In the Habit of Prayer?

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 ______________________ to pray!

A. if we to learn to pray well – must find ourselves in ____________ 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 _______________________

2. Mt. 14:23 – ___________________- – after sending away crowds.

3. Lk. 9:18, 29 – during the _____________________

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

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 __________ to pray – not an optional matter!

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

1. We must __________________ 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 _______________ in nature.

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

a) _________________- 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/_____________ to God.

E. Note the prayer habit of Paul:

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

2. 1 Cor. 1:4; Eph. 1:15-16; Phil. 1:3-5; Col. 1:3,9 – _______________ 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- before _______________-; Lk. 6:12 – before the call of the 12

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

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 with 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 ________________-….

Conclusion:

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



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 ______________________ to pray! A. if we to learn to pray well – must find ourselves in ____________ 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 _______________________ 2. Mt. 14:23 – ___________________- – after sending away crowds. 3. Lk. 9:18, 29 – during the _____________________ 4. Mt. 26:36, 39 – in middle of the _________________________-. 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 __________ to pray – not an optional matter! B. 18:2-8 – what’s the lesson taught in this verse? 1. We must __________________ 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 _______________ in nature. 2. Context: Christian life is spent at war w/devil. (6:11-17) a) _________________- 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/_____________ to God. E. Note the prayer habit of Paul: 1. Col. 1:3 – ________________-; 1 Thess. 3:10 – night/day. 2. 1 Cor. 1:4; Eph. 1:15-16; Phil. 1:3-5; Col. 1:3,9 – _______________ 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- before _______________-; Lk. 6:12 – before the call of the 12 2. Mk. 1:35; 6:41; 7:34 – in connection w/_____________________. 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 with 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 ________________-…. Conclusion: A. Not a Christian? It is my prayer that you give your life to God through your obedience to the gospel!