Lesson 3

Helper by Design

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One of the best ways we can be a helper to our husband and family is to practice effective prayer.  The Bible states that the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

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The Bible also warns us about situations that would keep God from listening to us as we pray.  They include praying with wrong motives (James 4:3), broken relationships and holding unforgiveness in our hearts (Mark 11:25),  ignoring the needy and the poor (Prov. 21:13), hands that are unjust (Isaiah 1:15), hiding cherished sin in our lives (Isaiah 59:2), and not praying according to the will of God (1 John 5: 14-15).

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It is possible that we may be too casual in our prayers.  I believe I may have hindered my own prayers more often than I would like to confess.  Before we approach the throne of grace with confidence as Hebrews 4:16 says we can, it is important that we prepare.  We do this by making sure nothing is in our lives to cause God to ignore us.  This can be a daily introspection, a personal process where we purify our hearts and minds before we come before a holy Lord.

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On the positive side of this topic the scriptures remind us not to worry and seek God in prayer WITH THANKSGIVING.

A heart of gratitude is essential to effective prayer.  Knowing that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can even think or imagine gives us the assurance that we have so much to be thankful for.  Preparing our lives for prayer includes taking time to reflect on the heart, and things in our midst.

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One area that I struggle with is faitih vs. doubt.  The Bible does not indicate that God refuses to hear us when we doubt but it does suggest that a lack of faith hinders our ability to see the mighty works of God in our lives.

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Matt 17:20

"Truly I tell you. if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain move from here to there and it will move.  Nothing is impossible for you."

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My cry is often

"I believe.  Help my unbelief."

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What we can be sure of is that God loves us and is so very patient with us.  As our faith grows we are able to be more

and more confident in the Lord of our salvation.  It is important to fellowship and pray together with sisters in Christ.  It is so beneficial to take this privilege to speak with the creator of the universe seriously.

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PREPARING FOR PRAYER

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1) SEARCH YOUR HEART

Psalm 139:23

"Search me, O God, and know my heart.  Test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

 

Is there anything I need to address?

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2) MEDITATE ON YOUR GRATITUDE

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Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

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What are the things you are thankful for?

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3) TAKE TIME TO PRAISE GOD FOR THE GIFT OF ACCESS TO THE THRONE

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Hebrews 4:16

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that wee may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

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I praise God for being-

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