Bible Study 1

This page shows how people prayed with definate and direct results. 

        You may be surprised at the transformation of each of person's life as he or she lived for God's Will, purpose and glory.      May you be blessed upon reading these studies!! 

Hannah        Mary, the mother of Jesus        Walking with Jesus

King David 

        We will look at three people who prayed. Each of their circumstances and needs were very different. And each of them prayed with utter dependence on God for everything and every detail, knowing that God alone could change their circumstance.

The first is Hannah. Hannah was a woman who could not conceive a child. Some might say, well, that's not a need! So what? But it was very important to Hannah, so it was important to God.

Watch carefully that:

Hannah poured out her heart to God, just as she felt it. Vs.9,10

She was rational in her mind, was specific in her request, and gave everything to God in her situation, namely her unborn son. Vs.10,11

She did not care what other people thought of her as she spoke with God, even Eli, the priest. Vs. 9,12-14

She held her ground when falsely accused, knowing that what she was doing was right. She knew she was having a real conversation with the True God, and did not hide that fact. Vs. 15-16 (Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1Tim 4:12)

Consequences - If Hannah had not told the truth to Eli, God would not have honored her prayer and blessed her and used Eli. (Jesus said, "Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matt 10:32)

She trusted God's Word for her situation, note Eli's words to her and her word in reply. Hannah's face was no longer downcast because she trusted God to take care of the problem she gave to Him. Vs. 17-18

She followed through with her vow to God completely and joyfully. Vs.19-28 Hannah's life was never the same.

We read in 1Sam 1 -

1 There was a certain man whose name was Elkanah … He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. .. for the LORD had closed her womb. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD , her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple. 10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD .

11 And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."

12 As she kept on praying to the LORD , Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine."

15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD . 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."

17 Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." 18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."

21 When the man Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD , and he will live there always."

24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. 25 When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD . 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD . For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD ." And he worshiped the LORD there.

You can apply these steps to your prayer as well.

  1. Speak with God with utter dependence on Him for everything and every detail, knowing that only God alone can change your circumstance.
  2. Pour out your heart to God, just as you feel it.
  3. Be rational in your mind and give everything to God in your situation, including those involved in your situation.
  4. Do not care what other people think of you as you speak with God, no matter who they are.
  5. Hold your ground when challenged about your prayer life, knowing that what you are doing is right. Know that you are having a real conversation with the True God, and do not hide that fact. (Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1Tim 4:12)
  6. Consequences - If Hannah had not told the truth to Eli, God would not have honored her prayer and blessed her and used Eli. (Jesus said, "Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matt 10:32)
  7. Trust God's Word for your situation, and react with praise and thanksgiving that the Lord God heard you and will take care of you. May your face be no longer downcast because you trust God to take care of the problem you give to Him. (Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Mt 6:26 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Ps 100:4 Give thanks to the LORD , call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Ps 105:1 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, Ps 107:8 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thess 5:16-18 (This "Joy" does not necessarily mean "happy", but contented with God's peace and hope.)
  8. Follow through with your words to God completely and joyfully.

 

 

Tips -

Obey God's Word.

Allow God to change your understanding by His Wisdom, your behavior by His Spirit, and your heart by His everlasting Love. In this way, He will enable you to obey His Word and Holy Will.

Encourage everyone in your household in knowing the True God. Ask God to give you eyes to see them as He does, with compassion and discernment. Ask God to give you a heart for Him in Spirit and in Truth. Ask God for courage, joy, and hope to praise God for Who He is and watch for His effect in your world. Praise God for what He has done and will do, for His Glory alone.

The second example is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary did not seem to have any troubles or needs, but she was approached by God for a particular task. It was important to God, so it was important to Mary. Luke 1:26-55

Watch carefully that:

Mary seemed to have no concerns personally. Vs. 26-28

God sent His messenger Gabriel to deliver His Word to Mary. Vs.26-28

Mary listened to God's Word thoughtfully and intently. Vs. 28-29

Mary was startled, so God had compassion and comforted Mary with His Word. Vs. 30-33

Mary was calmed by God's Word and asked a specific question to God. Vs.34

God gave Mary a detailed answer. Vs. 35

God encouraged Mary with news of her cousin, and confirmed His Name, or character, by affirming that nothing is impossible with God. Vs. 36,37

Mary reacts with acceptance of God's Word and agreement of her part in His Work. Mary believed and trusted God's Word for her, intimately and personally. She took God's Word to heart for the purpose of changing her life for God's purpose. Vs. 38, 45

Consequences - Mary's acceptance and agreement with God's Word was God's goal in coming to her. God did not force her, but Mary chose freely to follow His Word. Had she not done this, she would have missed being blessed by God in such a special way.

Mary praises God and rejoices in telling that God is her Savior, that God has done great things for her, and that He is Holy. She encourages others by saying "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He lifts up the humble, and is merciful." Vs. 46-55

We read in Luke 1:26-55 -

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."

38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" 46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

You can apply these steps to your prayer life as well.

