LIVING AN OBEDIENT LIFE OF PRAYER.

Luke 18:1 - And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint.

Message: Living An Obedient Life of Prayer

A definition of prayer-Prayer has been spoken of as being the very breath of spiritual life.  It is the believers spiritual contact with heaven.  No spiritual life can be maintained without it.  Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed.

Prayer is not an option or merely a priviledge-it is a command- Luke 18:1 - And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint.

Prayerlessness can be counted as sin – 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.   To neglect prayer grieves the Lord – Isaiah 43:21-22   the people which I formed for myself, that they might set forth my praise.Yet thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary (TIRED/IMPATIENT) of me, O Israel.

Ministers should be given to constant prayer/the word as Ministry – Acts 6:4 - But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.

The Order of prayer is

to the father  through the Son by the spirit. Ephesians  Now all of us can go to the Father through Christ by way of the one Holy Spirit.

The Time of Prayer

Daniel prayed three times a day, morning,  and evening - Daniel 6:10 - 10When Daniel knew that the king had written his name on this law, he went into his house where, in his upper room, he had windows open toward . There he got down on his knees three times each day, praying and giving thanks to his God, as he had done before.

We are encouraged to always have a prayer on our hearts – 1 Thess 5:17 - pray without ceasing.

Hindrances to Prayer

Known Sin – Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.   Regard – To approve.

Willful disobedience to God’s Word –Proverbs 28:9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

Selfish Motivation – Matthew 6:5 - And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

Hypocrite – Not Real-A Phoney.  Pretending to be super anointed and greatly appointed, but really a disappointment.  Disappoint -Not to be as good as one hoped or expected.

Lack of genuine faith –Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 

Unforgiving Spirit –Mark -26 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses

Idols in the Heart –Ezekiel 14:3 - Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity.  What ever we have made as a monument in our heart that causes us to stumble and sin is our personal Idol.

Discord in Home Relationships – 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Failure to Render Charity to the Needy –Proverbs  Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.

Robbing God in Tithes and Offering – Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me! But ye say, `Wherein have we robbed Thee?' In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and put Me to the proof now herewith," saith the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open to you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 

    

    

    

    

 Pastor Sharon Therese Spencer