Lesson 9 (Prayer Partners): Faith Praying: Failure And Success

Prayer Partner Series

By

Elmer L. Towns

Lesson 9: Faith-Praying: Failure and Success

I. THE PROMISE

“Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth

as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for

them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 18:19).

II. ILLUSTRATION OF TWO

1. For honesty. Why did the Scriptures call for two witnesses? “That in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matt. 18:16 c.f. II Cor. 13:1).

2. For strength. Why did Jesus send out disciples two by two? “He sent them forth two by two; and gave them power . . .” (Mark 6:7). He did not give power to them individually, but to the two corporately.

3. For abundance. What was meant when you had more than one? “Provide neither . . . two coats” (Matt. 10:9,10).

III. PETER AND JOHN PRAY TOGETHER

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour” (Acts 3:1).

1. They were friends. Why were they planning to pray together? Previously they went after the donkey together (Mark 11:1; Matt. 21:1).

2. They planned to pray together. Could they have not prayed individually? Proseoche, i.e., to be in God’s presence.

3. They went to the place together. Could they have not prayed at any place?

4. They planned to pray at a particular place. Could they have not prayed anywhere?

5. They were doing the right thing. Could they have not obeyed differently?

6. They were given a new opportunity in service. What happens when we obey God in prayer-discipline? “A certain man lame . . . asked alms of them that entered the temple” (Acts 3:2).

7. They had a prayer-discipline. How can God answer your prayer – to give you power – before you ask for it? “Went up together,” i.e., “were going” suggests it was a habit continuous practice.

8. They were given new power. What is the result of prayer-discipline? “He took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength” (Acts 3:7).

Learning prayer-discipline from Peter and John:

1. Discipline to pray together.

2. Discipline to pray at a place together.

3. Discipline to pray at a time together.

4. Discipline to pray for a specific purpose together.

5. Discipline rewarded by opportunity.

6. Discipline results in power.

IV. PAUL AND SILAS PRAY TOGETHER

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25).

1. They prayed in spite of the conditions. What were their conditions in prison? “Thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stock” (Acts 16:24).

2. They turned to prayer. What was their response to persecution? Proseuchomai, “were praying,” i.e., a continiuos attitude to be in God’s presence, not so much to ask for anything.

3. They prayed instead of sleeping. What is known about the time? “At midnight.”

4. They prayed instead of complaining. What was their attitude? “In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6).

5. They worshiped God. What was their emotional and mental condition? The word for “sang” is humneo, which is our word “hymn.” They were

hymning. The word humneo is attached to the Hallel where specific Psalms were sung by the Jews.

6. They were obeying scripture. What might they have been singing? “This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psa. 118:24).

7. They received deliverance. What was the first result of their prayer? “Suddenly there was a great earthquake . . . immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were free” (Acts 16:26).

When you worship God, He will breakdown the doors to get in to hear your praise.

8. They were used in conversion ministry. What was the seed result of their prayers? “The keeper of the prison . . . rejoiced, believing in God, with all his house” (Acts 16:34).

Learning from the prayers of Paul and John

1. Pray when in persecution and hard times.

2. Pray when you cannot sleep.

3. Pray instead of complaining.

4. Prayer with worship songs.

5. Prayer leads to deliverance.

6. Prayer results in ministry.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.