When Supplication and Intercession in Prayer Do Not Work

< "Tactics" for more Effective Prayer

There are different facets of prayer, and it is good for a Christian not just to do one or two types of prayer, neglecting the others. Here is one way to remember different facets of prayer.

Thy kingdom come for both the coming of Jesus and that His will be done now.

Adoration of God for His character, nature, and who He is

Confession or your own individual sinful actions, words, thoughts, attitudes, and inaction

Thanksgiving to God for what He has done, is doing, and is going to do

Intercession for others, for salvation, health, other needs, opportunities, and perseverance

Corporate confession for the sins of those in the church and the country

Supplication for yourself

It is good for a study of prayer to start off with the model prayer that Jesus taught us; commonly called the Lord's prayer.

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) has an entire work called On Prayer p.681-691 where he goes through each clause of the Lord's prayer.

Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 are two different forms. Why do you think that might be?

When Supplication and Intercession in Prayer Do Not Work - And Why

God delights to give us what we ask for in prayer according to Matthew 7:7-11.

But we must ask in faith as Matthew 21:21-22 says.

Mark 11:24 says this is not a faith that you might receive it, but faith that you have already received it.

And yet, David, who had faith, sometimes asked God why God was silent in Psalm 83:1. It seems God was silent when there was an urgency for God to act, because David's enemies were gathering. But as someone once said, God is rarely early, but never late. But as God sometimes seemed "too" silent for David, the Bible teaches us many reasons why God is silent for people.

Sometimes God answers our prayers, with a "Yes", sometimes "No", and sometimes "Wait". But the Bible teaches us that sometimes God does not answer prayers at all. Here are reasons for some of the answers (or lack of answers) to our supplication and intercession in prayer.

1. God answers, but it is "No"

Matthew 7:11 - Requests must be for good things. Pray to God that your prayers and mediations would be pleasing to God, as in Psalm 19:14.

James 4:3 - Requests should not be for spending on our passions.

Mark 14:36 - It is not God's will for us to have it.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - God knows what thorns are actually for the good for us.

2 Samuel 12:16-18;22-24 - God is disciplining us. 'But we can still pray about that in Psalm 38:1-3.

2. God has us wait

Habakkuk 2:3 - In his time, God might grant the prayer, but not yet. We have to wait patiently according to Psalm 33:20; 38:15; 40:1

Job; James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7 - God might be allowing us to be tested.

Daniel 10:12-14 - We might have to be patient due to a spiritual battle we know nothing about.

1 Samuel 1:10-12; Exodus 2:23-24 - It might be that we need to change in some way first, or that someone else needs to change.

Luke 11:5-10, 18:1-7; James 5:11, 1 Kings 18:42-44 - We have to persist and persevere.

3. Ineffective supplication

Matthew 6:7-8 - Our prayers are simply vain repetition. Yet we should pray without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 86:3b; Romans 1:10; Eph. 6:18; Colossians 1:9; 4:12; Hebrews 13:15.

Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24; James 1:7,8; 5:15a - We lack faith that we will receive it.

James 1:7,8 - The double-minded will not receive anything from the Lord, instead of 1 Chr 16:9.

1 Peter 4:7 - We need to be clear-minded and self-controlled to pray. In Nehemiah 14; Esther 4:15-17 and Daniel 9:3 how does fasting help this?

1 Peter 3:7 - Be considerate of and respect our spouses, so our prayers will not be hindered.

Matthew 18:19-20; Ecclesiastes 4:12 - pray together.

Luke 18:10-14 - Our prayers are proud.

Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47 - Praying just for show.

4. God doesn't hear prayers of the wicked

1 Kings 18:26-29 - Praying to the wrong God, an idol.

Ezekiel 8:8-18 - God will not hear if they are still worshipping idols too.

Isaiah 1:15 - Their hands are filled with blood.

Psalm 17:1-2 - People pray from deceitful lips.

Proverbs 15:29, Psalm 32:5-6; Isaiah 59:1-3 - We are wicked. Yet see the publican in Lk 18:13-14.

