TEACH US TO PRAY
First upward step. 1 Tim 2:1. SUPPLICATION.
Begin all prayer with the attitude of a suppliant. (suppliant: The Concise Oxford Dictionary, a humble petitioner). Servant petitioning a master. Worshipful recognition of the majestic , infinite God, awareness of the vast difference in physicsl magnitude. Psalm 8: "... when I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers ... what is man?" Realising the greatness of God with awe and profound reverential respect. Wholesome fear of the Lord. "HALLOWED be Thy Name". See the first recorded prayer meeting after Pentecost, Acts 4:24, "O Sovereign Lord ..."
Supplication should progress naturally into worship. See the Psalms. All suplication should be with thanksgiving.
Second upward step. 1 Tim 2:8, "... in every place men should pray, ... lifting up holy hands".
Making earnest requests to God. Intimate conversation, fellowship. Be unceasing in prayer - praying perseveringly. Luke 11:8, "... yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs." With thanksgiving.
Third upward step. Intercession. (L. inter = between, cedere = to go). To plead with God on behalf of those who can't or won't pray for themselves. Two sided coin, plead with others on behalf of God. Intercession is totally selfless. It is solely and entirely for others. Isaiah 53:12 "... He makes intercession for the transgressors - the rebellious." Rom 8:26, "... but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance." (Amplified version). With thanksgiving.
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