Keeping the Main Things the Main Things in a New Year
Part 1-Prayer
We believe that our relationship with Christ can only be truly healthy when we are in daily communication with the Lord. We know that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. We also believe that prayer is essential in knowing the mind of Christ, His guidance in our lives, in the confession of our sin, in keeping us from temptation, and in receiving both the Lord’s power and blessings in our lives and the life of our church.
WHY IS DAILY PRAYER ESSENTIAL?
Because God Supplies the Daily Bread I Need!
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9-13 NIV
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. The people can go out each day and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” Exodus 16:4 NLT
Because I don’t know the Problems, Pain or Predicaments in My Future
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1 NIV
“The king commanded, ‘Go and find out where “Elisha is, and we will send troops to seize him.’ And the report came back, ‘Elisha is at Dothan.’ So, one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. ‘Ah, my lord, what will we do now?’ he cried out to Elisha. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ Elisha told him. For there are more on our side than on theirs!’
Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ The Lord opened the servant’s eyes and when he looked up, he saw the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” 2 Kings 6:13-17 NLT
Because This is the Most Important Relationship in My Life
“He enjoyed a close relationship with God throughout his life. Then suddenly, he disappeared because God took him.” Genesis 5:24 NLT
“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” John 15:4 NLT
How To Build the Value of Prayer:
First- Move from Duty to Delight
Second-Pray First
“The next morning, Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” Mark 1:35 NLT
Third-Pray Before Decisions
Ask God to guide our steps, to lead us into our next chapter and to provide for us along the way
“If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do- ask Him, and He will gladly tell you.” James 1:5 NLT
Fourth-Pray When Stressed
“…the news about Him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:15 NIV
Fifth- Pray When Concerned for Others
“I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” Luke 21:31 NIV
Sixth-Pray When Tempted
“Keep me from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” Psalm 19: 13-14 NLT
Seventh-Pray Throughout Your Day