Biblical Teachings on Prayer and Afflictions

Book Title

• Winning Prayer, authored by David O. Oyedepo
• Copyright 1998, reprinted November 2007
• Published by Dominion Publishing House
• ISBN 978-2480-89-4
• Address: Dominion Publishing House, Faith Tabernacle, Km 10, Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, Ota, Nigeria
• Contact information provided: Phone numbers and website

Introduction

• Prayer is a vital aspect and key communication link with God for the redeemed.
• Many people approach prayer incorrectly, exhausting themselves without achieving a breakthrough.
• James 4:2-3 explains a key reason for prayer failure: lusting, wanting without obtaining, fighting, and warring.
• The correct approach to praying involves understanding the meaning of prayer and praying correctly.
• The kingdom of God operates on principles, demanding the right approach for success.
• Matthew 6 provides principles for effective and winning prayer.

Chapter 1 - The Force of Prayer

• Prayer is a powerful force.
• The most effectual prayer is scripturally based.
• Jesus used parables to teach prayer principles, referencing the parable of the sower and the tares.
• The enemy seeks to impede the believer's progress and prevent them from entering God's covenant promises.
• Prayer is necessary for success in the believer's life and securing their destiny in Christ.

Chapter 2 - What Prayer Does

• Prayer is a crucial part of the believer's life.
• Effective prayer addresses various life circumstances and needs.
• Prayer is described as the breath of the regenerated spirit and crucial for strong relationships.
• It is important to understand the types of prayer and their significance.
• Prayer should be grounded in understanding and principles, not just a repetition of words.
• Obtaining divine help is a result of prayer.
• God has no record book or storeroom for prayers, the treatment in heaven for prayers is always answers.

Chapter 3 - Heart Preparation

• Prayer's effectiveness hinges on the condition of the heart.
• The place of communion with God takes place in the heart.
• A pure heart is necessary for effective communication with God.
• Hannah's experience in 1 Samuel 1 is an example of heart-felt prayer being heard by God.
• It is important to recognize the significance of purity in heart and intention when addressing God.
• Eli questioned Hannah's prayer, believing she was drunk, but God heard her heart.

Chapter 4 - Word Preparation

• God's Word is crucial for effective prayer.
• Without the Word, prayers are practically useless attempts of communication to God.
• The proper use of God's Word enables access to God in prayer and guarantees an answer from God.
• Prayer, without preparation from the Word, can result in frustration.
• Effective prayer is grounded in understanding God's word and applying it properly.
• A Scripture-focused heart, connected to the Word, guarantees effective communication with God

Chapter 5 - Approaching the Throne Room

• Proper preparation and presentation of requests are essential for response.
• God's response to prayer and action are linked.
• Examples of Elijah's prayer and David's requests demonstrate the importance of proper preparation.
• The ability to receive God's answers depends on your obedience to His word.
• It is important to have confidence in God amidst struggles before seeking Him.

Chapter 6 - Prayer Boosters: Fasting

• Fasting is a spiritual booster to aid in prayer, not just an external act.
• Jesus' fast in the wilderness demonstrates the use of fasting to prepare for spiritual power.
• Fasting is not just abstaining from food but also a time to fellowship with God.
• God's response to prayer and fasting can deliver from situations that seem impossible with mere prayer.
• Fasting helps with communicating with God on a spiritual level; it enhances the release of spiritual power and enables you to deal with spiritual issues.