Q & A about Prayer
It’s the greatest privilege and failure of mankind.
Uncertainty about prayer can stop or hinder us from praying which is the reason for this writing. (my inspiration is always God, who used a sermon I heard via radio by Adrian Rogers)
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.[1]
We all have life and use electricity but none us really knows what those things are at their essence. We simply know what we describe as life and electricity do exist. And thank goodness we don’t have to understand them, just enjoy them responsibly[2]. Just as disrespecting electricity can get you killed, so too, neglecting so great a salvation will end badly[3]. God has lovingly provided a rule book (the Bible) to show us the way[4]. If we heed and obey we are blessed and will inherit eternal life not because of their works but because of what Jesus did at Calvary[5]. If we neglect salvation there is no hope. Both the wicked and righteous will suffer and enjoy life in varying degrees in this life. As it is written it rains on the just and the unjust[6], but the key is to secure your eternal life in Jesus who has overcome this world on our behalf[7]. In the gospel of Luke he gives us these words of Jesus:
“…I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God…”[8]
If you are already saved these words provide great comfort, but if you’re not already a born again Christian[9] these words should be terrifying and are meant to be. Hell is a serious matter especially when it lasts for eternity. My hope is that anyone reading this that isn’t saved will become born again in Jesus Christ. Don’t get freaked out by all the unfamiliar terms. It simply means God wants you to join his family and make you an heir according to the promise he gave Abraham so long ago[10].
Q1 - Why should I pray
if God already knows everything?
if God already knows everything?
The answer is because he wants a personal relationship with you[11] -- full of life and joy and hurts alike[12]. And he wants you to come just as you are[13]. How amazing is it that the almighty cares about you & actually longs to talk to you one on one as often as you want[14] – scriptures says to pray without ceasing. He has already promised to never leave you nor forsake you[15]. I know this because he already sent Jesus to die for us[16]. If he’s willing to do that he must really love us and want to have a relationship with us. Nothing else makes sense[17]. He already owns and controls the entire cosmos[18]. Satan has temporary dominion over this realm[19] until Jesus returns to setup a new heaven and a new earth[20].
Matthew 6 gives us the model prayer: 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9“This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. ’
14For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
God makes it clear we don’t pray to impress him. – there is no need for Shakespearean language; we are not heard by our much speaking so there is no need to chant and babble mindlessly or put your body through suffering of any kind. God simply wants to sit down and chat with you. Talk just like you would to your parents or someone you respect and love. Don’t we love it when children jump in our laps and tell us they love us. And tell us all the exciting things they’ve done. We can easily see if they need help with something and urge them to share with us. God wants us to do the same thing regularly metaphorically speaking – just jump into God’s lap in your mind and start talking, but don’t forget to listen. God speaks to our minds as well as through circumstances and friends and family. God’s word (Bible) is also our final authority on ‘God’s will’ for our lives and how to live it. God said to seek first the kingdom of God
We don’t pray to inform God. He already knows everything past present and future[23]. He knows exactly how and when the world will end[24]. He is never surprised. He never has to call the angels into emergency session. He never misses anything and is never late. When bad things happen don’t fret as if God has left you or some strange thing has happened[25]. All is well -- regardless of circumstances – we must trust and obey and leave the details to God. Since no one is guaranteed another breath -- you can see how important it is to be saved and ready for eternity ‘now’ and not to wait to secure your eternal life[26]. Remember the Bible was written so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life[27].
