Prayer
Watch & Pray
Adapted from the writings of E. M. Bounds
A Goodsoil Discipleship Lesson - Bro. A. Madonio
"Take ye heed, watch & pray: for ye know not when the time is."
Mark 13:33 (KJV)
Lesson Introduction
What this lesson teaches:
* This lesson shows the reasons to look for results of our prayers.
* Look before, during and after for those results.
* We will learn the need to pray with desire - to be definite and specific.
Scripture references used:
* Mark 13:33, Mark 14:38, Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 6:18
Other scripture that may be helpful:
* Genesis 24:12-27, Deuteronomy 4:7, Judges 16:28, 1 Samuel 1:10-20, 1 Kings 18:41-45, 2 Kings 20:1-5
Discussion questions for study:
1. Did you read this lesson in preparation for this week's discussion?
2. Did you ever think that being alert and "on your toes" was an important aspect of prayer? Do you think it is now?
3. Can you see the need to watch before, during and after you pray? Can you see why faith is manifested in us when we adhere to Colossians 4:2?
4. Do you look for opportunities throughout the day to pray continually (! Thessalonians 5:17)? How do you do that?
5. Why should prayer be specific?
6. If you are praying without expecting answers, is that a sin? Read Romans 14:23. A good example of expectation is 1 Kings 18:41-44. Read it and see if you agree. Have you ever prayed without believing the results would occur.
7. What kinds of promptings bring you to prayer?
Jesus told us to watch and pray on at least 2 occasions:
"Take ye heed, watch & pray: for ye know not when the time is."
Mark 13:33 (KJV)
"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation .... "
Mark 14:38 (KJV)
The "watch" word above in the KJV is translated as "be alert" in newer translations. That's important! We need to do these 2 things (watch & pray) together;
Watch & Pray . . . . Be Alert!
Paul also tells us this:
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."
Colossians 4:2 (KJV)
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
Watching Is Needful:
Before We Pray
While We Pray
After We Pray
I. - Before We Pray:
A. We must watch for opportunities to pray.
1. Not the same old repetitious boring prayers that have lost their meaning.
2. Look for quiet moments during the day to pray and give thanks.
Do this ALL DAY! Do this ALL THE TIME!
B. We must watch for objects to pray for. Prayer must be definite and specific.
C. Watch your own hearts - watch yourself.
1. Watch for those temptations that will most easily trip you up.
2. Keep your spirit in tune with God's Spirit at all times!
II. Watch While We Pray:
A. Watch out for praying for carnal desires, asking for things of God
that we will selfishly consume when we lust for them.
III. Watch After We Pray:
A. Look for answers to your prayers. Expect them!
B. Be "expecting" -- don't ask and run away.
1. If we ask of God, but then do not wait upon the One from whom
we expect a favorable answer, we show that we are not earnest
and hopeful.
Prayer Without Expectation
Is Unbelief In Disguise!
C. If your prayers are going out, but in your heart you don't expect them
to be answered, this shows how empty, boring and formal your
prayers have become. If that's the case . . .
WHY BOTHER? WHY ARE YOU PRAYING?
Prayer, true prayer,
has a burning desire
that comes from faith!!
