Are You In Prayer

Are You In Prayer?

August 7, 2005

Introduction

“Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray? When was the last time you prayed? Do you remember? Was it when you went to bed last night? Was it when you got up this morning? Was it when you said thanks for your breakfast? Was it when you joined a brother in prayer as we assembled here for worship this morning? Mickey Gilliland closed his e-mail to me with these words, “Preach the Word and persist in prayer.”

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul says, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” – “persist in prayer.”

Body

I. Calling on God’s power.

A. After we are completely equipped with our Christian armor, we have a power in reserve that surpasses all understanding—prayer.

B. The limitless power of God is at our disposal.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

C. The Holy Spirit helps us pray (Romans 8:26).

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

D. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

E. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

How can we do that? -- It is an attitude of prayer, and many prayers that we think as we go about the daily activities of life.

F. We are God’s Israel of today and this call is still valid.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

II. Jesus teaches us how to pray (Matthew 6:5-15).

A. It is not for show. If it is for show, then the reward is being seen by men.

Matthew 6:5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

B. Enter into your closet. Shut out the world—just you and God. You can do this even on the freeway or in a stadium full of people.

Matthew 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

C. “Do not keep on babbling.” Be careful of too much speaking.

Matthew 6:7 “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

1. Some prayers are very short and to the point. -- I have often prayed, “Lord, help me.” -- and I believe my prayer was heard.

2. Jesus said a tax collector was heard and justified when he prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:10-14).

D. There are lengthy prayers that are very appropriate.

1. Jesus sometimes spent the night in prayer.

Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

2. Paul apparently spent three days fasting and praying. -- This was a real prayer.

E. God knows what we need before we ask Him.

Matthew 6:8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

1. Prayer is not so much to inform God.

2. God wants us to acknowledge Him and prayer is a way of showing that we know it is God Who provides.

James 4:2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

III. The Model Prayer

A. “Our father”—focus on our relationship.

1. We are his children. Do we know Him? Do we believe that He can and will help us.

2. He loves us and gives us good gifts.

At one time in the lives of our children, Jonathan decided that Andy could get things from us that we would not give if he asked for it. That’s sad isn’t it.

I hope we all have a good relationship with God and believe that He will give good things to those who ask Him.

B. “Hallowed be your name”—honor—reverence—awe.

1. We are always to honor and reverence Him.

Conclusion

I. Prayer--

· It is the most powerful defense we have.

· It is the greatest source of help that we have.

· It has even been recognized by modern medicine as being effective in the healing process.

· It is so effective that the Devil is doing his best to get rid of it.

· We are in a time when our country is in desperate need of prayer.

Prayer is your source of strength -- may we not forget it.

II Use prayer:

§ For yourself: your physical and spiritual needs.

§ For your family

§ For the church

§ For those out of Christ

§ Yes, pray – Pray without ceasing.

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