to be answered, you must be a
thanks-giver and a praiser.
 Praise is essentially a matter of the heart not
mouth. Praise His name, give praise for who He is.
 Praising God is not dependent on what He has
done. Also thanking God for what He is.
Hallowed be thy name (CONT’D)
All through the scriptures, men of effectual prayer
were men who understood thanksgiving and
praises.
NehemiahNeh. 1:5 (Prayer focus was God not the
walls)
Jehoshaphat II Chron. 20:4, 14, 22 (They sang
praises not looking at the situation).
Daniel - Dan. 9:4
David - Ps. 55:17, 119:164 (Prayed 3 times
and praised 7 times daily).
Disciples - Acts 4:24
Jesus - Jn. 11:41-42 (Jesus was always
thankful so He always had answer from
God and could declare it).
 3. Your Kingdom come Matt. 6:10
God's priorities must come first. Matt
6:33. The will of God be established
Expansion of the Gospel – Dan 12:3 - and
they that turn many to righteousness
as the stars for ever and ever.
 4. Ask according to His will
Matt. 6: 1 0 - "Thy will be done on earth”
 God's word is His will for you, therefore ask
according to the WORD of God. (I Jn. 5:14). Learn
to have scriptural backings for your prayer. Open
your bible while praying, if need be.
 i. Get to know your rights and demand for them
as His child Jn. 15:7; Jn. 14:10-14. The will of God
concerning salvation Jn. 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 16:31.
ii. Meditate on the promises Josh. 1:8; Prov. 4:20-22
Ask according to His will (CONT’D)
 SCRIPTURAL GUIDES FOR DIFFERENT AREAS OF NEED
 Health - 3 John 2 God's will
 Business - Psalm 1:3, Deut. 8:18
 Marriage - Gen. 2:8, Prov. 18:22, Psalm 68:6.
 Protection - Psalm 91
 Deliverance- Psalm 4:1-3, Isaiah 54:17
 Progress - Prov. 4:18
 Divorce - Mal. 2:16, Matt. 19:6
 Children - Isaiah 8:19
 Fruitfulness - Exo. 23:25-26, Deut. 7:14
 Strength - Psalm 84:7
 Studies - I Cor. 2:16 (Mind of Christ)
 5. Give us this day – Matt. 6:11
Make your requests known - Ps. 68:19. He
daily loads us with benefits. Our needs are both
physical and spiritual - Matt. 4:4, Rev. 5:12
Be specific - Matt. 6:11
Mk. 10:47,51 - Blind Bartimeaus - Even
though He was making noise Jesus could not
do anything until he said what he needed.
Go straight to the point (vs. 51).
Ask in faith - James 1:6-8; Heb. 11:6 Believe
you receive it Mk. 9:23; 11:23-24 A heart that
wavers in prayer does not receive. (Rm. 14:23)
Be earnest (Pour out your soul) - Jms. 5:16; 1
Sam, 1:5; James. 5:17-18 – Elijah prayed
earnestly…
"... Sincere, truthful, intensely serious. Your
heart and mind must be involved -
concentrate Josh. 5:16
 6. Confess any known sin (I Jn. 1: 9)
Walk in love - Gal. 5:6; Prov. 10: 12
Sin is a spiritual barrier to anyone's prayer life. It
blocks the communication.
 The prayer of a sinner is an abomination unto God.
 Unforgiveness hinders your prayer Matt. 6:12; Mk.
11:25-26 To receive God's forgiveness, we must
forgive. Matt. 18:18-35

7. And lead us not into temptation: Matt. 6:13
God does not lead into temptation -James 1: 13
Satan is always planning for Christian's
downfall. Through prayer we avert his plans
 Ps. 91: Pray an hedge of protection about
yourself and your loved ones
Ps. 91:2-3 I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge
Vs. 9, 10 & 14 - My refuge, my fortress. I love you,
you are my habitation.
8. In Conclusion: for thine is thy
Kingdom ... Worship, praise and
thanks
9. End all prayers with Amen.
So let it be.
THE PLACE OF PRAYER
The two people needed in prayer are God and
yourself. So wherever both are present is a good
place to pray.
