Las Vegas, Nevada Church
Affiliated with the Intercontinental Church of God and the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association

Firstfruit Fundamentals
 

Subject: Prayer

Question 7

Prayers may last a total of one second and consist of just one word or utterance [Help! or Please].  They may also last for hours or days.  There is no limit, one way or the other.  Having said this, one needs to be circumspect in his/her preparation for the prayer.  You are the steward of your prayer life to include how you will conduct the prayer period and what topics you bring.  Be ready for prayer.  Reference my sermon, “Silence” Parts 1 and 2 where we speak to coming before Almighty God in silence.

There are examples of short prayers in the Bible such as those of Hezekiah and Stephen.  Remember that God has full knowledge of what your desires and needs are before you even ask.

Matthew 6:7-8
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

This verse is speaking to a practice of the heathen [non-firstfruit] who brings chanting and conjured up repetitions.  This is different than us coming before God for the same reasons on a regular basis.  If one is sick and continues to be sick for weeks and months, it is perfectly fine to pray about this over and over to God.  In addition, no problem or desire remains static in this life, so your prayers, though for the same subject will modify themselves as you move through time.

Romans 8:26 
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.

The Spirit of God in us helps us with our prayers.
 

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What subjects do you want to discuss?  Contact minister Chris Cumming at chriscumming@gtatv.org  

Las Vegas, Nevada Church of God - part of The Intercontinental Church of God and The Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association - Tyler, Texas

Telephone: (903) 561-7070