5. We ignore God or His commands

Zechariah 7:11-14 - God does not hear us when we choose not to hear God and ignore Him.

Psalms 66:18-19 - We cherish sin in our hearts.

Proverbs 21:13 - We turn a deaf ear to the poor.

Malachi 2:13-14 - We have sinned, such as divorce. But see James 5:16b-18; 1 Peter 3:12.

Matthew 5:23-24 If your brother has something against you, make up with him first, at least as far as possible (Romans 12:18)

6. Unknown

Job and Daniel 10:2-3,12-14 - Sometimes, we have absolutely no idea of what else is going on.

Psalm 10:1; 13:1-2; 22:1-2; 42:3; 43:2; 44:23-24; 74:1; 77:7-8; 79:5; 80:4; 82:1; 83:1; 89:46; 109:1; Job 6:1-4 - Frankly, it can be frustrating when God seems silent. It is OK to tell Him of your frustration.

2 Peter 4:7 - But we do know that our patience and persistence glorifies God.

Don't Be Estranged from God

And now for the especially scary part. Ezekiel 14:5 gives an example where God will not hear the prayer of even righteous people, full of faith, when they pray to intercede for God's rebellious people, who refuse to stop following idols. If a country is unfaithful, and God cuts off its food supply, sends wild creatures (either animals, humans, or microbes) against a people, and a righteous person prays, God may choose not to hear their prayer. This is also mentioned in Lamentation 3:8,44.

Jeremiah is also told not to pray for God's people in Jeremiah 7:16; 11:14; 14:11.

1 John 5:16 tells us not to pray for a brother who committed a sin that leads to death.

But we are to pray for those who persecute us in Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28

But be careful what you pray for

Just ask Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:1-11,21:1-2,11

Just ask Balaam in Numbers 22:19; 23:10. See also Numbers 31:8.

Ask the Israelites in Jeremiah 42:19-22

Ask God to Hear Your Prayer

How often to you pray this petition: that God hear your prayer? David often did this for himself in Psalm 4:1; 5:1-2; 13:3; 17:1,6; 27:7; 28:1-2; 39:12; 54:2; 55:1; 61:1; 64:1; 86:1; 140:6b; 141:1; 143:1, and for others in Psalm 20:1. Others did the same in Nehemiah 1:5-6 and Psalm 88:2; 102:1; 119:145.

Perhaps you just take Him for granted, that will God hear your prayer. But it is a high privilege for God to hear your prayer. So especially ask Him to hear your prayer, and remove any hindrances to your prayer.

What Early Christians Can Teach Us On Prayer - Part 2

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."' (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

Quiz

Which things were prayed for, for either the person praying or for others, in Bible or the early church?

A healthy appetite for my pet lizard

Pray for the weather, or for rain

Healing

To get out of trouble

Good health (apart from healing)

Protection

Deliverance from persecution or suffering

Safety from prison or execution

Wisdom

Wealth, riches or honor

Death of your enemies

Long life

Have an easy life (none)

All may go well

Bless me and enlarge my territory

Keep us from poverty

That we could horde money

Keep from harm and pain, or keep me from evil that I might not cause pain

Death to your enemies

Death or destruction of evil people or God's enemies

That God would harm our enemies, repay them, or give justice

That God would remember the wickedness of someone.

Pray not to fall into temptation

Forgiveness for non-believers

Forgiveness (for a Christian)

Unity among believers

Pray that we not dishonor God or bring shame

Bless or pray for those who persecute you

Bless those who persecute you. Romans 12:14

Repay evil with blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Love your enemies, bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28

Example of Stephen: Acts 7:60

Example of Jesus: Luke 23:34

Didache vol.7 ch.1.5 p.377 (c.125 A.D.) Bless, pray for, and fast for your enemies. Didache ch.2.7 p.378 (c.125 A.D.) "Thou shall not hate any man"

Letter to Diognetus ch.5 p.27 (130-150 A.D.) says Christians are reviled, but they bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honor. They are punished as evil-doers, but they do good.

