Title [2010] Happy Prayer Journey
Contents
(John 14:12-14)
Since last week, we have been holding a special early morning prayer meeting with the whole school under the theme of “Happy Prayer Journey”. Prayer is so precious and important. Author of the book “The Prayer Life” E.M. Bounds called prayer “the breath of the soul.” Prayer is not an optional subject that you can or cannot do, it is a compulsory subject that you must do. There are many verses about prayer in the Bible. The word prayer is recorded 329 times, and the command to pray is given 20 times. Psalm 116:2 “I will pray all the days of my life” The prayer is emphasized over 350 times. You must pray.
If so, how should we pray?
First, prayer is an offering to God. Jeremiah 36:7 “they prayed before the Lord” Of course, Christianity is not alone in prayer. General religions, even shamanism, have their own prayers (Isaiah 45:20). The prayers are the same, but who the prayer is for is important. The object of prayer is God. It is God who is worthy to hear and answer our prayers. Psalm 65:2 “O Lord of prayer, all flesh will come to you”
Prayer is when you pray that God hears you,
(1) It must be sincere. (Matthew 6:6) Superficial prayers and doubtful prayers do not attract God's attention. God only accepted Abel's offering and ignored Cain's. You must be truthful to be heard.
(2) You must be earnest. Isaiah 26:16 “I prayed earnestly to you” Luke 22:41 “He prayed earnestly and with all his might, and an angel of the Lord appeared… (3) You must repent. God hears the prayers of those who repent.
Second, prayer is in the name of Jesus. (John 14:13, 15:16, 16:24) Jesus gave us that precious name and said to us (Mark 16:17). In whose name do you appear? The name of Jesus. His name is Jesus Himself. It is good to say the name of Jesus many times. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, opened his eyes when he called on the name of Jesus (Mark 10:48). A Canaanite woman was begging for the name of Jesus and healed her daughter who had a demon. (Matthew 15:28) The name of Jesus has power, life and power. . It is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit.
Third, prayer is in the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18 “Praying in the Holy Spirit all the time” Jude 1:20 “Praying in the Holy Spirit, building yourselves on the faith” It is important to pray without the passing of time and be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26 “The Spirit also helps us in our weakness… He intercedes with groanings that cannot be uttered.” When you pray, the Holy Spirit comes in the name of Jesus. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works through inspiration, understanding, wisdom, power, and guidance. So, when I pray, my spirit awakens, my spirit lives, and my spirituality is strengthened.
Fourth, pray without ceasing. As long as the body lives, everyone must breathe. Likewise, if the soul is to live, prayer must continue. So, devout Jews set a set time to pray 3 or 5 times a day (Daniel 6:10). During the ninth hour of prayer, Peter and John were going up to the temple, and there was an incident where a lame man was healed from birth (Acts 3). :1) Cornelius (a centurion) living in Caesarea was also a man who believed in God and prayed well. During the ninth hour of prayer, he saw a vision and was instructed by an angel to ask Peter to hear the word, and he received the Holy Spirit, received baptism, and became a Christian. (Acts 10:3) Here, my ninth hour is 3 pm if converted into modern time. You came as an angel. Prayer is as unstoppable as breathing. Neh 1:6 “I pray day and night” Luke 6:12 “I pray at night”