A praying church is a growing church. That’s just the way it works. Jesus prayed (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12); Paul prayed (Philippians 1:3, 4; I Thessalonians 1:2); Cornelius prayed (Acts 10:2). Great people and great congregations pray. This is the reason Prayer is the Practice of a Great Congregation.
I. We must believe in prayer.
A. Jesus taught we should believe in prayer (Matthew 21:22).
B. James emphasized that we are to pray in faith (James 1:5-7; 5:15).
C. John spoke of the confidence we are to have in prayer (I John 5:14, 15).
D. Elijah is the ultimate example (James 5:16-18).
II. For whom are we to pray?
A. For the church (Colossians 1:3, 9).
B. For one another (James 5:16).
C. For the sick (III John 2).
D. For the furtherance of the gospel and those that preach it (II Thessalonians 3:1, 2).
E. For all men – For kings and all that are in authority (I Timothy 2:1, 2).
F. For even our enemies (Matthew 5:44, 45).
III. How often are we to pray?
A. Without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17).
B. Continuously (Colossians 4:2).
C. Steadfastly (Acts 2:42). D. Daily (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Matthew 6:11).
Conclusion: We must recommit ourselves to prayer. We deprive ourselves of great blessings because we do not pray. James said, “ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2). Will not God bless our congregation if we pray? Listen to II Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This is the reason Prayer is the Practice of a Great Congregation.
Ken Tyler
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