Extreme Prayer
The Importance of Prayer
Communication
- Communication is the transmission of information.
- Everything communicates something.
- Creation itself began with communication.
- God’s relationship with man demands communication.
- Whatever the Bible says about communication with God it does so with an underlying expectation that we do communicate with God.
Prayer
- Prayer is communication with God.
- The need to pray is built into the very nature of man.
- The main Greek and Hebrew words for prayer imply humility.
- Unfortunately sin and pride stifle prayer.
- Far too many of us don’t see the point in praying because of our lack of need.
- This has created a vacuum of prayer.
The Problem
- We have become blinded into thinking we do not want for anything.
- Our focus has been turned to this world and what it offers.
- Problem is, nothing we do or gain here goes with us into the afterlife.
- Solomon understood that living for one’s personal satisfaction in this life is meaningless.
The Solution to a Meaningful Life
- Solomon’s answer was “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13
- We see more clearly.
- Jesus commanded us to love, and we are to proclaim the good news and disciple others.
- We have been giving meaning and purpose; the ultimate goal is the salvation of others.
The Importance of Prayer
- Honestly, it is hard to live with this purpose in mind when this life has so many concerns itself.
- Fortunately, we have Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-15) and prayer (Hebrews 4:16).
- Jesus is our example and he has shown us that prayer is extremely important.
The Example of Jesus
- Communication with the Father was so important that prayer was second nature to Jesus.
- Jesus prayed, taught how to pray and commanded to pray.
- Jesus even added a new dimension to prayer when he commanded his disciples to ask in his name and promised that it would be given. (Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:9-13).
Makes Sense
- Human beings are limited and weak.
- However, God has given us access to himself who is Sovereign, all powerful, all knowing and ever present.
- If we want to live with meaning and purpose it will require us to make prayer a priority.
- It is only by God’s power, not our own, that people will enter into the kingdom of heaven, and so prayer must be a priority.
Jesus and Prayer in Scripture
- Jesus gives thanks and blesses food
- Matthew 14:5; Mark 6:41; Luke 9:15; John 6:11 – Jesus blesses (give thanks) before feeding the five thousand
- Matthew 15:36 and Mark 8:6-7 – Jesus gives thanks and blesses before feeding the four thousand
- Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; and Luke 22:14-23 – Jesus gives thanks and blesses the bread and cup (institution of the Lord’s Supper)
- Luke 24:30 – Jesus blesses the bread during the supper at Emmaus (interesting that the disciples who were with Jesus recognized him after he blessed the food)
- Jesus’ other examples of praying
- Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12, 9:28 – Prayed on the mountain (before walking on water and before choosing the disciples)
- Matthew 19:13 – Prayed over the children
- Matthew 26:36-41; Mark 14:32-42 – Prayed in Gethsemane
- Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16 – Withdrew to “desolate places” to pray
- Luke 3:21 – Prayed at his baptism
- Luke 9:18 – Prayed alone with his disciples (before Peter’s confession)
- Luke 9:29 – Prayed on the mountain during the event of the transfiguration
- Luke 11:1 – Prayed in a “certain place” (before teaching the disciples how to pray)
- John 14:16-17 – Jesus will ask (pray to) God for the Holy Spirit to be given to his disciples
- Jesus’ prayers
- Matthew 11:25-26; Luke 10:21 – Prayer of thanksgiving.
- Matthew 26:39 & 42; Mark 14:36 – Prayer of supplication.
- Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34 – A cry out to God “…why have you forsaken me?” (Supplication)
- Luke 22:32 – though we don’t see Jesus praying Jesus tells Peter he has prayed for him that his faith may not fail (Intercession)
- Luke 23:34 – Asking God to forgive mankind (or those crucifying him) (Intercession)
- Luke 23:46 – “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Supplication)
- John 11:41-42 – Before raising Lazarus (Intercession)
- John 12:28 – A prayer that God’s name will be glorified (Adoration)
- John 17 – Jesus’ high priestly prayer (Intercession)
- Jesus’ teaching about prayer
- Matthew 18:19 – If two agree in what they ask for it will be done for them
- Matthew 21:20-22; Mark 11:20-25 – If we ask in faith we will receive (Lesson of the withered fig tree)
- Mark 11:25 – Prayer must be accompanied by forgiveness of others
- Luke 18:9-14 – Prayer requires humility
- John 14:13-14, 16:23-24 – Whatever is asked for in Jesus name he will do it (so that God will be glorified)
- John 15:7-8 – If Christ abides in us, and his words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish and it will be done. By this God is glorified when we bear fruit.
- John 15:16 – Jesus will do whatever we ask in his name so that we may bear fruit
- Jesus’ commands about prayer
- Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28 – Pray for those who persecute you.
- Matthew 6:5-14; Luke 11:1-13 – How to pray “When you pray” (Lord’s prayer)
- Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2 – Pray for “laborers of the harvest”
- Matthew 24:20; Mark 13:18 – Prayer concerning the time of flight during Jewish persecution
- Matthew 26:40; Mark 14:38 – To disciples to pray that they may not fall into temptation
- Luke 18:1-8 – Always pray and do not lose hope (parable of the persistent widow)