There is a fellowship factor to prayer
No where in scripture does it say ‘exactly’ that God desires a personal relationship with you, but that message permeates the very fabric of the entire Bible. If God did not want a personal relationship with you then the scriptures make no sense. Scripture is clear that God wants a relationship with us and invites us to join him in the ministry of reconciliation or in others words to become the fishers of men[29]. To do this we need to be equipped. Prayer is a big part and of first importance besides getting saved of course. Obedience is the other part. Faith without works is dead[30] just as a coin has two sides. And if you say I can do good works without faith – its either an attempt to earn your way into heaven which cannot be done because will not allow it OR you are attempting to glorify yourself. So you see faith requires works and works require faith if God is to be glorified and bless your efforts. Jesus put it this way: why do you call me Lord and not do the things I command of you?[31] It’s a privilege to administer the kingdom of God
Adrian Rogers tells a true story about himself that illustrates this perfectly. He was invited to speak at a college nearby, but said I couldn’t go; they said please we’ll send a plane and pick you up and bring you back the same afternoon if it’s at all possible. He said well okay then. Adrian Adrian Adrian Adrian the pilot could fly without him but Adrian couldn’t fly without the pilot – The pilot had given Adrian
Then there is the development factor to prayer
We grow in God when we continue to pray[38]. If Jesus himself needed to pray how much more do you and I need to? When we don’t get what we want we should continue to pray through and sometimes we must look inside ourselves to see if anything is hindering our prayers. Many times we have sin we need to take care of before God will answer our petitions. Another issue that hinders prayer’s being answered is that if my relationship with my spouse is not right[39].
God wants us to depend on Him. If we never had to pray and never needed him for anything we’d soon take everything for granted and forget about him. It’s like oxygen. We never even think about oxygen and breathing until we can’t – then it gets our attention real quick. Prayer binds us to God. That’s why we tell God what he already knows. He knows what we need before we ask but we are told without a doubt God desires us to ask, seek and knock[40] – to talk with (or in other words pray to) him regularly – the bible says to pray without ceasing which simply means to ever be conscious of his presence in your life. You can talk to God just as you would a friend. You can pray while doing almost anything even driving and working. You’ll find that even the most tedious times can be joyous with a friend around (God). He’s never too busy or unavailable as people are so many times. That’s not to say he doesn’t want you to have friends; on the contrary he wants us to have dear friends. Be careful trying to be close to too many people. Jesus himself had countless acquaintances, but only had his immediate family & neighbors and 12 men he poured his life into and among those 3 BFFs (Peter, James, & John). You can love and show yourself kind to all that you meet, but there is a limit on how many close friendships you can cultivate. And remember bad company corrupts good character, not to say you shouldn’t have unsaved friends -- you most certainly should. They are the ones he needs us to reach. We can’t reach them if we’re never with them. God put it this way; we must live in the world, but we should not be of the world[41]. We are to be change agents for God in this world, not get seduced into its temptations. I believe that is a reason God sent them out two by two and not alone[42]. When you go into enemy territory take a friend even if they just set there and listen. It’s okay to go alone sometimes but when you do pray up and have an exit strategy and know your limits and whatever you do listen to the Spirit. If the Spirit prompts your heart its time to leave -- then do it. Most likely he won’t send you in the first place unless he wants you there. Be slow to speak and quick to listen[43].
Q2 - What do I pray about?
Everything is the answer.
Now it doesn’t mean to pray whether you brush your teeth first or wash your face first before bed; but it does mean there is nothing too small to pray about if it concerns you. He loves you. How many times have you seen your child in knots and asked them what’s the matter to have them say ‘nothing’ and you say I know that’s not true. Come sit and tell me. Eventually they open up and tell you if you’re gentle and sincere. Then you smile and say I understand and tell them a story of how you went through the same thing. They will say WOW I didn’t know that happened to anyone else. You will smile again. God does the same with us. It helps just to talk things through sometimes or to just get it off your chest even if there is no answer. Just to have someone share the burden and listen. If there really is a problem that needs attention ask how you can help or suggest something if they ask or take them to the Bible if the spirit gives you a verse. Don’t preach though, that is counterproductive at times of stress and hurt.