 I Tim. 2:8 - I desire therefore that men pray everywhere,
lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting -
washing, ironing, cooking and driving.
In the closet Matt.6: 6, II Kings 4:33, Matt. 9:18-28 Jairus
daughter. Jesus did not condemn praying in the
public, He only condemned the motive.
 THE PLACE OF PRAYER (CONT’D)
 When thou has shut the door
 No distraction
 No interference - Matt. 6:22 receive the spirit of grace for
supplication (Zech.12:10).
 No anxiety Phil. 4:6-7
 Doubt James 1:5-6
 Fear is anti-faith, so, it is the enemy of answered prayer
 In Church: Lk. 18:10 Two men went to the temple to pray.
I Kgs. 8:22-53 dedication of the temple by Solomon. Is 56:7,
Mt 21:13, Mk11:17, Lk19:46
WHEN TO PRAY
Keep the communication line open always
between you and God. Ps 55:17, 1 Thess 5:17 – pray
without ceasing
Every time is a time of prayer. Pray always -Lk. 18:1
You must have a regular prayer time - Early in the
morning like our covenant fathers – Ps 63:1
Ps. 143:8 - Cause me to hear thy loving kindness
in the morning / Isa. 50:4 - God has given me the
tongue...He waketh me morning by morning
WHEN TO PRAY (CONT’D)
Ps. 63:1-2 - My God early will I seek you.
Abraham - Gen. 22:3 / Jacob - Gen. 28:18
Moses - Exo. 24:4 – 6 / Joshua - Joshua 6:12
Job - Job 1:5 / Daniel – Dan 6: 10 / Jesus - Mk. 1:35
Daily - Ps. 86:3 – be merciful for I cry unto thee daily
LENGTH - No length is specified. It is not how long
but how well. Spending time makes you imbibe God's
character. Much speaking or repetition is not
required - Matt. 6:7
 PRAYER ALTAR
Altar-the meeting place between man and God
CHARACTERISTICS
A place of sacrifice - Gen. 8:20 (Noah) Gen. 22:9
(Abraham)
A place of denial - Rm. 12: 1, Matt. 16:24
A place of fire - Heb. 12:29
Altar in the Old Testament - physical & visible
but in the New Testament - Spiritual & invisible
- the heart is the prayer altar
APPROACH TO PRAYER ALTAR
Reverence - Lev 19:30, 26:2 – keep my Sabbath
and reverence my sanctuary
Obedience - Isa. 59:2, Jn. 9:3 1, Prov. 28:9
Trust - Eph. 3:20,
Unforgiveness is a barrier -Mk. 11:25, Matt. 6:14
Meekness-1 Pet. 5:5 God resist the proud - Lk.
18:10-14, Ps. 25:9 – the meek will he guide in
judgment, Jms. 4:6
THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS
Mk. 1:35 -early morning prayer. Cultivate the habit.
Lk. 3:21 – He used prayer to open the heaven
Jn 1:51 - Open heaven - Angels ministration. Angels
brings blessings, information etc.
Lk. 6:12 - Prayed all night prior to major decision
(selection of disciples) Lk. 9:29 (transfiguration) prayer
makes you to shine, it beautifies, confers authority. / Lk.
22:40 -Pray that you enter not into temptation / Jh 14:30
– the prince of this world cometh but he has no part with
me
APOSTLES AND PRAYER
Acts 1: 14 - Continued in prayer
Acts 1:24 - Prayed before electing a replacement
for Judas like Jesus did
Acts 3 - Prayer time was set in place
Acts 4:24 – they prayed down the Holy Ghost
Acts 6:4 - Commandment to prayer
Acts 10:9 - Peter went to pray
Acts 12:5 - Prayer secured Peter’s release
Pray without ceasing - I Thess. 5:17 (means you
should keep the communication lines with God
always open so He could speak at any time)
Give thanks 'in everything' not 'for everything' I
Thess. 5:18.
Exercise your authority in prayer because we
wrestle against spiritual forces. Eph. 6:10-18.
Prayer is a mighty weapon against satan and his
agents.
