Week 4: Living an Excellent Life of Prayer
Notes
Transcript
Tithe and Offering
Tithe and Offering
As we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let us reflect on 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 . This passage reminds us that our giving should come from a cheerful heart, filled with faith and expectation. Just as we persist in prayer and trust God to meet our needs, let us also give generously, believing that God will provide for us abundantly. Our faithful giving enables us to contribute to the work of God's kingdom and experience His blessings in our lives."
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Week5: Living an Excellent Life of Prayer
Week5: Living an Excellent Life of Prayer
Good morning, church!
Today, we are going to continue into a topic that lies at the very heart of our Christian walk: excellence in prayer.
In every area of life, we strive for excellence, whether it be in our work, our relationships, or our personal growth.
However, excellence in prayer is often overlooked.
Yet, it is through prayer that we build our relationship with God, find guidance, and draw strength.
Let's explore how we can cultivate an excellent life of prayer.
1. Prioritize Prayer as a Daily Discipline
1. Prioritize Prayer as a Daily Discipline
- Matthew 6:6 (NIV): "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV): "Pray without ceasing."
pray continually,
Excellence in prayer starts with making it a priority.
Jesus emphasized the importance of a secret, personal prayer life.
This means setting aside specific times each day for prayer, much like Daniel who prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10 . Prayer should be as vital to us as eating or breathing.
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Consider an athlete who disciplines themselves to train every day.
Their commitment to their training regimen is what leads to their excellence in the sport.
Similarly, our dedication to daily prayer will cultivate excellence in our spiritual lives.
Here are several biblical characters who prioritized prayer, along with specific examples from their lives:
Biblical Characters Who Prioritized Prayer
Biblical Characters Who Prioritized Prayer
1. Daniel
1. Daniel
Scripture Reference:
Scripture Reference:
- Daniel 6:10 (NIV): "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Daniel was known for his consistent prayer life.
Even when a decree was issued that made it illegal to pray to anyone other than the king, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times a day.
This disciplined approach to prayer was integral to his life, and God honored his faithfulness by delivering him from the lion's den.
2. David
2. David
Scripture Reference:
Scripture Reference:
- Psalm 55:17 (NIV): "Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice."
Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
Example:
David, known as a man after God's own heart, regularly turned to God in prayer.
The Psalms are filled with his prayers and reflections.
He prayed in times of trouble, joy, repentance, and thanksgiving, showing a life deeply rooted in communication with God.
3. Jesus
3. Jesus
Scripture Reference:
- Mark 1:35 (NIV): "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
- Luke 5:16 (NIV): "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Example:
Jesus is the ultimate example of prioritizing prayer.
He often withdrew from the crowds and his disciples to spend time alone with the Father.
Despite his busy ministry, he made time for prayer, demonstrating its importance for strength, guidance, and communion with God.
4. Nehemiah
4. Nehemiah
Scripture Reference:
- Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV): "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Example:
When Nehemiah learned about the desolation of Jerusalem, he turned to prayer and fasting.
His commitment to seeking God’s guidance through prayer was evident in how he approached the task of rebuilding the city walls.
Throughout the book, Nehemiah’s prayers are recorded, showing his reliance on God in every step of the process.
5. Hannah
5. Hannah
Scripture Reference:
- 1 Samuel 1:10-11 (NIV): "In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, 'Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.'"
In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
Example:
Hannah’s story is a powerful example of persistent and heartfelt prayer.
She prayed earnestly for a child, and God answered her prayer by giving her Samuel.
Her dedication to prayer continued as she fulfilled her vow and dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service.
6. Paul
6. Paul
Scripture Reference:
- Ephesians 1:16 (NIV): "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV): "Pray without ceasing."
pray continually,
Example:
Paul’s letters are filled with references to his constant prayer life.
He prayed for the churches he planted, for individuals, and for his own needs.
His exhortation to "pray without ceasing" indicates the central role that prayer played in his ministry and personal life.
Practical Application
Practical Application
To emulate these biblical examples, consider the following practical steps:
1. Establish a Routine: Set specific times each day for prayer, just as Daniel did. Whether it’s morning, noon, and evening, or another rhythm that fits your life, consistency is key.
2. Create a Prayer List: Keep a list of people and situations to pray for, similar to how Paul prayed for the churches.
3. Seek Solitude: Find a quiet place for prayer, as Jesus often did. This helps minimize distractions and allows for deeper communion with God.
4. Express All Emotions: Like David and Hannah, bring all your emotions to God—joy, sorrow, gratitude, and need. Authenticity in prayer fosters a closer relationship with Him.
5. Incorporate Fasting: At times, pair your prayers with fasting, as Nehemiah did, to seek God’s guidance and intervention in a focused way.