Listen to God[44] – people pray and ask whether or not to do something. A problem arises when we separate the secular side of our life with the sacred side. There should be no separation[45]. People erroneously think business or work is a separate arena from Godly things[46]. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our lives are seamless. We are naturally supernatural – In all natural things we’re spiritual and all spiritual things we’re natural[47]. The only way we divide our lives as Christians is between the sacred and the profane. If it’s profane then stay away from it and teach your children to stay away from it[48]. It’s not a sin to know about sin, but it’s a sin if you participate or entertain it[49]. We are to pray about everything[50]. Have you ever prayed for a parking space? You say that’s too small. If we looked at things using that logic everything is small to God. How do I know? Because he said to cast all your cares upon Him for he cares for you[51]. Plus another reason I know is because he sent Jesus to die for you and me and everyone who has ever lived[52]. That tells me he means business; God means what he says and says what he means. God is not looking for ways to keep people out of heaven; on the contrary he’s done everything possible except force it upon us[53]. That he will not do, not because he can’t, but because if he was going to force mankind to worship him then he’d never have let Adam & Eve sin in the first place. Though not the author of sin[54], God saw that true love must be optional or it is not true love at all. True love can only exist with free choice ‘to obey’ or ‘not to obey’ so the potentiality of sin was realized and mankind fell into perpetual lives of sin. And though God knew they would, He had already made a way where there was no way[55]. Genesis 3:15 speaks of a savior who will redeem that which was lost[56]. Paradise lost will be paradise restored in a new heaven and a new earth[57].
Q3 - What if I want something
God doesn’t want me to have?
Should I pray about that?
Yes, Say lord there is something wrong with me – I want something you don’t want for me; help me change my wanter, it’s broken[58]. I need a new wanter. God knows what you’re thinking anyway[59].
Q4 - Does God hear the prayer of the unsaved?
Acts 10: 1-4 seems to say yes.
What then is the difference then between prayer of Gods children and an unsaved person?
One big difference is God has promised many things to you as his child that the unsaved person doesn’t have[60].
Here’s an analogy that helps explain this: A bank president (representing God) may give to a charity if he wants, but he’s not obligated to. But a saved person has an account with the Bank and can write checks on the money I have in the bank; the unsaved person has no such benefits. God can bless the unsaved as he pleases[61], but as a child of God we have direct access. The wonderful thing is that by grace anyone can have salvation through Jesus if they wish by believing in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior with a repentant heart. Saved people (called the body of Christ)[62] can write checks on heavens bank in Jesus name as long as it’s in God’s will. Do you see the difference?
We need not be jealous when we see unsaved people seem to prosper because we are the truly rich ones who will inherit everlasting life and who are join heirs with Christ in the riches of heaven[63]. But always remember we come to God through Jesus because of who he is and because we love God, not because of what he can give us[64]. If we come only for what’s at the masters table (or for just what we can get so to speak) we may very well find ourselves being the ones to whom God says in the end “depart from me, I never knew you”[65]. I don’t know about you, but that scares the ‘peewarten’ out of me as my wife would say, not to make light of such a serious topic, but to stress the point.
Q5 - Why do we pray in the name of Jesus?
First it stands for God’s approval[67]. It's like having a seal on an official document showing its authenticity.
Second Jesus name has the Father’s authority just as a business manager approves payment of bills[68].
Thirdly Jesus name stands for a claim[69]. It can be dangerous to claim Jesus to obtain some power or benefit if he’s not really your Lord and Savior (read Acts 19:11-20).
If you’re old enough -- you may remember when everyone is town knew everyone else and your children could actually roam freely without fear. In those days business owners in town when they saw you and knew you from church or because they were friends with your folks they’d call you over and say could you give this to your mom for me or your mom asked me to give this to you for her. You see they know they can give you the item or papers because you belong to the parents they know. They wouldn’t just give it to anyone who has no claim or right to it.
Q6 - Have you ever been glad God didn’t answer your prayer?
Moses prayed for God to kill him if he had found favor with God[70]. God did not answer that prayer. God continued to use him despite this time of depression and self pity just as he does with us. Moses was all wrapped up in himself like all of us get at times. Thank goodness God doesn’t give up on us[71].
Another example was the request of a mother’s request in Matthew chapter 20: 20Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” 22“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” 22“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Sometimes we simply don’t realize what we are asking nor can we see the consequences[72]. I for one am glad God doesn’t always answer my prayers[73].