  1. You may have no concerns personally at the moment, yet God delivers to you His written Word personally to make a change in your life for the better. God's Word is the Bible.
  2. Read God's Word thoughtfully and intently. You may want to read God's Word aloud to enter your listening ears as well. (Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. Rom 10:17)
  3. If you become startled by new things God tells you, know that God has compassion on you and you will be comforted the more you read His Word.
  4. Be calmed by God's Word. Ask detailed questions to God relating to your own life.
  5. Read God's Word and sense through the Holy Spirit God's detailed answers for you.
  6. Be encouraged by God's news and satisfied in His Name, or character, knowing that nothing is impossible with God.
  7. Accept God's Word and agree with your part in His Work. Believed and trust God's Word for you, intimately and personally. Take God's Word to heart for the purpose of changing your life for God's purpose.
  8. Trust in God with utter dependence on Him for everything and every detail, knowing that only God alone can change your circumstance.
  9. Consequences - Your acceptance and agreement with God's Word is God's goal in writing the Bible. God does not force you, but wants you to freely chose to follow His Word. If you do not do this, you will miss being blessed by God in many special ways.
  10. Praise God and rejoice in telling others that God is your Savior, that God has done great things for you, and that He is Holy. Encourages others by saying "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He lifts up the humble, and is merciful." Vs. 46-55

A brief study of Walking with Jesus -  Matthew 14:22-36 -

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

God has authority over your life. Obey His every word. If he calls you to move out of a particular situation you've been involved in, obey Him. He can handle that situation and those people Himself. He is trustworthy. He will be successful in accomplishing His purpose and goal.

23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

If Jesus finds it necessary to be away from people to pray, how much more should you and I be alone with God our Father?? He was there a long time conversing with God. Do not skimp on time with your Creator. The more time you spend listening to and reading God's Word, the more He will do through you. You can measure the results directly!

24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

God knows of the waves in your life. His timing is right. Always trust His presence and awareness.

26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

How is God intervening in your situation in ways you are unaware? Are you fearful? Ask God to reveal Himself to you specifically.

27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

God knows us and responds to us when we seek Him and call out to Him. His response is faithful and true - re-read vs. 27 and take it to heart for your life.

28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

Peter knew to test and make sure it was God Who was present. He waited for "God's Word" to come back to him.

29"Come," he said.

Jesus responded with His Word of affirmation. God always leads us, corrects us, warns us, and responds to you and me in His Word, the Bible.

30Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. "

Peter trusted and believed Jesus. Peter wanted to be close to Jesus, right where Jesus is, doing what Jesus is doing, living with Jesus, and being close to Jesus. Are you that way? Peter obeyed Jesus' Word when Jesus said, "Come." Are you eager to do the utmost for Jesus, no matter how much "out of your box" it is? Peter was, and did!! Jesus calls you to do the same!

30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Peter took his eyes off Jesus. Peter looked around at his circumstance and had disbelief, a lack of trust and fear when he shifted his gaze away from the only One Who could enable him to do the impossible. But Peter knew where to get his help. He cried out to Jesus asking for specific help! How are you doing in your walk with Jesus? Are you looking around at others or less than desired circumstances and are fearful? Then call out to Jesus, and keep your eyes on Him. With God all things are possible.

31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

Jesus grabbed Peter immediately. Jesus is quick to hear and respond to us, even if we do not see it with our own eyes. Jesus encourages us to not live a life doubting Him. Ask God for more faith in Him. How can your actions show more trust in the living Lord Jesus Christ today?

32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Back to normal life. Special circumstances occur, and a return to calm normalcy is natural, too. Jesus is with us in our normal daily life, too. No one is the same when they walk with Jesus Christ.

33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Do you recognize Jesus as the Son of God and worship Him for Who He IS?? Will you do so now? You can say, Jesus, you are truly God. I ……….

34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Jesus went on touching other people's lives with His disciples with Him. The word "disciple" means student. Are you Jesus' student, too? Will you go about your life, allowing Him to teach you and for Jesus to work through you today? How? Jesus healed all who touched Him. Will you seek in faith to touch the edge of his cloak to heal you of your inner hurts and pains, whether they are of your heart, mind, body or soul? Do not let go until Jesus accomplishes all that He wants for you to be!! (v.35) Do you recognize Jesus in your life? Will you, too, send word to others of Who He is and that they should come to Him, too? What will be the effect of your actions in doing so? How many can be made right by Jesus? Praise God for all He has done for you! Matt 14

Another example is King David. God describes David as being a man after His own heart. (1Sam 13:14;16:7) Despite this, David did sin, and David's need is forgiveness from God. here we read David's prayer for forgiveness. David shows that this need for forgiveness is for his deeper need to be in a close relationship with the living God. David needs forgiveness in his innermost parts so he can be close to God. God, Who wants a deep and close relationship with David, grants his need. Sin separates us from God. God is always eager to forgive those who seek His forgiveness.                   

Watch carefully that:

The first thing that David asks of God is for mercy to have his transgressions blotted out. Mercy means undeserved forgiveness. "Transgression" means a crime or a breach from doing what is right. Vs. 1

David uses God's own Character and Promises as his leverage for God being merciful to him. VS. 1

David is honest with God and confesses that he has iniquity and sin in him. Vs 2

He asks God to clean him. Vs. 2

David knows and sees his sin always before him. David acknowledges that only against the Lord God Almighty has he sinned. David knows that God has seen his sin and is right when He speaks and judges David.

David confesses to God that he was sinful at birth, and that God desires truth in the inner parts (deep within our heart and minds) ; you desire for me and teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

David acknowledges aloud before God that he is sinful, and that only against God has he sinned. He asks God to create in him a clean heart. The word "create" means to make out of nothing". It is the same word that was used in Genesis when God created the world. Only God can give us a pure and clean heart. We cannot manufacture it ourselves, but can only submit our sinfulness to God for Jesus Christ to purify us.

We Read Psalm 51 -

1 Have mercy on me, O God,according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Bring me to Create in Me a pure heart or Broken Hearted

Bring me to the Bible study for Mormons.  

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