Polycarp (100-155 A.D.) "Pray for all the saints. Pray also for kings, and potentates, and princes, and for those that persecute and hate you, and for the enemies of the cross, that your fruit may be manifest to all, and that ye may be perfect in Him." Letter to the Philippians ch.12 p.36

Justin Martyr (c.150 A.D.) "Pray for your enemies, and love them that hate you, and bless them that curse you, and pray for them that despitefully use you." First Apology of Justin Martyr ch.15 p.167

Hegesippus (170-180 A.D.) Commentaries on the Acts of the Church book 1 ch.1 vol.8 p.763 says that when James was dying he prayed that God our Father forgive them, they know not what they do.

Athenagoras (177 A.D.) says Christians were brought up with the teachings of "Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; pray for them that persecute you; that ye may be the sons of your Father who is in heaven, who causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust." A Plea for Christians ch.11 p.134

Theophilus to Autolycus (168-181/188 A.D.) book 3 ch.14 p.115 "And the Gospel says: 'Love your enemies, and pray for them that despitefully use you. For if ye love them who love you, what reward have ye?"

Christians of Vienna and Lugdunum (177 A.D). says that the Christians were like Stephen, who even prayed for those who inflicted tortures on them.' "Then they pleaded for all, but accused none; they absolved all, they bound none; and they prayed for those who inflicted the tortures, even as Stephen the perfect Witness, `Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.' But if he prayed for those who stoned him, how much more for the brethren!" p.784

Irenaeus (182-188 A.D.) "and not only not to injure their neighbors, nor to do them any evil, but also, when themselves wickedly dealt with, to be long-suffering, and to show kindness towards those [that injured them], and to pray for them, that by means of repentance they might be saved-so that we should in no respect imitate the arrogance, lust, and pride of others. " Irenaeus Against Heresies book 2 ch.32.1 p.408

Clement of Alexandria (193-217/220 A.D.) reminds us that Jesus said to love our enemies, "bless them that curse us, and pray for them that despitefully use us." turn the other cheek, and let others take your cloak also. The Instructor book 3 ch.12 p.293

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "'praying for all,' even for our personal enemies" On Prayer ch.3 p.682.

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "while Christ says, 'Love your personal enemies, and bless your cursers, and pray for your persecutors, that ye may be sons of your heavenly Father.'" Of Patience ch.6 p.711

Origen (225-254 A.D.) says to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Origen Against Celsus book 8 ch.35 p.652

Cyprian of Carthage (c.246-258 A.D.) "and the Son of God instilling the likeness of God the Father, says in His Gospel: 'Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them which persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven, who makes His sun to rise on the good and on the evil, and sends rain upon the just and on the unjust. " Treatises of Cyprian Treatise 10 ch.16 p.495

Pontius' Life and Passion of Cyprian (after 258 A.D.) ch.9 p.270 says that Cyprian prayed for salvation for those who persecuted Christians.

Arnobius (297-303 A.D.) "For why, indeed, have our writings deserved to be given to the flames? our meetings to be cruelly broken up, in which prayer is made to the Supreme God, peace and pardon are asked for all in authority, for soldiers, kings, friends, enemies, for those still in life, and those freed from the bondage of the flesh; in which all that is said is such as to make men humane, gentle, modest, virtuous, chaste, generous in dealing with their substance, and inseparably united to all embraced in our brotherhood? " Arnobius Against the Heathen book 4 ch.36 p.488

Lactantius (c.303-c.325 A.D.) "we ought on this account to love every man; and therefore we are bound not only to abstain from the infliction of injury, but not even to avenge it when inflicted on us, that there may be in us complete harmlessness. And on this account God commands us to pray always even for our enemies." Epitome of the Divine Institutes ch.65 p.250

A Forgotten Prayer

"For I know that through your prayers and the help give by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me [imprisoned] will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:19-20 NIV)

In the days of the early church, when a Christian was put on trial, or tortured, or about to be put to death, other Christians were constantly praying, but not primarily for what you might think. Safety, health, or even a quick death were not primarily what they prayed for. What did they mainly pray for?