Kinds of Prayer
- Agreement
- Petition (Faith)
- Unity
- Consecration (Dedication)
- Prayer of Worship
 PRAYER OF AGREEMENT
It yields tremendous results
Here two or more people pray in agreement for
definite reasons.
God answers prayer of agreement – Mt 18: 18-20
There must be genuine agreement in your spirits.
An individual has power to bind and loose by
exercising great authority but in prayer of
agreement this power is multiplied.
Reinforced prayer - Deut.32:30 One shall
chase 1,000 and 2 shall chase 10,000 -
agreeing with someone makes you ten
times better.
 Ecc.4:9 Two are better than One because
they have a good reward for their labour.
Take God at his word, no limitations
So, get a believer and agree.
Rules: Both believe the same thing and be in total
agreement
1 Cor. 1:10, Gen. 1 1:6, Amos 3:3
- There must be a definite thing. Must be specific
Mk. 1 1: 24
- Be in line with God's will I John 5:14
- Believe (faith Matt.21:22)
- Refuse to doubt James 1:6
-Give thanks Heb. 13:15
Benefits:
- Nothing is restrained from you Gen. 1 1:6
- Authority to stop satan’s work
- Presence of God Matt. 18:20
- Desire granted Matt. 18:19
- Multiplied strength Deut. 32:30
- Archbishop Idahosa says “If you lack someone to
inspire you, you will expire.”
 PRAYER OF PETITION
Petition means an earnest request especially to
God, It is to make a formal request
Asking for your right/benefit as a child of God.
(Don't enter without knowing what and how to
say it)
 This prayer is the most common prayer among
Christians - we are always petitioning, asking God
for something Matt.7:7-8. It concerns individuals
desires, needs and problems - Mk. 11: 24
Rules:
-Decide what you want Mk. 10:46-52, 1 Sam. 1: 1 1
-Locate scriptures 1 John 5:14, Isaiah 34:16, Jos. 1: 8
-Let faith generate Rom. 10: 17, Heb. II: 6
-Ask Matt. 7:7-8
-Believe you have received Mk. 11:23-24
Keep your faith alive - Refuse to doubt.
Meditate Prov. 4:20-22, catch a picture of your desire
Give God thanks Phil. 4:6
 PRAYER OF UNITY
This is a form of prayer of agreement but it involves
more than 2 or 3- the whole church can pray in unity
for the same desire and purpose. God honours it.
Acts 1: 14
 Believers can pray for the nation’s revival and other
needs Acts 4:23-30 - V23 Prayer of unity is prayed
among people of like faith (Amos 3:3). V24 Prayer is
made in one accord. Gen.11:6 (uniting in purpose)
Prayer is specific / not vague or ambiguous
 PRAYER OF UNITY (CONT’D)
Benefits:
God honours this kind of prayer/ Love is intensified
Faith is strengthened / Spiritual power is multiplied
The foundation of evil will be shaken and broken
In unity there is strength Ecc.4:12
It guarantees the presence of God Matt.8:18 where
an individual is falling the union and concord of
many is effective.
 PRAYER OF CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION
 It is a prayer to find out the perfect will of God on a
particular area of your life or you want clearance on an
issue in your life.
 - Let your will be done
 -Leaving your will for God's will Lk.22:42, Matt.26:39 He
wanted what God wanted
 -It is not a prayer to get something or change something.
You and God aiming at the same goal. Trust him he will
not fail.
 -It is a prayer of dedication to God.
 We consecrate our life for God's use, to go anywhere & do
anything he wants us to do, not trying to influence him
 -Jer.29:1 1, Acts 26:19 You must yield yourself to the plan
of God when revealed.
 -You are yielding yourself to be used by him in the service
of his kingdom.
 -Consecration makes you fall in line with the will of God.
 -Release yourself as a seed to be sown John 12:23-25 on the
soil of dedication
 -If Jesus takes your day the devil can't have it's way in your
life.
PRAYER OF WORSHIP
 Man is created to worship God. In this kind of
prayer you are not making request but just praising
him. Telling him of his great wonders, his attributes
and his goodness David Psalms 8:1-4
Even though God is the focus, we are the ultimate
beneficiaries.
In worship, you are truly in fellowship with God
 Benefits of Worship
Worship God in truth and spirit John 4.