Psalm 66:18 – God says if I regard iniquity in my heart God will not hear me. Notice that doesn’t say if I sin, but that if I cherish sin it in my heart which means entertain it and living with it, not dealing with it. Matthew 6 says if you forgive then God will forgive you. If you don’t God won’t. So if you are not getting through to God this could be your problem.
God never changes[74]. Prayer is not overcoming his reluctance; prayer lays hold of God’s will & affects what God does through us for his own glory. There is a big difference. If prayer was overcoming Gods reluctance we would only be performing for God trying to make him do what he really didn’t want to do. True Christianity is not performance based, its grace based. So prayer affects what God does by allowing him to work through us to do of his good pleasure[75] – we are the conduit by which God ministers in this physical realm[76]. In other words we are his hands and feet to do his will. Miracles and signs and wonders are not his style nor have they ever been. Jesus did them and empowered the disciples simply to prove who he was and that he had authority over all things, but it’s definitely not the norm. For example when we obey and ask God for things within his will he grants our requests not for our glory but his own. If it was for our glory then God will never do it. That’s why Satan fell from heaven – he wanted the glory for himself[77]. Only what magnifies Christ and thus builds the kingdom of God
Q7 - What if our prayer is not answered?
If it’s not the sin issue[82] then it could be that God just wants you to continue in prayer. Stay with it until you get an answer, either Yes or No. Remember there is a cosmic battle going[83] on and sometimes it just takes time for God to work things out[84]. Remember he doesn’t override individuals will, but he can still get things done, maybe just not how you thought he should[85]. Paul asked 3 times for his thorn in the flesh to be removed and God said NO[86]. God said my grace is sufficient for thee. My strength is made perfect in your weakness.
When we are obedient in prayer God will answer or he will tell you No, but you will get an answer in God’s time, but don’t stop praying until you get an answer or God tells you to stop (Read Daniel 2). There is nothing too hard for God[87]. All answers to prayer are miracles, but not as people normally think of miracles. The miracles of signs and wonders are not normative today[88], but should not be discounted. God can do anything. If God wants to give you that kind of miracle he’ll give you miracle faith when you need it, but you cannot conjure it up[89].
Casting out demons, the Bible says, takes prayer and fasting[90].
Forced love is a contradiction in terms.
Q8 - Am I showing a lack of faith
if I pray about something more than once?
No, God tells to prayer without ceasing. Daniel and Paul give us examples of praying with persistence and not giving up. Sometimes God will give you something better than you ask. And delay does not mean denial. Wait on God and keep praying. In Jesus model prayer we see this also. Jesus said to pray for God’s kingdom to come and his will to be done and to keep us from temptation. These are things we should daily bring before God in prayer. Queen Esther asked her fellow Jews to fast for 3 days before she went before the King. She was putting her life on the line and it’s implied when you fast that you spend the time you would normally be eating in prayer concerning what ever it is you’re fasting for[91].
Q9 - Some say if God will not force his will on anyone,
why do we pray for people to be saved?
Remember God desires us to be involved. We have a purpose. If God was going force his will upon us and do everything himself he’d just take us up into heave the moment we became born again in Christ or even better yet he’d never have let Adam and Eve sin in the first place. We have real meaning in this life because of God. We stand in the gap and pray for God to bring situations and people and thoughts into their minds to help them open up to God. We pray for opportunities to tell others and share our eternal hope. We were saved to reproduce not to keep it to ourselves[92]. It’s similar to caring for a child who doesn’t know what’s good for them. You are good to them and love them despite the child’s bad attitude and bad choices. You’re not taking away the child’s will, but you are influencing the child in a positive direction. It’s the same with praying for people to be saved. We don’t override their will – we influence them to make the wise choice. God loves when we intercede for others[93] – it reveals the true state or our hearts to both ourselves and God. To this we were called to be light and salt in a dark and downtrodden world[94]. Salt represents healing, flavor enhancer, preservative and light represents truth and the good news of the gospel which is our message to which we testify.
