DO YOU HEAR THE CALL TO PRAYER?
Sadly we seem to be living in a PRAYERLESS GENERATION, I guess partly because new Believers are not taught how to pray. Many see prayer as only going to go God when they need something. I do not know personally of one local church that really has a prayer meeting, a few have some pre-service prayer, and there is often little prayer in small group meetings as well.
My definition of prayer is THE INTIMATE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TWO LOVERS. May every Believer and every local church truly fall in love afresh with Jesus.
PASSION The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer.
WE read in Mark 1:35 NKJV Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Jesus although He was the sinless son of God left us this perfect example of prayer being the essential element in a person’s life.
the reality is friends WITHOUT HIM WE CAN DO NOTHING. The challenge to every Believer is to make PRAYER A LIFESTYLE. Firstly setting aside time EVERY DAY to withdraw like Jesus did, and spend time alone with God. Why not go for a walk every day, (as well) and talk to Jesus as friend to friend. May prayer become such a lifestyle, that we are continually praying.
Paul wrote to the Church at Thessalonica in 1 Thess.5:17 NKJV Rejoice always, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. What a challenge Paul leaves us,to rejoice always, because we know our Sovereign Lord is in total control, and therefore have an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE, and live a life of prayer. There is a sense in which we can do two things at once, and one is to pray.
In hindsight, I believe I developed an attitude that I was TOO BUSY TO PRAY. I sure thank God for all that He has done in me and through me in the past, but I so wish I had made prayer a higher priority in my life. I regret the lack of Biblical Discipleship that occurred in my life as a new Believer, but I can’t change the past, but i can sure change the present and the future.
Let me remind you what I believe are the ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS TO PRAYER
Confession & Repentance 1 John 1:9
Surrender Rom. 12:1
Thanksgiving Psalm 100:4
Praise Psalm 100:4
Worship Psalm 29:4
Intercession (praying for others)
Petition (personal needs) James 4:2b
Listening, God speaking through His Word and the “still small voice”)
“May we hear THE CALL TO PRAY, discipline ourselves to fulfil Matt. 6:33 NKJV But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
PASSION So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly
N.L.T. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
MESSAGE Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
