Abiding in Christ is loving Him through obeying His will. Prayer is supported by a submitted, obedient life.

John 15:10, John 14:15, 21, 23, I John 3:22

What did Christ promise the Holy Spirit would do for us if we abide in Him (Christ)?

John 14:18­19, 23, 26, 16:13­14

The Spirit will reveal Christ to us. He will illuminate us and teach the will of Christ through the Word of God. We will experience our organic union with Jesus Christ through him. Thus, our prayer will truly be ‘in Jesus’ name’.

Can you think of some other Scriptures which call on us to live in unbroken union with God?

Such Scriptures include Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, 119:97, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 5:18­20, Colossians 3:17, 23, I Thessalonians 5:16­

Prayer is prayed in faith.

Matthew 21:21­22

Actually, abiding in Christ enables greater faith in Christ. Therefore the first characteristic of true prayer leads into the second. Here are two reasons why an ongoing, abiding fellowship develops greater faith:

• By abiding we know the character better of the One who underwrites the promises of Scripture.
  Hebrews 10:22; Matthew 7:7­11
  Knowing His nature gives us absolute trust that He will always give us what is best.
• By abiding we know the will better of the One with whom we are speaking.
  Knowing His will gives us absolute trust that we are asking correctly.
  Psalm 37:4; I John 5:14

A subset of faith is persistence. (Lk 18:1, Col 4:2) Persistence is not nagging; it is the gaze of a soul whose faith has not failed.

See Luke 11:5­10, 18:1, Colossians 4:2

What will be the results of prayer prayed in faith?

Philippians 4:6­7

Prayer prayed in faith results in peace, because we cast our cares upon Him. It will also be thankful, because we are humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God and looking to his faithful mercy.

Prayer is prayed in sincerity and truth.

Eccl 5:2­3, Matt 6:7, Heb 10:22

Since God already knows our thoughts before we pray, it makes no sense to pray pretentiously. If we pray to impress others, or even to impress God, we are not ‘walking in the light’. We are being less than truthful with God. While we must always come reverently and humbly, we should nevertheless speak openly and frankly with God.

What are the components of prayer?

Lk 11:2, Lk 1:46­55, Rev 5:12­13

• Prayer involves praise and adoration.
  Lk 11:4, Ezra 9, Neh 9, Ps 51
• Prayer involves confession and repentance,
  Luke 11:2
• Prayer involves surrender and consecration.
  Colossians 4:2
• Prayer involves watchfulness: being aware of threats, dangers, opportunities, and spiritual priorities.