Wednesday Night October 9, 2013
scriptures: Jeremiah 29, Hebrews 11, Psalms 55, Luke 6, 1 Thessalonians 5
keywords: prayer
audio file: click to open in a new window or right-click to download
Prayer
There are standard times that people tend to pray – at church, at mealtime, at bedtime, etc.
Prayer is an integral part of the life of a believer.
It is communicating with God to ask or tell.
Prayer is ongoing. You hear more about people praying in the bible than getting baptized.
You want your prayers to be meaningful and have value.
Example of Israel losing battle because of a man’s sin. Sin blocks you from God. Joshua intervened in prayer and the people were able to move on.
There are so many examples of people in the bible praying to God and is a major theme in their lives.
How major is it in your life?
Prayer – ask earnestly, beseech, beg
Prayer – examining ourselves and talking to Him with singleness of heart
Jeremiah 29:13 – you have to search with your whole heart
Hebrews 11:6 – diligently seek – staying on point to reach a goal
How often do people in the bible pray? When do they pray?
If you tracked your prayer, what would it add up to? What would it say about you? Would you be lacking?
If you don’t pray well, you are not communicating with God well.
Are you a “praying all the time” kind of person?
We all have a need for regular prayer. Don’t wait for bad situations to pray. When you pray, you are talking to God and are developing a relationship with Him. It increases our awareness of God in a constant kind of way. You also see the testimony of Him in creation.
We see examples in Psalms of prayer morning, midday & night, before meals.
Psalms 55:17
You should be praying enough that you are getting good at talking to Him. You also have to live so that He will hear you – sin will keep you from being heard.
Prayer improves with practices. If you are talking to God, you won’t be out of practice when you are asked to pray.
Do you shower more times a day than you pray?
People spend effort thinking about their lives – work life, social life, etc.
How much are you keeping track of your spiritual life?
Psalms 55:17
Luke 6:12 – sometimes you may have extended times of prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – always pray
Asking God to help and direct you throughout the day.
Some people see prayer as optional. If you are not doing something that needs to be done, there will be a negative effect. God made our lives to need prayer. It is our lifeline, or connection, to God.
Sometimes people think prayer is a small thing, but it is something God wants in our lives.
Make sure you check to see where you are.
Increase awareness
Examine yourself before approaching God.
Remember that in prayer you are talking to God, not just anybody!