The Art of Prayer, 17-6-4 PM

Lessons on Prayer

1 Timothy 2:1 ESV

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

1 Timoth

“Prayer is the most ancient, most universal, and most intensive expression of the religious instinct. It includes the simplest speech of infant lips and the sublime entreaties of older age. All reach the Majesty on high. Prayer is indeed the Christians vital breath and native air.” (J. Oswald Sanders, 85)

We call it indispensible. We know the Scriptures call for it, yet often we fail to pray. (85)

Not one of us prays as we should.

Dean C. J. Vaughan, “If I wished to humble anyone, I should question him about his prayers. I know nothing to compare with this topic for its sorrowful self-confessions.” (85)

We resist it. We must have discipline to overcome this resistance to pray. (86).

b.

We usually blame busyness for failing to pray.

To Martin Luther, an extra load of duties was reason enough to pray more, not less. Hear his plans for the next day’s work: “Work, work from early till late. In fact I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” (86).

Jesus is our example in prayer.

“Our belief in the necessity of prayer comes from observing His life. Surely if anyone could have sustained a life without prayer, it would be the very Son of God Himself. If prayer is silly or unnecessary, Jesus would have not wasted His time at it.” (86).

“Prayer was the dominant feature of His life and a recurring part of His teaching. Prayer kept His moral vision sharp and clear. Prayer gave Him courage to endure the perfect but painful will of His Father. Prayer paved the way for transfiguration. To Jesus, prayer was not a hasty add-on, but a joyful necessity.” (87)

He went to the desert. (, 87)

He spent full nights. (, 87)

He instructed His disciples to do the same (, 87)

Mark 6:46 ESV

46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.

True prayer is hard work.

“All vital praying makes a drain on a man’s vitality. True intercession is a sacrifice, a bleeding sacrifice.” J. H. Jowett

“Jesus performed miracles without a sign of outward strain, but ‘he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears’ ().” (87)

Sometimes our prayers are pale and weak compared to those of Paul or Epaphras.

“Epaphras…is always wrestling in prayer for you…().”

“I want you to know how much I am struggling for you.” ()

“True prayer is a strenuous spiritual exercise that demands the utmost mental discipline and concentration.” (90)

Pray and our church

Prayer lays the foundation for the rest of our Great Commission work.

It focuses it. It empowers it.

Yet, it cannot be our final destination.

2. Who should pray?

Those who want to walk in the power of the Spirit. ,

All the church, especially pastors, deacons, teachers, and evangelists

3. When, then should we pray?

1. Every day personally

2. Sunday nights together

3. Times for intensive Prayer nights

For what should we pray?

For what should we pray?

1. To see God glorify himself as He makes disciples.

What’s our desire?

1. To see God glorify himself as He makes disciples.

2. Faithfulness in the mission and a rich harvest. The prayer for the Lost is really a prayer for the servant. That we might know our assignments.

3. For lost families for come, believe, and be baptized.

Pray for the lost

4. For existing families to thrive spiritually.

5. For new Christian families to come and be a part.

6. Pray for our hurts.

J. Oswald Sanders

J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, Moody: 2007

Primary Source: Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, Moody: 2007