Chapter V: The Method or Manner of Prayer

1. WITH REGARD TO THE POSTURE OF THE BODY.

The soul may be in prayer no matter what is the attitude of the body. The Scriptures sanction no special bodily posture. Christ stood and prayed (John 17:1), knelt (Luke 22:41), He also fell on his face on the ground (Matt. 26:39); Solomon knelt (1 Kings 8:54); Elijah prayed with his elbows on his knees and his face buried in his hands; David prayed lying on his bed (Psa. 63:6); Peter prayed on the water (Matt. 14:30); the dying thief, on the cross (Luke 23:42).

2. TIME AND PLACE.

Time: _Stated times_ (Dan. 6:10; Psa. 55:16, 17; Acts 3:1; 2:46; 10:9, 30). _Special occasions:_ Choosing the twelve (Luke 6:12, 13). Before the cross (Luke 22:39-46). After great successes (John 6:15, cf. Mark 6:46-48). _Early in the morning_ (Mark 1:35). _All night_ (Luke 6:12). _Times of special trouble_ (Psa. 81:7, cf. Exod. 2:23; 3:7; 14:10, 24). _At meals_ (Matt. 14:19; Acts 27:35; 1 Tim. 4:4, 5).

Place of Prayer: Inner chamber (Matt. 6:6); amid nature (Matt. 14:23; Mark 1:35). In the church (John 17:1; Psa. 95:6). Before the unsaved (Acts 16:25; 27:35). In all places (1 Tim. 2:8, R. V.).

VI. HINDRANCES AND HELPS TO PRAYER.

1. HINDRANCES.

Indulged known sin (Psa. 66:18; Isa. 59:1, 2). Wilful disobedience to known commandments (Prov. 28:9). Selfishness (James 4:3). Unforgiving spirit (Matt. 5:22, 23; 6:12). Lack of faith (Heb. 11:6; James 1:6). Idols in the heart (Ezek. 8:5-18; 14:1-3).

2. HELPS--ESSENTIALS TO PREVAILING PRAYER.

Sincerity (Psa. 145:18; Matt. 6:5). Simplicity (Matt. 6:7, cf. 26:44). Earnestness (James 5:17; Acts 12:5; Luke 22:44). Persistence (Luke 18:1-8; Col. 4:2; Rom. 12:12, R. V.). Faith (Matt. 21:22; James 1:6). Unison with others (Matt. 18:19, 20). Definiteness (Psa. 27:4; Matt. 18:19). Effort (Exod. 14:15). In the name of Jesus (John 16:23; 14:13, 14). With fasting (Acts 13:2, 3; 14:23).

THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

I. DEFINITION; DISTINCTIONS.

1. OLD TESTAMENT.
2. NEW TESTAMENT.
3. THE CHURCH; CHRISTENDOM; KINGDOM.

II. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH.

1. IN PROPHECY AND PROMISE.
2. HISTORICALLY FOUNDED.

III. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH.

Conditions of Entrance; Characteristics.

1. REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM.
2. FAITH IN THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST.
3. REGENERATION.
4. PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST--BAPTISM.
5. ADHERENCE TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE.
6. CHARACTERISTICS.

IV. FIGURES UNDER WHICH THE CHURCH IS PRESENTED.

1. THE BODY OF CHRIST.
2. THE TEMPLE OF GOD.
3. THE BRIDE OF CHRIST.

V. THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH.

1. BAPTISM.
2. THE LORD'S SUPPER.