Friday, February 15, 2008

The Importance of PRAYER

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will REJOICE and be glad in it! Regardless of what face today, you can choose to rejoice. It really is your CHOICE to make.

God has really been dealing with my heart on the subject of prayer. I would like to share some thoughts with you today concerning this.

Why do we pray? In any relationship, good communication is paramount. God cares about you and deeply loves you. He wants you to reach out and talk to Him through prayer. As with any relationship, communication is very important to the success of your relationship with God. It is impossible to develop intimacy with God without prayer. Don't let the enemy deceive you into thinking that you are not worthy to pray to God due to the amount of sin in your life. Jesus had to die for all people, since all have sinned. Through his shed blood, we can openly approach and speak with God.

Here are some reasons why every person should pray:

  • God commands us to

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8

Pray without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:17

  • Deploy God's abundance
    Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matt 7:7-8
  • Appeal to God's mercy
    Exodus 32:11-14: Moses' prayer averts disaster from God
  • Follow Christ's example
    But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:16
  • Loose God's plan and bind Satan's plan
    "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:18-20

How to pray:

What to pray for:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (see James 5:14-20)

What will hinder prayer?

One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 28:9 NKJV

It is so important to spend time with God everyday in prayer and Bible study. This Sunday night at First Assembly, I will be talking about the importance of FASTING. If you are in the area, I hope you can make it to our services. My prayer for you today is that you have a God-centered weekend! Blessings.

Pastor Rusty

This weekends "Through the Bible in a year" reading:

February 15, 2008 (Friday): Joshua 9:1-Joshua 12:24

February 16, 2008 (Saturday) Joshua 13:1-Joshua 19:51

February 17, 2008 (Sunday) Joshua 20:1-Joshua 24:33

This week's MEMORY VERSE: James 1:12

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12



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