2. Pray with Faith and Expectation
2. Pray with Faith and Expectation
Scripture
- Mark 11:24 (NIV): "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
- James 1:6 (NIV): "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Explanation:
Excellence in prayer involves approaching God with faith and expectation.
Jesus taught us to believe in the power of our prayers.
Faith transforms our prayers from mere words into powerful petitions.
Trusting in God's ability to answer gives our prayers purpose and power.
Illustration:
Think about a child who asks their parent for something with the full expectation that it will be provided.
This childlike faith is what we need when we come before God.
When we pray, we must believe that He hears us and is willing and able to answer.
3. Pray with Persistence and Passion
3. Pray with Persistence and Passion
-Luke 18:1 (NIV): "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
- James 5:16 (NIV: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Explanation
Excellence in prayer requires persistence and passion.
Jesus taught the parable of the persistent widow to illustrate the importance of never giving up in prayer.
Passionate, fervent prayer is powerful and effective.
It shows our earnest desire for God’s intervention.
Illustration
Imagine a gardener who continually waters and tends to their plants, even when they see no immediate growth.
Eventually, their persistence pays off with a bountiful harvest.
Similarly, our persistent and passionate prayers will bear fruit in God's perfect timing.
Biblical Examples of Praying with Persistence and Passion
Biblical Examples of Praying with Persistence and Passion
1. Elijah
1. Elijah
Example: 1 Kings 18:42-44
Elijah’s persistence in prayer is evident when he prayed for rain after a long drought.
Despite receiving no immediate sign, he continued to pray fervently 7 times until a small cloud appeared, signaling the coming rain.
His determination and passionate prayer were eventually answered by God.
2. The Persistent Widow
2. The Persistent Widow
Example: Luke 18:1-8
Jesus used the parable of the persistent widow to teach the importance of continual prayer and not giving up.
The widow’s relentless pursuit of justice eventually led the unjust judge to grant her request.
This parable encourages believers to be persistent and passionate in their prayers, trusting that God will respond.
3. Hannah
3. Hannah
Example: 1 Samuel 1:12-16
Hannah’s prayer for a child was marked by deep anguish and persistence. She poured out her soul to the Lord, continuing to pray passionately despite her distress. Her persistent prayer was answered when God blessed her with a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord.
4. Jesus in Gethsemane
4. Jesus in Gethsemane
Example: Luke 22:44
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed with such intensity and passion that his sweat was like drops of blood. He prayed persistently, asking God to take the cup of suffering from him, yet ultimately submitted to God’s will. This moment underscores the depth of Jesus’ commitment to prayer, especially in times of extreme distress.
5. The Canaanite Woman
5. The Canaanite Woman
Example: Matthew 15:22-28
The Canaanite woman demonstrated remarkable persistence and passion in her plea for Jesus to heal her daughter. Despite initially being ignored and then tested by Jesus, she continued to cry out and displayed great faith. Her persistence was rewarded as Jesus healed her daughter.
Practical Applications
Practical Applications
1. Prioritize Prayer as a Daily Discipline
1. Prioritize Prayer as a Daily Discipline
- Schedule Prayer Time: Set specific times each day for prayer, just as you would for important meetings or tasks. This could be early in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed.
- Create a Prayer Space: Designate a quiet, distraction-free area in your home where you can focus on prayer.
- Use a Prayer Journal: Write down your prayers, reflections, and any answers to prayers. This helps you stay focused and see how God is working in your life.
2. Pray with Faith and Expectation
2. Pray with Faith and Expectation
- Scripture-Based Prayers: Use promises from the Bible in your prayers to reinforce your faith. For example, when praying for provision, you might reference Philippians 4:19.
- Visual Reminders: Place visual reminders of God’s faithfulness around your home or workspace, such as a cross, Bible verses, or answered prayer notes.
- Share Testimonies: Regularly share and listen to testimonies of answered prayers within your church community to build mutual faith and encouragement.
3. Pray with Persistence and Passion
3. Pray with Persistence and Passion
- Prayer Partners: Find a prayer partner or join a prayer group for mutual encouragement and accountability in persistent prayer.
- Set Prayer Goals: Write down specific things you are praying for and review them regularly, maintaining persistence until you see an answer.
- Fasting and Prayer: Consider incorporating fasting with your prayer times to deepen your focus and commitment.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Excellence in prayer is both a spiritual discipline and a practical commitment.
By prioritizing prayer, praying with faith and expectation, and maintaining persistence and passion, we can develop a robust prayer life that transforms our lives and impacts the world around us.
Call to Action
Call to Action
As we leave today, let’s make a renewed commitment to pursue excellence in our prayer lives.
Set aside specific times for prayer, approach God with unwavering faith, and persist in your prayers with passion.
Encourage one another, share testimonies, and hold each other accountable.
Let’s become a church known for its powerful and effective prayers, and watch as God moves in extraordinary ways.
Let us pray.