I.
Reference #3: Examples on Prayer with
Understanding
A.
Theme
1.
A prayer must have a theme so that the request
will have a direction (Jn 17:17; Acts 4:30).
B.
Objective
1.
To let the congregation declare, in one accord,
the abundant grace of God and to be resolved in one mind, one heart, and one
faith among the congregation.
C.
Principles
1.
In addition to the prerequisite of one’s faith
in God's existence, here are some principles for prayers of understanding:
a.
Confess that God is self-existing, eternal, who
was, is, and will always be the only true God. He is the Ruler of heaven and
earth and the Creator of all things in the universe. God is merciful, just, and
He detests evil.
b.
Confess that Jesus is God, the “Word became
flesh.” He sacrificed Himself on the cross, resurrected on the third day,
ascended to heaven, and completed His work of salvation for mankind.
c.
Confess that the Spirit is God, the “Counselor”
promised by Jesus. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended and
established the apostolic church. According to the Bible prophecies, the Spirit
would descend the second time to establish the true church before the end of
age. He will live in our hearts, guiding us to believe, to know, and to fear
the Lord. The Spirit would comfort us in trials and strengthen us when we are
weak. He would give us power and wisdom. The Spirit serves as a guarantee of
the inheritance of the heavenly kingdom.
d.
Confess that the Bible is inspired by God, the truth,
the gospel of salvation, and the “everlasting word” which never changes.
2.
We should use the above principles as a guide to
motivate the congregation to appreciate the splendor of God. Because we are
weak, we must plead to God, in one accord, to elevate our spirituality through
His ruth.
D.
Prayers of Understanding in the Bible
1.
The differences between prayer of understanding
and prayer in the Spirit:
a.
Prayer in the Spirit is to edify oneself (1 Cor 14: 4)
(a)
to comprehend the existence of God (1 Jn 3: 24)
(b)
but, no one can understand by human means (1 Cor 14: 2)
b.
Prayer of understanding is comprehensible to the
hearers and serves to edify each other
(a)
“I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray
with the understanding” (1 Cor 14:15).
2.
Prayers of understanding in the Bible—some
examples:
a.
Abraham pleaded with God face to face for Sodom and Gomorrah
(Gen 18: 23-33)
b.
David’s praises of God (1 Chr
29:10-19)
c.
Solomon's prayer of praise during the dedication
of the temple (2 Chr 6: 12-42)
d.
Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer in
comprehensible words (Mt 6:9-13)
e.
Jesus offered prayers before His arrest (Jn 17)
f.
The prayer of the apostles (Acts 4:23-31)
E.
Examples of Prayer with Understanding (as
reference)
1.
Example 1
Theme: We Ought to Worship the
Lord of Creation (evangelical service)
Objective: To direct the
congregation into establishing a relationship with God, initiating the faith to
fear Him, and preparing the heart to listen the sermon
In the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, we pray:
Merciful heavenly Father, we thank
You. You created all things in heaven and earth; you
are the source of life. Your grace abounds among us. You sustain all the people
on earth. Therefore, we should meditate your loving mercy from the bottom of
our hearts. Now, we are about to proclaim the gospel in your holy name. We ask
that you bless all the friends who came to attend this service. May your Holy
Spirit work in our midst, opening our hearts, allowing us to understand your truth,
and recognizing that you are the true and living God. May the mighty power of
this gospel save us, releasing us from the evil of this generation, bringing us
into your saving grace, and giving us the hope of eternal life. We pray in your
name. Amen.
2.
Example 2
Theme: Jesus is the Savior
(evangelical service)
Objective: To let the
congregation understand that no one can hide his sins from the Lord; only by
coming bravely before the precious cross of the Lord and repenting, can one
have hope in eternal life.
In the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, we pray:
Dear Savior, we thank You! You have become flesh, born into the world. You
preached the gospel of the heavenly kingdom, revealed God’s authority, had pity
on the people of the world, and at last, was crucified on the cross for our
sake. The precious blood you shed became the fountain which washes away the
sins of humankind. Oh, Lord, we know that since our ancestors disobeyed your
commandment, sin came into the world. Because all men sinned, we have no hope
in this world. Oh, Lord! Today, we have received your salvation, born again in
you so that we can have hope in this life. We must thank you. However, there
are so many people who do not know the right path of salvation. We ask for your
mercy and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bless our service today. May all those
who come before you receive your grace, open their hearts to receive the grace
of remission of sins. Thus we pray in your name. Amen.
3.
Example 3
Theme: The Faith of Abraham
(family service)
Objective: To let the
participants agree concurrently with the importance of faith, and to ask the
Lord to increase everyone's faith.
In the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, we pray:
We thank our heavenly Father who
is great and mighty. Tonight, according to your will, we gather at your beloved
son, Brother ___________'s house to worship you. May you bless Brother
_________'s family with spiritual and physical blessings, and a firm faith. Oh, Lord, we are about to proclaim your words in your
name. Please grant us spiritual wisdom so that we may make your will known,
learn your truth, and be strong in our faith.
Oh, Lord, we know that we are
like sojourners in this life; all is transient. Only your kingdom is eternal.
Please guide our path, increase our strength, give us
the faith to become the children whom you delight. Thus we pray in your name.
Amen.