ROOTED IN PRAYER

A Christian who is Abiding in Christ is a Christian who prays. Prayer is one of the Fruits of Abiding, and Abiding in Prayer brings forth other Spiritual Fruit as well. Throughout the Scripture, God indicates His desire for us to talk to Him; and His willingness to help us in time of need…yet most Christians never practice His presence, never Abide with God in prayer. Sometimes, prayers are said only for the sake of men to hear…

Illustration – A new lawyer, just beginning his practice, opened a new office. He was sitting behind his desk waiting for the first client to walk in that he could impress. When he heard footsteps coming down the hall he picked up phone and carried on a fake conversation…. “Yes, Yes, I’ll have my secretary help…I’m busy…etc.” The stranger entered and politely waited while listening to the high level conversation. The lawyer then hung up and said, “Now what may I do for you? The man that walked in said, “I’m from the phone company, and I came to connect your phone.”

Note – I believe it is time we stopped playing games with Prayer! 1Thess – Pray without ceasing. James – Effectual Fervent Prayer of a Righteous man…ye have not because ye ask not. Psalm 34 – The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth… Note – So, how do we ABIDE IN PRAYER? I. The Mandatory Requirement for Prayer-vs. 7

Note – “If” ye abide in me…(How will we pray?) A. Abiding in Christ – In Prayer – Continuing, His life flowing through 1. Praising or Adoring God – Acts 16:25 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Jesus taught, Our Father….Hallowed be thy name. 2. Confessing Sin – Ps 66:18

Psalm 66:18 KJV 1900

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me:

3. Believing In Faith – Faith is not demanding of God….But Believing God. Matt 21:22 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Rom 10:17 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 4. For Christ’s Name John 14:13 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 5. Persistent Eph 6:18 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Note – The Prayer that gets to heaven is the prayer that starts in heaven. B. My Words In You… 1. His words produce Faith Rom 10:17 – Faith cometh by hearing… 2. His words guide our prayer Prov 28:9 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Ps 37:4 4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. II. The Master’s Definition of Prayer

A. Prayer is Asking – “…ye shall ask what ye will..” Turn to: – Matt 7:7-8 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Asketh = Continued Note – God delights in the continual prayer or an Abiding Christian. B. Asking is Subject to Abiding in His Will Illustration – 2 Cor. 12:9-10 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Illustration – James 4:3 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Note – If you are not abiding, it would be dangerous for God to answer! III. The Miraculous Power of Prayer

– “It shall be done unto you”

A. The Power of Prayer is Manifested by God into human affairs. 1. Moses – Ex. 15:24 – “Waters of Marah” – Bitterness Moses prayed – Lord showed him a tree…sweetened. 2. Gideon – Judges 6 – Fleece – dry 3. Hannah – 1 Sam 1:27 – For a child

Illustration – Hudson Taylor – “Attempt great things for God, Expect great things from God.

Illustration – Tom Malone – “When God is going to do something wonderful, He starts with the difficult. When God is going to do something miraculous – He starts with the impossible.”

B. Glorifies God –

John 14:13 KJV 1900

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Conclusion

Yes, An Abiding Christian is a Praying Christian

In fact, Prayer is the key that begins the Abiding process…

Romans 10:13 KJV 1900

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

No one has always been a Christian.

Perhaps there are some today who need to begin with that prayer of repentance toward God. Faith in Christ! Then you can truly say: Our Father Which art in heaven….