1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT SUNDAY OF 2ND DECEMBER 2018

You are most welcome for today’s service in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. One of the ways of evangelism is Prayer, the chief means for Christians to communicate to our Creator, Saviour and Helper.  Every Christian needs daily prayer as a conversation with God, both listening and speaking.

While praying, take note of four (4) key elements i.e. A C T S: (1) Adoration (2) Confession (3) Thanksgiving and (4) Supplication.

1. Adoration – which means to honour God in all circumstances and praise Him for He alone is God, not any other (Exodus 20:2-3)
2. Confession – is to admit our sins, repent and seek forgiveness from God (Matthew 6:12-13). Sin is transgression from God’s law.  We sin through our thoughts (minds), words (speech), actions (deeds) and inaction (failure to do) either by commission or omission.
3. Thanksgiving – Every time you pray, appreciate God for the gift of life among others. (1Thess. 5:18)
4. Supplication – involves praying for yourself and others, so that God’s will may be manifested in all.

There are 7 types of prayers for us to note among others: (1) Praise (2) Thanksgiving (3) Penitence or Confession (4) Intercession (5) Consecration (6) Meditation and (7) Guidance.

1. Prayer of Praise – involves adoring, honouring and celebrating God as Lord and Sovereign.
2. Thanksgiving Prayer – involves appreciating and celebrating God’s work in your life. It is a return to God in appreciation.
3. Penitence or Confession Prayer – involves admitting that you have sinned; you are sorry and repent of your sins so that God may forgive you.
4. Intercession Prayer – involves praying for others, so that God’s will may be manifested in their lives.
5. Consecration Prayer – means a prayer that changes things e.g. during celebration of Holy Communion, Ordination of Clergy and Consecration of Bishops.
6. Meditation Prayer – involves reflecting on God and yourself while in prayer.
7. Guidance Prayer – involves praying to God seeking for knowledge, understanding and wisdom in the course of action.

Finally, when you pray, expect four possible answers among others and in varying degrees of response from God:

1. Yes – You receive as expected or in varying degrees, largely positive.
2. Wait – You receive the answer to your prayers after a long time of waiting, patience and prayer.
3. Alternative – from the request in the same or different direction, but largely in the opposite.
4. No – You receive none as expected, or in varying degrees, largely negative.

Conclusion

“Pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17), for prayer leads to growth, encouragement, peace and joy in the Christian life.

Reverend Grace Lubaale

Associate Chaplain

Questions for Home Cell Bible Study & Personal Reflection

Read carefully Psalm 111: 1-10, James 5:13-20 and Matthew 6:5-15 and reflect on your prayer life.  Share with your Cell Members how best to pray to God in relation to all these types of prayers and comprehending His response.