Q10 - Does God play favorites in prayer?
No. Its clear God is no respecter of persons[95]. There are things that can hinder your prayer, but God hears them all. He simply deals with us each as individuals who are responsible for their actions or failure to act. God’s desire is for your welfare. Not to harm you or be some cosmic killjoy. God isn’t looking for ways to keep you out of heaven. On the contrary he’s done all he can to get you in if you’ll only open your mind’s eye and see it[96]. If you’re unhappy with your life then change it; you’re the only one who can. God will help you, but you must act on what he shows and teaches you[97]. God said in Matthew 7:
7“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Please note that it is implied that what you ask for must be within the will of God. You cannot ask for a million dollars and expect to get it. Why you ask, because he knows that unless you work hard and earn money honestly you’ll be corrupted and turn away from God in the end. God eludes many times in scripture it’s very hard for a rich person to love and serve God[98]. Don’t take this wrong. There will be plenty of rich people who make it into heaven. The point God is trying to make is that you can’t work or buy your way into God’s grace. God knows that earthly riches have a way of taking our attention away from what’s really important, that being, a saving relationship with God through his Son Jesus. And God will not take second fiddle to any one or any thing[99]. The proper attitude is to remember all good things come down from the Father of lights[100] and to give thanks in all things[101] both in want and in plenty. Paul said he had learned that in whatever state he was to be content. Godliness with contentment is great gain. I’ll close by referring you to a parable Jesus told his disciples to show them that they should always pray and not give up (read Luke 18:1-8). And remember, you don’t have to understand electricity to turn on the light.
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.
The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and your minds
[1] Philippians 4:5-7
[2] Galatians 5; 1 Timothy 6:6
[3] Hebrews 2:3; John 3:3
[4] Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1:16; Revelation 22:18-19; Philippians 4:8-9
[5] Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23; John 1:12 & 14:6 & 15:5; Acts 4:12
[6] Matthew 5:45
[7] 1 John 4:4 & 5:4; John 16:33
[8] Luke 12:4-9
[9] Born again can mean many things in modern culture. I include this note to ensure all who read this understand my meaning. John 3:3 is my source, but the entire scripture point to Jesus as Messiah (Savior) to both Jews and Gentiles meaning all mankind. It’s open to whosover will come. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. You must come sincerely and with a humble heart understanding you’re a sinner in need of saving. It’s not by works lest anyone could boast. Works are the fruit not the root. We work from our salvation not for our salvation. Works are one proof we were really saved. If your religion doesn’t change your life you need a new religion as they say. Since Jesus is the only way to God. He himself said I am the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except by me. It’s why we celebrate Christmas. I’d recommend you get saved immediately since none of us knows when we will breath our last. Trust no other source. We can and do lie – only God has the answers you seek. If you gave your heart to Jesus the best you know how a couple of things that can help you know for sure; you should have a burden to tell loved ones and family and friends so they can get saved also, despite the fact you’ll probably have some trepidation in telling them. Family can be hard to reach since they know you so well. And you should desire to attend a church and Sunday school class or some regular teaching so you can grow in your faith. There is no set pattern on how God works in each person’s life but you definitely will change for the better if the Holy Spirit is in your heart and you listen to Him. But be sure you’re a doer of the word and not a hearer only deceiving yourself. Remember the Christian life isn’t hard to live; it’s impossible. That’s exactly the way God wants it – it ensures that we will run to God for help regularly and grow in our faith and become completely dependent on him for all wisdom and direction. So trust God for help and seek other true believers (they can be hard to find at times) to help along the way. True Christians won’t tell you what you want to hear they will tell you the truth which can hurt, but they will do it in a gentle and respectful way that should allow you to keep your guard down so you can grow as friends and fellow ministers in the body of Christ of which you are a part if you’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. You are no longer driving your life – you’ve given the steering wheel to God. And whatever you find to do – do all to the glory of God with all your might as unto God whether anyone notices or not. God sees all. The thief on the cross next to Jesus simply said to Jesus “remember me when you come into your kingdom” and Jesus replied “today you will be with me in paradise.” You say it can’t be that easy. Either it is or Jesus is a liar. One thing I know for sure is that the thief who got saved on the cross repented in his heart and was sincere and put his faith in the one who could save him. Notice the other thief did not. God made a way to heaven free of charge, but you need to receive it and mean it. The choice is yours and always has been. Choose Jesus and live. The only alternative is hell.