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When Supplication and Intercession in Prayer Do Not Work - And Why

God delights to give us what we ask for in prayer according to Matthew 7:7-11. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you' then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (NET)

But we must ask in faith as Matthew 21:21-22 says. "Jesus answered them, 'I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive." (NET)

Mark 11:24 says this is not a faith that you might receive it, but faith that you have already received it.

"For this reason I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (NET)

1. God answers, but it is "No"

Matthew 7:11 - Requests must be for good things. Pray to God that your prayers and mediations would be pleasing to God, as in Psalm 19:14.

James 4:3 - Requests should not be for spending on our passions.

Like a wise Father, God sometimes will answer "no". This is not only true for asking for wicked things, but even asking for neutral and good things that we want for wrong motives.

Mark 14:36 - It is not God's will for us to have it.

Our priorities are not necessarily God's priorities. We should not worry at all, but perhaps we are very concerned about many things God does not want us to be concerned about. And we fail to be concerned about the things we should be concerned about. For example, why should God answer a prayer that is 40th on His list of priorities for you, when you are rejected doing what is numbers 1 and 2 on His list of priorities for you.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - God knows what thorns are actually for the good for us.

2 Samuel 12:16-18;22-24 - God is disciplining us.' But we can still pray about that in Psalm 38:1-3.

2. God has us wait

Habakkuk 2:3 - In his time, God might grant the prayer, but not yet. We have to wait patiently according to Psalm 33:20; 38:15; 40:1

God's timing is not always our timing. Imagine in a dream asking God: "How much is a billion years to you?" And God answers, "About a second." "And God, how much is all the wealth of the world to you?" And God answered, "About a penny". "God, can I have a penny?" God answers, "Sure, just a second."

Job; James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7 - God might be allowing us to be tested.

Daniel 10:12-14 - We might have to be patient due to a spiritual battle we know nothing about.

1 Samuel 1:10-12; Exodus 2:23-24 - It might be that we need to change in some way first, or that someone else needs to change.

Luke 11:5-10, 18:1-7; James 5:11, 1 Kings 18:42-44 - We have to persist and persevere.

3. Ineffective supplication

Matthew 6:7-8 - Our prayers are simply vain repetition. Yet we should pray without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 86:3b; Romans 1:10; Eph. 6:18; Colossians 1:9; 4:12; Hebrews 13:15.

We need times of focused prayer, where we are not doing anything else. But besides that we do "spiritual breathing" or being in prayer as we do other things, all throughout the day.

Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24; James 1:7,8; 5:15a - We lack faith that we will receive it.

Whenever you think that a little prayer won't hurt, it probably won't do much good either.

James 1:7,8 - The double-minded will not receive anything from the Lord, instead of 1 Chr 16:9.

On the other hand, 1 Chronicles 16:9 says that the eyes of the LORD are on look throughout the earth to strengthen those who are fully committed to Him.

1 Peter 4:7 - We need to be clear-minded and self-controlled to pray. In Nehemiah 14; Esther 4:15-17 and Daniel 9:3 how does fasting help this?

Being self-controlled helps in at least three different ways. It gives you discipline to set aside intentional time to pray. It helps you focus in your prayers, both individually and with others when they pray. God does not hear us better because of our well-spoken prayers, or the repetition of our prayers. He hears the commitment of our heart.

1 Peter 3:7 - Be considerate of and respect our spouses, so our prayers will not be hindered.

This could be both a general observation and a specific promise, in a negative way. We are to have good relationship with all our brothers and sisters in the Lord. How much more should we have a good relationship with our spouse. If we act wrongly towards our wives, and choose not to hear them, God might not hear us until we repent of our sins.

Matthew 18:19-20; Ecclesiastes 4:12 - pray together.

Luke 18:10-14 - Our prayers are proud.

I would not be critical of someone's prayer just because it might seem flowery or well-rehearsed, because some people use flowery language in prayers because they speak well, or that is just how they talk. But God is not impressed with well-crafted language in prayers either.

Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47 - Praying just for show.

