How well do you pray?

Post on 23-Jun-2015

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By Mike Smith

Transcript of How well do you pray?

Developing Your Spiritual Wellness

•Prayer is like our hotline to God.

•Through prayer we can reach God and His help.

•Consider the persistent widow. Lk. 18:1-8

•How’s your faith?

Types of PrayersTypes of Prayers

• Those who never pray.– Includes some Christians who’ve lost their

heart and faith. Heb. 3:12-13

• Those who pray sparingly. – Many try to gain without proper diligence.

Prov. 10:22; Jas. 4:2; Mt. 6:11; 2 Thes. 3:11-12

– In how many ways are we to acknowledge the Lord? Proverbs 3:5-6

Types of PrayersTypes of Prayers

• Those who pray self-righteously. Lk 18:9-14.

– Those who take pride in their “large” prayers. Matthew 6:5-8

• Those who pray selfishly. James 4:1, 3– Prayer is to made for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1

• Those who pray earnestly!– Be vigilant in thanksgiving, praying for others.

Colossians 4:2-3– Like Epaphras… Colossians 4:12

Importance of Proper Praying• Forgiveness of sins. 1 Jn. 1:7-10

– The erring Christian is told to repent and pray Acts 8:22

• Peace of mind. – Prayer is the cure for anxiety. Phil. 4:6-7

• Strength to live. – Paul prayed that Christians may be

strengthened in the inner man.

Eph. 3:14-16, 20; cf. 2 Cor. 4:16

Importance of Proper Praying• For the opportunity to serve. 1 Cor. 3:5

– Paul’s request… Col. 4:3

• Boldness to speak. Acts 4:23-31– Paul asked for prayer when he needed

boldness. Eph. 6:18-20

• Wisdom to guide.– Christians are promised wisdom though

prayer without doubting. James 1:5-8

Importance of Proper Praying• Healing from sickness. James 5:14-15

– Those who’ve sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another. Jas. 5:16

• Peace and tranquility. – God is in control of the nations. Dan. 4:17;

Rom. 13:1-7– We should pray to lead quiet and peaceful

lives. 1 Tim. 2:1-4

Steps To Better Praying• Pray systematically. Ps. 55:17; Dan.

6:10

• Pray spontaneously. Acts 16:25; Neh. 2:4-5; 1 Chron. 5:20

• Pray secretly. Mt. 6:5-6; Mark 1:35

• Pray simply. Mt. 6:7-8; Rom. 8:26-27

• Pray steadfastly. Lk. 11:5-10; Rom. 12:12

• Pray with posture. Lk. 18:13;Acts 20:36

Application:• We should recognize that prayer is a great

privilege and appreciate it.

• Prayer ought to be practiced, “always with all prayer and supplication…” and “earnestly… being vigilant with it in thanksgiving.” Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2

How well do you How well do you pray? Start your pray? Start your improvements improvements today!today!

Come to Jesus!Hear. Rom. 10:17Believe the gospel. Mark16:16Repent. Acts 2:38Confess Him. Rom. 10:10Baptism. Acts 22:16