Prayer is as old as man, { Genesis 4:26 - At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD.} as universal as religion, and as instinctive as breathing. It is practiced in some form by all men of all faiths. Prayer springs from the heart with a need - a need greater than man's ability to encounter. Prayer is man's acknowledgement of a being higher than himself.
* Most men try to pray; yet so few know how.
Luke 18:9-14 Jesus told this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: [10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. [11] "The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, 'God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. [12] 'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.' [13] "But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!' [14] "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted."
2 Truths . . .
{a} some prayers do not reach the heart GOD.
{b} some prayers do touch the hand of GOD.
See the contrast...
Man # 1 said - I am special. I am righteous. I have got together. I am somebody.
Man # 2 said - I am a sinner. I am rotten. I need help. I am a nobody on my own.
Does prayer change things?
It is a rare privilege to pray; because it brings you into close fellowship with GOD, admitting your need for HIM and your utter dependence upon HIM.
Mat. 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. What man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? If he ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
{1} Prayer is asking and receiving. 1 John 5:14,15 aiteo, ahee-teh'-o - to ask ; beg, call for, crave, desire, require.
{2} Prayer is seeking and finding . Col. 3:1; Jer. 29:11-13 zeteo, dzay-teh'-o - to seek ; to worship (God), * or (in a bad sense) to plot (against ones life) to be about ; to go about, desire, endeavour, enquire , require, seek after ; seek for, means.
{3} Prayer is knocking and opening . Mt. 17:14-21
7 Truths Regarding Prayer . . .
{1} Jesus said, "at all times you ought to pray." Mt. 26:41
{2} There is joy in prayer. John 16:24
{3} Prayer can deliver you from your troubles. Psalm 34:6
{4} Prayer can unlock the treasure chest of God's wisdom. James 1:5
{5} It is a SIN not to pray. { if you say that you are going to pray for someone} 1 Sam. 12:23
{6} Sinners are saved when they pray in FAITH. Rom. 10:13,14
{7} Jesus prayed often in submission to the Father. We should do the same ! 1 Thes. 5:17
prayer - the addressing of GOD, whether in praise, petition, or confession; to intercede; to entreat; to make supplication; to request.
Prayer :
is a* conversation between you and God.
* to be intimate & familiar; to have familiar discourse.
is a * relationship shared between you and your maker.
* to connect in meaning or in thought; to have allegiance to.
God desires your* fellowship.
* koinonia - to have social intercourse; to share common intimacy.
Deut. 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Read MT. 18:19-20
2 promises God gives to those who pray together. . .
1} God gives great authority to united prayer.
2} God is present where two or more gather in HIS name. WHY ?
Jhn 15:7 If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, & it will be given you.
Hebr. 7:25 He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them {us}.
{1} John 15:7 gives us a promise from Jesus.
{2} Hebr. 7:25 shows the priority of Jesus.
10 Reasons to PRAY . . . To -
10} Release God's power Jer. 29:11-13; 33:3
9} Learn authority. Prov. 3:5,6
8} Offer sacrifices {self-will} to God. Psalm 51: 16,17; Heb. 13:15
7} Learn God's WILL . {holiness, purity} Rom. 12:1,2 E. Stanley Jones
6} Find forgiveness, mercy and grace. Heb. 4:16
5} Be made right with God. Rom. 8:26,27
4} Gain strength so that you can resist temptation. 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 4:16
3} Identify with God by working with HIM. John 15:16
2} Identify with God by becoming like HIM. Rom. 8:28,29
1} Invest time with God - because you really LOVE Him. Mt. 22:34-40
Our whole life should be a life of prayer. We should walk in constant communion with God.{the true living GOD} We should walk so habitually in HIS presence that even when we awake in the night it would be the most natural thing for us to speak to GOD in thanksgiving & petition.