[10] Genesis 17:5
[11] Proverbs 3: 5-6; John 15:4-5; Luke 23:40-43
[12] 1 Peter 5:7
[13] Matthew 11:28
[14] 1 Thess 5:17
[16] Romans 5:8
[18] Matthew 28:18
[19] 1 John 5:19
[20] Revelation 21:1-3
[21] Matthew 6:33
[22] Matthew 25:21
[23] Matthew 6:8
[24] Revelation 1:8
[25] 1 Peter 4:12
[26] Hebrews 2:3; 12:25
[27] 1 John 5:13
[28] Ephesians 2:8-10
[29] Mark 1:17
[30] James 2:26
[31] Luke 6:46
[32] Matthew 10:28
[34] Proverbs 3:5-6
[36] Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:16
[37] Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 6:6-8; Philippians 4:8-9
[38] Luke 5:16
[39] 1 Peter 3:7
[40] Matthew 7:7
[41] Romans 12:2
[42] Mark 6:7
[43] James 1:19
[44] Psalm 46:10
[45] James 1:8; Proverbs 3:5-6 & 16:25; Romans 14:8; Colossians 3:23-25
[46] James 4:14-16
[47] Galatians 2:19-21; Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6; Galatians 5
[49] James 1:14-15
[50] Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Daniel 9:3 & 6:10
[51] 1 Peter 5:7
[52] Hebrews 9:26 & 10:10; Romans 6:10
[53] John 1:29; Psalm 119:105
[54] James 1:13; Matthew 5:48
[55] Revelation 13:8
[56] Luke 19:10
[57] Revelation 21:1-4
[58] Psalm 119:9
[59] Psalm 139:1-3
[60] Hebrews 1:14
[61] Exodus 33:19
[62] 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:5
[63] Romans 8:17; Ephesians 3:6; 1 Peter 3:7
[64] John 6:70 & 4:23-24; Psalm 145:18; Philippians 3:3
[65] Matthew 7:23
[66] 1 John 2:1-2 & 5:14; Colossians 3:17; John 15:7; Acts 4:12; Matthew 18:20
[67] Luke 3:22
[68] Matthew 28:18; John 14:6
[69] 1 John 5:12; John 15:5
[70] Numbers 11:14-15
[71] Isaiah 1:18
[72] Romans 8:26-27
[73] Psalm 103:14
[74] Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6; Psalm 55:19
[75] Ephesians 1:9; Philippians 2:13; Galatians 1:15
[76] 2 Corinthians 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:10; Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 5; Romans 12
[77] Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:15; Luke 10:18
[78] James 4:3
[79] John 3:16
[80] Psalm 103:17; Isaiah 54:8; Romans 5:8
[81] 2 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 4:16
[82] Isaiah 59
[83] Ephesians 6:12; 2 Kings 6:17
[84] Daniel 10:12-13
[85] Psalm 40:5
[86] 2 Corinthians 12:6-10
[87] Genesis 18:14
[88] Matthew 16:4
[89] Zechariah 4:6
[90] Matthew 17:21
[91] Esther 4:16
[92] Matthew 5:15
[93] Ezekiel 22:30; Isaiah 6:8; Colossians 4:12
[94] Matthew 5:13-16
[95] Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Deuteronomy 10:17
[96] 1 Corinthians 2:14
[97] James 4:8
[98] Luke 16:13; 1 Timothy 6:10; Mark 10:25
[99] Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5; Matthew 10:37
[100] James 1:17
[101] 1 Thessalonians 5:18
[102] Philippians 4:5-7
