In the Habit of Prayer?

Introduction:

The Heroes of faith in Bible strongly believed in prayer! Consider the prayers of Abraham; Jacob; Moses; David; Daniel; Job; and Jesus. Prayer was taken up by the early converts to Christianity. See Acts 2:42. Prayer was an activity that characterized these Christians. We must ask: Is prayer a central part of my life?  Am I in the habit of prayer? Do I pray on a regular basis? Am I satisfied with my prayer life presently? Developing prayer habits is mandatory behavior for those who wish to grow mature in Christ!

I.  We must set aside time to pray!

A.     if we to learn to pray well – must find ourselves in habit of prayer!

1.     We do the things that are important to us!

2.     Where does prayer fit into the equation?

B.     Note how busy Jesus was w/His ministry & yet we see Him making time to pray:

1.     Mk. 1:35 – early AM

2.     Mt. 14:23 – evening – after sending away crowds.

3.     Lk. 9:18, 29 – during the day

4.     Mt. 26:36, 39 – in middle of the night.

C.    When one’s heart continually directed toward God – there is always time to pray!

II.  Men Ought Always to Pray.

A.     Lk. 18:1 – think about word ought.

1.     We have a moral & spiritual obligation to pray – not an optional matter!

B.     18:2-8 – what’s the lesson taught in this verse?

1.      We must persist in prayer & not be discouraged.

2.      Persevere in prayer – even when the answer is not immediately granted.

C.    Paul also had much to say about prayer!

1.      Eph. 6:18 – Pray at all times.  Should be constant in nature.

2.      Context: Christian life is spent at war w/devil.  (6:11-17)

a)     EVERY incident in life can be dealt with in prayer!

D.    See also Rom. 12:10-13; Col. 4:2

1.      Prayer/patience can be the richest source of consolation & support.

2.      12:12 – prayer can be one way to express our hope/gratitude to God.

E.     Note the prayer habit of Paul:

1.      Col. 1:3 – always; 1 Thess. 3:10 – night/day.

2.      1 Cor. 1:4; Eph. 1:15-16; Phil. 1:3-5; Col. 1:3,9 – unceasing prayers

3.      1 Thess. 5:17 – pray w/o ceasing.

III.  Here, There, & Everywhere!

A.     Prayer the main source of strength for Bible heroes.

B.      Prayer in the events of Jesus life:

1.     Lk. 3:21- b/f baptism; Lk. 6:12 – before the call of the 12

2.     Mk. 1:35; 6:41; 7:34 – in connection w/miracles.

3.     Jhn. 17:6-19; 20-26; Lk. 22:32; 23-34 – for other people.

C.     Prayer in the events of Paul’s life:

1.     Acts 20:36; 21:5 – before parting company w/fellow Christians

2.     Acts 22:17 – when in the temple; Acts 13:1-3 – b/f going on missionary journey; Acts 27:33-38 – gave thanks for food….

Conclusion:

A.    Not a Christian? It is my prayer that you give your life to God through your obedience to the gospel!