THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

More books have been written on prayer than most subjects. Yet it is the least understood. Prayer is a discussion with God, petitioning Him for needs, about problems and offering Him thanksgiving and praise. A Christian addresses the Father directly when he prays. As a Christian, He can be spoken to directly because of the authority Jesus delegated to those who are His. John 14:14 (NLT)

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!

A non-Christian needs to first call on Jesus to save him. Romans 10:13 (NLT) 13 For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Authentic prayer is when one is keeping one's mind on the Lord. It involves honor, respect and recognition due God. It is shutting out all else. Matthew 6:6 tells us, “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.”

How do we Pray?

A. In Jesus Name

B. With a pure conscience

C. Joyfully

D. Continually

E. Repentfully

F. Believing

G. In all circumstances

H. Everywhere

Just talk to God. It is like talking to yourself. However, by faith we know that we are not talking to ourselves, but rather we are talking to the unseen God.

Prayer is the most important thing any of us will ever do. Even when we are at the latter years of our lives, and we think we have nothing left to offer, prayer is the one thing that will never lose the benefits of the request. There is no age limit on prayer. Notice again what Jesus said in . John 14:14 (NLT)

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!

And again, Matthew 6:6 tells us, “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.”

Did you see any age limit attached there? From the youngest child that can speak to God, to the oldest person that may be laying in a nursing home, God will hear and will respond.

The bottom line is, prayer should offer to God Praise, confession, petition, thanksgiving and commitment.

IMPORTANCE OF READING THE WORD OF GOD

The way to get to know God better is through His Word; Bible study. Today we are blessed above all people in history, for not only does nearly everyone know how to read, but there also are enough copies of the Bible available so that everyone may have a personal copy. Here are some suggestions to aid you in receiving the greatest benefit from reading the Bible:

1. Read the Bible with the Holy Spirits help. Read it prayerfully. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. Psalm 119:18
2. Read the Bible Thoughtfully. Think about the meaning of what you are reading.
3. Read the Bible carefully.
4. Read the Bible repeatedly. Find a plan to read the Bible through once a year.
5. Read the Bible regularly. Try to have a particular time every day when you habitually give yourself to the reading of the Word of God.
6. Read the Bible faithfully. We all live very busy lives. Inevitably there will be days when you will fail to read the Bible. Do not let your momentary lapse discourage you. Just continue where you left off. Try to pick up the reading of the Bible even yet that day before you go to bed.
7. Read the Bible obediently . The Bible is God's Word written to you. It is essential to obey it. Exodus 24:3 “ When Moses had announced to the people all the teachings and regulations the LORD had given him, they answered in unison, "We will do everything the LORD has told us to do."

Reading, memorizing, and meditating upon the Word of God are of no value without obedience to the Word of God. To obey the Word of God, you do what the Word of God indicates should be done in any situation. Obedience to the Word of God is the only way that the child of God can be pleasing to God in the new life. Obedience to God's Word results in being treasured by God, not being ashamed, avoidance of evil, guidance for life, safety and freedom from anxiety, God's blessings, and entrance into heaven just to mention a few.

Josh 1:8 (NLT) 8 Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it . Only then will you succeed.

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