Divine Disciplines: Prayer
2 Reasons Why We Pray:
- Jesus Expects It – Matthew 6:5-9
- God Answers It – Matthew 7:7-12
The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. – F.B. Meyer
1. Continue in prayer.
Only a life of prayer and meditation will render a vessel ready for the Master’s use. – George Muller
2. Be in prayer.
Matthew 6:7
James 5:16
3. Be in prayer.
What happens when we express thanksgiving?
It communicates dependence.
It Produces Humility.
Being Thankful Exhibits Relationship.
4. Prayer should also be for .
Three things you need to examine as you pray:
Examine Your Heart
Evaluate Your Words
Release Your Life
Five Keys to a Powerful Prayer Life:
- Commit Significant Time in Prayer
- Relationship Mind-Set, Not Ritual – 1 John 5:14-15, Luke 10:38-42
- Balance is Necessary. Use the Four Forms of Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13
- Praise = God, Petition = Self, Confession = Self, Intercession = Others
- ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supllication
- Petition Focus: Character and Holiness Supersede Temporal Needs – Romans 12:1-3
- Intercession Focus: Evangelism and Missions Supersede Temporal Needs – Luke 10:2