Principles of Prayer: Part 2

Table of Contents

1.    Information/knowledge: 2 Chr. 20:2    1

2.    Realisation, appraisal of the situation: 2 Chr 20:3,12    1

3. Retreat, separation: 2 Chr 20:3-4    1

4.    Action: 2 Chro 20:20-23    2

5.    Thanksgiving: 2 Chro 20:26-30    2

Further readings:    2

 

 

A Principle Of Prayer

 

Text: 2 Chr 20:1-30

 

1. Information/knowledge

   : 2 Chr. 20:2
   

    Sources of information:

1. Observation: Circumstances and situations:
   

   2 Chr 20:1-2; Josh 7:5-6; 2 Kings 2:18-22
   

   (Note: the kingdom of God is not by observation)
   

   1. What is happening around us, are we in the place we want to be. Are we in the place God wants us to be? Is the enemy at the door planning to do us harm, are there circumstances that baffle us and seems to be harsh and unpalatable? What is the testimony of others around us about our life, is it of good report…Are there any particular needs that we want God to meet?
      
   2. God may speak through a friend etc to us to reproof, admonish, or exhort us
      
   3. Research /history:
      

   Daniel 9:1-4
   

2. Revelation: prophesy, vision, dream
   

   Josh 7:10-13
   

1. Realisation, appraisal of the situation:

   
   2 Chr 20:3,12
   

Jehoshaphat knew he could not win the battle. He does not have the army, the strength or resources needed. Therefore he arrived at the decision: seek help, but from where- from the lord.

Luke 14:31-32

 

3. Retreat, separation: 2 Chr 20:3-4

Jehoshaphat called for a fast, to seek God, to ask help from God through prayer

a.    Praise; worship God for who he is realising and declaring who God is.

2 Chr 20:5-6

b.    Praise God for what he has done, remind God of his past goodness and promises

2 Chr 20:7

    **Need to know God and have a personal relationship with Him, a covenant relationship with him

1. Remember his covenants
   

   2 Chr 20:8-9
   

2. State the problem
   

2 Chr 20:10-11

1. Make the request
   

   2 Chr 20:12
   

2. Wait for answers and /or instructions
   

   2 Chr 20:13-17
   

3. Worship, praise God for answers and glorify his name
   

 

1. Action

   : 2 Chro 20:20-23
   

Act upon what God has answered and obey his instructions

 

1. Thanksgiving

   : 2 Chro 20:26-30
   

Come back with the sacrifices of praise

 

Further readings:

 

1. Parallel verses
   
   1. 2 Kings 18:1-37; 19:1-37.
      
   2. 1 Samuel 30:1-20
      
   3. Daniel 2:14-28
      

   
    

2. Other writings.
   

   1.    Prayer
   

   2.    A prayer retreat
   

   
    

3. Reference
   
   1. complete works of E.M. Bounds on prayer
      

The kneeling Christian "by the unknown Christian."