 | Blogs > deepestfaith > Mesianic Viewpoints > Christianity for Dummies: Prologue and Chapter 1 : Praying |
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This is a new series. For a long time, I would go into stores and see these (Blank) for Dummies books, and I thought, wouldn't it be neat if we had one for Christianity. One common thread I have notice among christians, whether in a 1-on-1 setting, at retreats, bible study groups, church, Sunday school or where ever it might be is that things get too complicated. Thus I will be praying for God to help me write this series. --------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 - Praying This is something all Christians and many non-christians do. The non-christian part of the comment stems from an old saying that, "there are no Atheists in foxholes." Before getting into the meat of this topic, cover a couple tangents about prayer. When we want to get to know someone, the best way to do this is to talk to them. God is all knowing, he knows us, but he wants us to get to know Him. 1 Chronicles 28:9, "If you seek Him, He will be found by you." In Jeremiah 24: 7 God says, "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD." Many associate praying with what we use to hear before a game with an invocation, or when a family member blesses the food. Convening with God is called prayer. It is a conversation, not a monologue and it includes speaking to God and hearing from Him. Why pray? Jesus teaches the necessity of prayer. Luke 18:1 "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Verses 1-8 gives the full parable. WHAT, you want me to do all the work. Look it up. ha ha. So now that we know it is necessary, there are 2 more things concerning prayer we need to know. We have to learn to pray and we do this by practicing it. The 2nd point is how do we practice. Over and over continually. 1 Thessalonian 5:16-18, "16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ------------------------------------ There are 4 types of prayers and they can be remembered with the Acronym ACTS. A doration C onfession T hanksgiving S upplication Adoration is prayer or praise that focuses on God and who he is. Some good examples are Psalms 145:3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 147:1,5 1Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! 5Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Spend time praising God daily. Confession is acknowledging our sins to God in order to receive forgiveness. When we are saved and accept Jesus, a relationship with God was established which will never be broken since he formed a covenant to and with us, but our fellowship with Him can be hindered by sins that are un-confessed. Daily we need to our sins and receive His promise of forgiveness. 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." and last, daily claim victory over temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." Thanksgiving is when we pray to God expressing gratitude for specific acts. This is not for just before meals but also for things like Spiritual, Physical and Material blessings. It can be for people that are in our lives helping us. God says to do this continually. 1 Thessalonian 5:18, "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Supplication is when we ask or express desires from God. These can be personal petitions or intercession. The first is for your needs and the second is praying for the needs of others. --------------------------------------------- In conclusion, prayer is a wonderful thing that we need to do daily. It is time communing with God. I know many of you do this already, but two things that I found astounding once I was a Christian was that so many have never read the bible for themselves and that so many do not pray consistently. Look for more Christianity for Dummies on upcoming subjects about The mission, studying your bible and many others. Blessings, Michael Christianity for Dummies: Chapter 4 : Go to Church Christianity for Dummies: Chapter 3 : Sin and Repentence Christianity for Dummies: Chapter 2 Salvation Christianity for Dummies: Prologue and Chapter 1 : Praying In the Heat of the Night: Testimony Chapter 4 Judging and Gossiping , Commitment and Covenant: For All (Part 15, 16 and End) Commitment and Covenant: For All (Part 13 and 14) , Commitment and Covenant: For Men (Part 11 and 12 ) Commitment and Covenant: For Men (Part 9 and 10 ) , Commitment and Covenant: For Women (Part 8 ) Commitment and Covenant: For Women (Part 7) , Commitment and Covenant: For Women (Part 5 & 6) Commitment and Covenant: Relationships (Part 4) , Commitment and Covenant: Relationships (Part 3) Commitment and Covenant: Relationships (Part 1 & 2) , Walk the Walk Self Esteem....and the 8-Cow Wife , I am a Christian…So What Now? Communicating According to the Scriptures , Friend vs. Spouse Christ in the cells of our body. , The Love-Hate list |
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 7/10/2008 10:18 am |
Hi Michael - again a great job - short and sweet and to the point!! Hugs - Marilyn How can we NOT praise Him - Marilyn
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7/9/2008 8:55 pm |
Good one Michael... like your titles about Christianity for Dummies lol Thanks for this post and the reminder that we need to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances... Also not just confessing our sins to receive forgiveness and 'open' fellowship with God again but also to cover ourselves and ask for His help and strength and claim victory over temptation... Thanks... many of my thoughts arising are consolidating with all that you have shared... Man can make many plans...BUT it is the Lord who will direct his paths....
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7/9/2008 5:16 pm |
Excellent, Michael! And, yes, I DID expect you to do all the work!!  I'll look forward to the next excerpt. God bless!   I will never leave you.....
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7/9/2008 3:08 pm |
I think you should look for a publisher...or at the very least design a bible study around this...seriously! By the way congratulations to you...both of you are wonderful people with a heart after God...I know He will lead you and direct you into His perfect will...I am so happy for you. He is no fool if he should choose to lose the things he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose.....Jim Elliott Deena 
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7/9/2008 3:04 pm |
Hello! I did a blog on Praying, Intercession and Praising a while ago, but I got the acronym P.I.P.! Maybe you would like to review it? I added some humor in the title! It's needed too, here! ---> +++ ON PRAYING, INTERCESSION and PRAISING +++ How to win the Lottery and make your dreams come true Also a "Summary for Dummies" struck my mind! It was an intensive session, of course! ---> +++ The-UNIVERSAL-CHRISTIAN-CONDUCT-Besides-Humans'-Opinions ~~for dummies in 21 lessons +++ Glad to see others have had the same idea! Please, keep on with your series! And btw., everyone is always welcome on my blog also, whatever denomination! For the same sake! BB ____________ 
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7/9/2008 1:42 pm |
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. . . Continue to be faithful, deliverance is near, obedience must be seen, be an unconditional blessing as He continues to bless you. This time is short, serve Him well, serving all. Without exception. Know? Yes? ? . Meow ? .
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