4. God doesn't hear prayers of the Wicked

1 Kings 18:26-29 - Praying to the wrong god, an idol.

Ezekiel 8:8-18 - God will not hear if they are still worshipping idols too.

Isaiah 1:15 - Their hands are filled with blood.

People's hands can be filled with blood in at least three different ways, and this can apply to all of them. Some people blatantly enjoy going out and harming others. A second way is not to care if you hurt others or not, but to hurt or remove others who get in the way of your ambitions or profits. A third way is to profit from those who don't care about hurting others.

1 Kings 18:26-29 - Praying to the wrong god, an idol.

1 Corinthians 10:20 says that sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and we should not be participants with demons. God viewed idolatry as seriously as murder, since both were punishable by death in the law. I noticed just the other day in a large megastore little fountains for sale, you could put inside your house, that were soothing with a statue of Buddha.

'' Ezekiel 8:8-18 said that God would be pitiless and not hear His people, even though they cried out to Him. They were worshipping the wrong god: Tammuz and other idols. When they rejected God and turned a deaf ear to His commands, God was not obligated to hear them either. God does not answer the prayers of people who refuse to listen to God (Zechariah 7:11-14).

'' In 1 Kings 18:26-29 the prophets of Baal were sincere enough to cut themselves. But they were worshipping an idol.

Ezekiel 8:8-18 - God will not hear if they are still worshipping idols too.

Isaiah 1:15 - Their hands are filled with blood.

Psalm 17:1-2 - People pray from deceitful lips.

Proverbs 15:29, Psalm 32:5-6; Isaiah 59:1-3 - We are wicked. Yet see the publican in Lk 18:13-14.

5. We ignore God or His commands

Zechariah 7:11-14 - God does not hear us when we choose not to hear God and ignore Him

The prayers of the unfaithful can "weary" God in Malachi 2:7

Psalms 66:18-19 - We cherish sin in our hearts.

Proverbs 21:13 - We turn a deaf ear to the poor.

Malachi 2:13-14 - We have sinned, such as divorce. But see James 5:16b-18; 1 Peter 3:12.

Matthew 5:23-24 If your brother has something against you, make up with him first, at least as far as possible (Romans 12:18)

If someone has something against you, don't offer a sacrifice, and don't give up offering it either. Leave the sacrifice at the altar, go try to make up with your brother, and then offer your sacrifice.

6. Unknown

Job and Daniel 10:2-3,12-14 - Sometimes, we have absolutely no idea of what else is going on.

2 Peter 4:7 - But we do know that our patience and persistence glorifies God.

Don't Be Estranged from God

Jeremiah is also told not to pray for God's people in Jeremiah 7:16; 11:14; 14:11.

1 John 5:16 tells us not to pray for a brother who committed a sin that leads to death.

But we are to pray for those who persecute us in Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28

But be careful what you pray for

Just ask Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:1-11,21:1-2,11

Just ask Balaam in Numbers 22:19; 23:10. See also Numbers 31:8.

Ask the Israelites in Jeremiah 42:19-22

Ask God to Hear Your Prayer

What Early Christians Can Teach Us On Prayer - Part 1

1. In previously teaching on the hindrances to prayer, I tried to be as complete as possible, but there is one thing I left out. It is actually a quite obvious thing. What is it?

2. Cyprian of Carthage (c.246-258 A.D.) writes, "Let us urgently pray and groan with continual petitions. For know, beloved brethren, that I was not long ago reproached with this also in a vision, that we were sleepy in our prayers, and did not pray with watchfulness; ... Let us therefore strike off and break away from the bonds of sleep, and pray with urgency and watchfulness, as the Apostle Paul bids us, saying, 'Continue in prayer, and watch in the same.'" For the apostles also ceased not to pray day and night, ... But if for us and for our sins He [Jesus] both labored and watched and prayed, how much more ought we to be instant in prayers;...!" Epistles of Cyprian Letter 7 ch.5 p.286 How can we keep from being "sleepy" in our prayers to God?