We receive direction / instruction - Acts 13:1-4 the
Holy Spirit spoke…
Worship confers liberty - Acts 16:25 Paul & Silas,
open prison doors.
It confers victory in the battles of life - 2 Chro.
20:15,17-19,21 & 23) Boldness, Courage, deliverance,
wisdom, fresh anointing
God comes to inhabit the praises - Psalm 22:3
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Intercession is a link between our
impotence and God's omnipotence.
 Intercession is standing in the gap for
another person so it is not a prayer for self.
 The person may know/may not know
you are praying for him/her.
Intercession is the link between God's
mercy and human needs Eze.22:30.
God does not want the sinners to die but someone
has to stand in the gap Eze.33:11
God is always looking for intercessors-Eze 22:30-31
The person who is interceding must:
Identify with the need completely as if it were his
Presents the case with reasons as he reminds God
of his promises
Must have faith & perseverance - cry night and day.
Must have a good relationship with God
 Ingredients for Successful Intercession
Must be love motivated 1 Thess 4:9, Rom 5:5
Boldness & fervency Eph. 3:11,12; Is. 43:25,26
Availability & sensitivity Eze. 22:30
Compassion: Sympathy says sorry, empathy does
something about it Matt.20:34, Matt.14:14
Align with relevant scriptures
Pray in the understanding and the spirit Rom.8:26
Every child of God is called to be intercessors
 For whom are we to intercede
We intercede for our nations - Daily Basis
Advancement of the gospel all over the world.
Friends and relatives that are not born again,
Young believers that Christ may be formed in their hearts,
Specific believers whom we know need healing,
children, job etc. / Backslidden Christians
INTERCESSION – the Holy Spirit is the greatest
intercessor of all time - Rom. 8:26 You don't
know what to pray for or How to pray.
 PRAYER & FASTING
Fasting changes you not God (You cannot impress
God 2 Chron.20:3-7)
Fasting and Prayer the master key to the
impossible (Matt. 17:21) Fast to fight the enemy and
break yokes.
Fasting is abstaining from food. Partially or totally
Fasting is not an end it is a means. We fast to put
our flesh in subjection to our spirit (to hear God) so
that we can be alert to hear from God.
It stimulates the spiritual faculties
It strengthens and facilitates answer to prayer.
It boosts the faith needed to cast out demons.
Fasting must be done purposefully and must have a
spiritual basis.
Fasting does not bribe God, it's our prayer and attitude that
makes the difference.
 Fasting can be done by individuals or as a group (Husband &
wife), church
 Fasting is not for show should be done in secret Matt.6:16-17
Fasting done in humility, repentance and sincerity
of heart is the one recognized by God. Is.58:6
 Who should fast? Every Christian should fast
 Matt. 6:16 When do you fast? Every time especially
during opposition
Isa.58:l5 Fasting should be done with a right
motive / Isa.58:l4 Not for selfish reasons
Benefits
Whatever motivated you to fast is received.
Other benefits include restoration, light,
direction, hearing from God
access to God.
PROPER WAY TO FAST
Fast for specific needs with the right motive
Present your case before God with reasons
 Believe that God will answer Mk. 11:24
Pray, study and meditate. Minister unto God
(worship)
Consider others - giving your food to the poor
Fasting is a time of separation to study & pray,
without study and prayer it's a hunger strike.
Fasting is abstaining from social relationship e.g.
Jesus went to the wilderness
 Consecration / Dedication - Human act /
Commitment
 Sanctification must be a continuous
Substitute your will with God's will
 Separation - insulation not isolation from the
world
 CAUSES OF FAILURE IN PRAYER
Sin - Ps. 66:18/lsaiah 59:1-2; I John 3:22
Indifference - Prov. 1:28; Zech. 7:11-13
Instability - James 1:5-7
Neglect of mercy -Ps. 21:13
Despising the Law -Prov. 28:9
Stubbornness - Zech 7:13
Instability - James 1:6-7
Self Indulgence - James 4:3
CONCLUSION
Prayer facilitates answers to all questions of life
Prayer removes obstacles
Prayer defeats enemies
Prayer assures of fulfilment of destiny
Prayer secures our place in Christ