Prayer Life

1
Prayer Life
Of a Christian
And he spake a parable unto them to this end,
that men ought always to pray, and not to
faint Luke 181
2
The Words
Nouns - a petition - a wish Verbs - to beg -
to ask - to wish - to invoke To express to God
the fulfillment of a desire.
3
WHEN Should Christians Pray?
4
Continually - Not Continuously Continuous
describes a waterfall Continual describes a busy
signal Jesus (in Luke 181) Paul (in 1 The.
517) encouraged Christians to pray
continually. David (Psa. 5516-17) Daniel (Dan.
610), both of whom prayed 3 times a day Teaching
us that there is such a thing as a God-pleasing
habit.
5
Jesus is an example At Crucial Moments -
Jesus prayed At His Baptism (Luke 321)
Before Choosing His Apostles (Luke 612)
Before Leaving His Apostles (John 17) Before
Dying for Man (Mat. 2636-44) At His Death for
Man (Luke 2334).
6
When Should We Not Pray?
If we dont love anyone and dont want anyone to
love us dont pray. If we are completely and
utterly sinless and can handle the world all by
ourselves dont pray. If we need no guidance in
the world of darkness or in times of trouble and
trial dont pray. If we have all the wisdom we
need to meet each of lifes many changes, and if
we have the power to direct our own steps dont
pray.
7
If we dont need any help keeping our families
safe, sound, well, fed, clothed, sheltered, and
provided for in all the ways God expects folks to
provide for their own dont pray. If we can
rely on our own strength to control our futures
and can make the forces of nature work to our
advantage and can manufacture the air we breathe
and the keep the earth spinning and the sun
shining dont pray. Otherwise WE OUGHT TO
PRAY!
8
WHERE Should Christians Pray?
9
In Private
Matt. 66 in a room or closet Mark 135
solitary place Acts 109 - Peter on
housetop Matt. 1423 on a mountain
In Public
Pray for our food 1 Tim. 43-5 Acts 242 -
members met together 1 Cor. 14 public assembly
10
WHY Should Christians Pray?
11
Why Pray ?
Commanded to pray - 1 Thes. 517 Can change the
mind of God James 514-16 Can relieve anxiety
1 Pet. 57 It rewards Matt. 66 It strengthens
us - Eph. 314-19
12
Its said that a little boy was once trying very
hard to lift a heavy stone, and his father,
happening by, noticed his sons failure and asked
him, Are you using all your strength? Yes, I am!
he exclaimed impatiently. No, the father replied,
youre not you havent asked me for help. Some
once wrote, Prayer is always profit-able At
night its our covering, and in the morning its
our armor. Prayer should be the key of the day
the lock of the night.
13
WHO Should Christians Pray For?
14
People of the world
Rom. 101 Brethren, my heart's desire and
prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be
saved. The sick in the world - Acts
288 Rulers - 1 Tim. 21-2 For kings, and for
all that are in authority
15
Everyone in the church
Erring brethren - James 516 Sick brethren
James 514 More laborers - Matt.
938 Faithfulness of brethren 2 Cor.
137 Wisdom Col. 19 Preachers 1 Thes.
525 Ourselves - Physical and Spiritual needs
16
HOW Should Christians Pray?
17

In Humility Humble yourself under the mighty
hand of God, 1 Pet. 56-7 In Faith "And
whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you
will receive. Matt. 2122 In Gratitude Ps.
1004 Be thankful to Him
18

In Acceptance of Gods will Your will be done on
earth as it is in heaven. Matt. 610 In
Unity Continued with one accord in prayer and
supplication. Acts 114
19
Prayer Life
Of a Christian
Speak to God every day Pray for everyone
including ourselves Pray with humility, faith,
and gratitude Now this is the confidence that
we have in Him, that if we ask anything according
to His will, He hears us. 1 John 514
20
Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ
515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249 evan
scoc_at_bellsouth.net www.evansgachurchofchrist.org S
unday Evening Nov. 21, 2010