3. Prayer is a discipline of the soul. If you don't feel like praying, you should still pray, as is your duty. But how much better is it to have a heart for prayer, and heart that yearns to commune with God, as David's did in the Psalms 27:4,8 and others. What do you think is the #1 thing that stands in our way of having a heart for God in prayer?

4. How can we "be instant in prayers"?

5. As well as Cyprian, Polycarp (100-165 A.D.) says we should return to the word and be "watching unto prayer" and "persevering in fasting" Letter to the Philippians ch.7 p.34. How can be we "watching unto prayer"?

6. After Nicea, Ambrose of Milan (378-381 A.D.) "He [Jesus] taught us that evil cannot be easily overcome except by our fasting, saying: 'This kind of devil is not cast out but by prayer and fasting.'" Letter 63 no.15 p.459 What is the difference between casual prayer, and struggling in prayer?

7. But we don't just struggle or wrestle in prayer. We should wrestle in prayer together, as one. Tertullian (198-220/240 A.D.) "We are a body knit together as such by a common religious profession, by unity of discipline, and by the bond of a common hope. We meet together as an assembly and congregation, that, offering up prayer to God as with united force, we may wrestle with Him in our supplications." Apology ch.39 p.46. How can we wrestle in prayer as one?

A New Fashion Style? - Camel Knees

One of the most well-known prayer warriors of ancient times was James, the Lord's brother. Here is what the early church chronicler Hegesippus (170-180 A.D.) writes about him. "James the Lord's brother, succeeds to the government of the Church, in conjunction with the apostle [Paul]. He has been universally called the Just, from the days of the Lord down to the present time.... He alone, I say, was wont to go into the temple: and he used to be found kneeling on his knees, begging forgiveness for the people - so that the skin of his knees became horny like that of a camel, by reason of his constantly bending the knee in adoration to God, and begging forgiveness for the people." Concerning the Martyrdom of James, the Brother of the Lord, from book 5 ch.1 p.762.

James as later martyred, but even as he lay dying,

Hegesippus in his history ch.5 tells us James prayed: "I beseech Thee, Lord God our Father, forgive them"

Our Sacrifice as Priests to God

1 Peter 2:9; Exodus 19:6; Revelation 1:6; 5:10 says that we are a kingdom of priests. This was not lost on the early church, as six writers wrote about that. But what exactly do priests do? They make sacrifices. Our High Priest, Jesus, made the last blood sacrifice we will ever need. but in the eyes of the early church we still have a lot of sacrifices still to make. These sacrifices are our prayers.

Clement of Alexandria (198-217/220 A.D.) "'But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.' That we are a chosen race by the election of God is abundantly clear. He says royal, because we are called to sovereignty and belong to Christ; and priesthood on account of the oblation [sacrifice] which is made by prayers and instructions, by which are gained the souls which are offered to God." Fragment 1 p.572

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "We are the true adorers and the true priests, who, praying in spirit, sacrifice, in spirit, prayer," On Prayer ch.28 p.690

Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.17.6 p.484 (182-188 A.D.) alludes to Revelation 8:3-4. Irenaeus says that everywhere incense is offered to God's name, and that John says in the Apocalypse that incense is the prayer of the saints.

Victorinus of Petau (martyred 304 A.D.) in discussing Revelation 6 says that our gifts are the prayers we offer. Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John ch.9 p.351

Justin Martyr (138-165 A.D.) says that God has made [us] a house of prayer and adoration. Dialogue with Trypho ch.86 p.242. We often think of the church as the house of God, and we individually are temples of God, but Justin also gives us the idea that we collectively are the (one) house of God.

Remember Whom We Are Praying to

Arnobius Against the Heathen (297-303 A.D.) book 1 ch.31 p.421 "should never cease to feel and to return thanks; that it should throughout the whole of life fall on bended knee, and offer supplication with never-ceasing prayers. For Thou art the first cause; in Thee created things exist, and Thou art the space in which rest the foundations of all things, whatever they be. Thou art illimitable, unbegotten, immortal, enduring for aye, God Thyself alone,"

Prayer and Time

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) On Prayer ch.23-25 p.689-690 says we are to pray in every place. ch.22 says "to pray at every time and every place". ch.25 also says that it is also not unprofitable to have certain times for prayer too.

Clement of Alexandria (193-202 A.D.) "And the form of his prayer is thanksgiving for the past, for the present, and for the future as already through faith present." Stromata book 7 ch.12 p.546

Prayer and a Clean Heart

Tertullian (198-220/240 A.D.) "Ever if we must be angry, our anger must not be maintained beyond sunset, as the apostle [Paul] admonishes. But how rash is it either to pass a day without prayer, while you refuse to make satisfaction to your brother; or else by perseverance in anger, to lose your prayer?" On Prayer ch.11 p.685

Prayer is Somewhat Exclusive

Synod of Laodicea (343-381 A.D.) canons 31-33 p.149 do not get married with heretics, receive the blessing from heretics, or join in prayers with heretics. Canon 34 p.150 says not to comfort the martyrs of heretics.

Pray for Those in Authority, Even Kings

The early Christians knew 1 Timothy 2:1-3 well, despite the fact that many Roman Emperors might have been tough to pray for.

Polycarp in his Letter to the Philippians (100-155 A.D.) ch.12 p.36 "Pray for all the saints. Pray also for kings, and potentates, and princes, and for those that persecute and hate you, and for the enemies of the cross, that your fruit may be manifest to all, and that ye may be perfect in Him."

Justin Martyr (c.150 A.D.) tells the emperor that they pray that with his kingly power he be found to possess also sound judgment. First Apology of Justin Martyr ch.17 p.168

Theophilus to Autolycus (168-181/188 A.D.) book 3 ch.14 p.115 "Moreover, concerning subjection to authorities and powers, and prayer for them" and quotes 1 Timothy 2:2b. See also book 1 ch.11 p.92

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "Without ceasing, for all our emperors we offer prayer." Apology ch.30 p.42. See also Apology ch.32 p.42-43.

Pacian of Barcelona (342-379/392 A.D. after Nicea) said, "By prayer Daniel removed the sword over the wise men of Babylon. " Letter 3 ch.24.1 p.66

What Early Christians Can Teach Us On Prayer - Part 2

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. " (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

Quiz

Which things were prayed for, for either the person praying or for others, in Bible or the early church?

A healthy appetite for my pet lizard (none)

Pray for the weather, or for rain (James 5:17-18)

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "Marcus Aurelius also, in his expedition to Germany, by the prayers his Christian soldiers offered to God, got rain in that well-known thirst." To Scapula ch.4 p.&&&

Healing (James 5:14-16)

To get out of trouble (James 5:13)

Good health (apart from healing) (3 John 2)

Protection (John 17:11)

Deliverance from persecution or suffering (Philippians 1:19)

Safety from prison or execution (Acts 12:5)

Wisdom (Ephesians 1:17; James 1:5; 2 Chronicles 1:10)

Wealth, riches or honor (not 2 Chronicles 1:11)

Death of your enemies (not 2 Chronicles 1:11)

Long life (not 2 Chronicles 1:11)

Have an easy life (none)

All may go well (3 John 2)

Bless me and enlarge my territory (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

Keep us from poverty (Proverbs 30:8)

That we could horde money (none. Not Proverbs 30:8)

Keep from harm and pain (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV) or keep me from evil that I might not cause pain (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NKJV)

Death to your enemies (Psalm 55:15; 59:13; 109:1,7-15; 137:8-9)

Death or destruction of evil people or God's enemies (Psalm 54:5; 68:21-23; 79:12; 83:9-17; 141:10)

That God would harm our enemies, repay them, or give justice (Revelation 6:10; Psalm 3:7; 7:6; 28:4; 35:1-8; 58:6-8,10; 59:5,12; 69:22-25,27-28)

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "In the Revelation of John, again, the order of these times is spread out to view, which 'the souls of the martyrs' are taught to wait for beneath the altar, whilst they earnestly pray to be avenged and judged: (taught, I say, to wait), in order that the world may first drink to the dregs the plagues that await it out of the vials of the angels," On the Resurrection of the Flesh ch.25 p.&&&

That God would remember the wickedness of someone. (Nehemiah 13:29; Psalm 5:10)

Pray not to fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40,46)

Forgiveness for non-believers (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 8:22)

Forgiveness (for a Christian) (Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4)

Cyprian of Carthage (c.246-258 A.D.) With mutual prayers, let us by turns cherish, guard, arm one another; let us pray for the lapsed, that they may be raised up; let us pray for those who stand, that they may not be tempted to such a degree as to be destroyed; let us pray that those who are said to have fallen may acknowledge the greatness of their sin, and may perceive that it needs no momentary nor over-hasty cure; Letters of Cyprian Letter 30 ch.6 p.&&&

Unity among believers (John 17:11,20-23)

Pray that we not dishonor God or bring shame' (Philippians 1:19-20)

(This is not in the handout)

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "But how far more amply operative is Christian prayer! It does not station the angel of dew in mid-fires, nor muzzle lions, nor transfer to the hungry the rustics' bread; it has no delegated grace to avert any sense of suffering; but it supplies the suffering, and the feeling, and the grieving, with endurance: it amplifies grace by virtue, that faith may know what she obtains from the Lord, understanding what-for God's name's sake-she suffers. But in days gone by, withal prayer used to call down plagues, scatter the armies of foes, withhold the wholesome influences of the showers. Now, however, the prayer of righteousness avers all God's anger, keeps bivouac on behalf of personal enemies, makes supplication on behalf of persecutors. Is it wonder if it knows how to extort the rains of heaven -(prayer) which was once able to procure its fires? Prayer is alone that which vanquishes God. But Christ has willed that it be operative for no evil: He had conferred on it all its virtue in the cause of good. And so it knows nothing save how to recall the souls of the departed from the very path of death, to transform the weak, to restore the sick, to purge the possessed, to open prison-bars, to loose the bonds of the innocent. Likewise it washes away faults, repels temptations, extinguishes persecutions, consoles the faint-spirited, cheers the high-spirited, escorts travellers, appeases waves, makes robbers stand aghast, nourishes the poor, governs the rich, upraises the fallen, arrests the falling, confirms the standing. Prayer is the wall of faith: her arms and missiles against the foe who keeps watch over us on all sides. And, so never walk we unarmed. By day, be we mindful of Station; by night, of vigil. Under the arms of prayer guard we the standard of our General; await we in prayer the angel's trump." On Prayer ch.29 p.&&&

Bless or pray for those who persecute you

Bless those who persecute you. Romans 12:14

Repay evil with blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Love your enemies, bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28

Example of Stephen: Acts 7:60

Example of Jesus: Luke 23:34

Didache vol.7 ch.1.5 p.377 (c.125 A.D.) Bless, pray for, and fast for your enemies. Didache ch.2.7 p.378 (c.125 A.D.) "Thou shalt not hate any man"

Letter to Diognetus ch.5 p.27 (130-150 A.D.) says Christians are reviled, but they bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honor. They are punished as evil-doers, but they do good.

Hegesippus (170-180 A.D.) Commentaries on the Acts of the Church book 1 ch.1 vol.8 p.763 says that when James was dying he prayed that God our Father forgive them, they know not what they do.

Tertullian (198-220 A.D.) "'praying for all,' even for our personal enemies" On Prayer ch.3 p.682.

Origen (225-254 A.D.) says to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Origen Against Celsus book 8 ch.35 p.652

Cyprian of Carthage (c.246-258 A.D.) "and the Son of God instilling the likeness of God the Father, says in His Gospel: 'Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them which persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven, who maketh His sun to rise on the good and on the evil, and sendeth rain upon the just and on the unjust. " Treatises of Cyprian Treatise 10 ch.16 p.495

Pontius' Life and Passion of Cyprian (after 258 A.D.) ch.9 p.270 says that Cyprian prayed for salvation for those who persecuted Christians.

A Forgotten Prayer

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by Steven M. Morrison, PhD.