“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”

Luke 18:1

Nouns- a petition- a wish

Verbs- to beg- to ask- to wish- to invoke

To express to God the fulfillment of a desire.

Continually - Not Continuously

Continuous describes a waterfall

Continual describes a busy signal

Jesus (in Luke 18:1) & Paul (in 1 The. 5:17) encouraged Christians to pray continually.

David (Psa. 55:16-17) & Daniel (Dan. 6:10), both of whom prayed 3 times a day

Teaching us that there is such a thing as a God-pleasing habit.

Continually - Not Continuously

Continuous describes a waterfall

Continual describes a busy signal

Jesus (in Luke 18:1) & Paul (in 1 The. 5:17) encouraged Christians to pray continually.

David (Psa. 55:16-17) & Daniel (Dan. 6:10), both of whom prayed 3 times a day

Teaching us that there is such a thing as a God-pleasing habit.

Jesus is an example…

At Crucial Moments - Jesus prayed

At His Baptism (Luke 3:21)

Before Choosing His Apostles (Luke 6:12)

Before Leaving His Apostles (John 17)

Before Dying for Man (Mat. 26:36-44)

At His Death for Man (Luke 23:34).

Jesus is an example…

At Crucial Moments - Jesus prayed

At His Baptism (Luke 3:21)

Before Choosing His Apostles (Luke 6:12)

Before Leaving His Apostles (John 17)

Before Dying for Man (Mat. 26:36-44)

At His Death for Man (Luke 23:34).

When Should We Not Pray?When Should We Not Pray?If we don’t love anyone and don’t want anyone to love us … don’t pray.

If we are completely and utterly sinless and can handle the world all by ourselves … don’t pray.

If we need no guidance in the world of darkness or in times of trouble and trial … don’t pray.

If we have all the wisdom we need to meet each of life’s many changes, and if we have the power to direct our own steps … don’t pray.

If we don’t love anyone and don’t want anyone to love us … don’t pray.

If we are completely and utterly sinless and can handle the world all by ourselves … don’t pray.

If we need no guidance in the world of darkness or in times of trouble and trial … don’t pray.

If we have all the wisdom we need to meet each of life’s many changes, and if we have the power to direct our own steps … don’t pray.

If we don’t need any help keeping our families safe, sound, well, fed, clothed, sheltered, and provided for in all the ways God expects folks to provide for their own … don’t pray.

If we can rely on our own strength to control our futures and can make the forces of nature work to our advantage and can manufacture the air we breathe and the keep the earth spinning and the sun shining … don’t pray.

Otherwise… WE OUGHT TO PRAY!

If we don’t need any help keeping our families safe, sound, well, fed, clothed, sheltered, and provided for in all the ways God expects folks to provide for their own … don’t pray.

If we can rely on our own strength to control our futures and can make the forces of nature work to our advantage and can manufacture the air we breathe and the keep the earth spinning and the sun shining … don’t pray.

Otherwise… WE OUGHT TO PRAY!

In PrivateIn Private

Matt. 6:6 – in a room or closetMark 1:35 – solitary placeActs 10:9 - Peter on housetopMatt. 14:23 – on a mountain

In PublicIn Public

Pray for our food – 1 Tim. 4:3-5Acts 2:42 - members met together1 Cor. 14 – public assembly

Commanded to pray - 1 Thes. 5:17

Can change the mind of God – James 5:14-16

Can relieve anxiety – 1 Pet. 5:7

It rewards – Matt. 6:6

It strengthens us - Eph. 3:14-19

It’s said that a little boy was once trying very hard to lift a heavy stone, and his father, happening by, noticed his son’s failure and asked him, Are you using all your strength?

Yes, I am! he exclaimed impatiently.

No, the father replied, you’re not: you haven’t asked me for help.

Some once wrote, Prayer is always profit-able: At night it’s our covering, and in the morning it’s our armor. Prayer should be the key of the day & the lock of the night.

It’s said that a little boy was once trying very hard to lift a heavy stone, and his father, happening by, noticed his son’s failure and asked him, Are you using all your strength?

Yes, I am! he exclaimed impatiently.

No, the father replied, you’re not: you haven’t asked me for help.

Some once wrote, Prayer is always profit-able: At night it’s our covering, and in the morning it’s our armor. Prayer should be the key of the day & the lock of the night.

Rom. 10:1 “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”

The sick in the world - Acts 28:8

Rulers - 1 Tim. 2:1-2 “For kings, and for all that are in authority;”

Erring brethren - James 5:16

Sick brethren – James 5:14

More laborers - Matt. 9:38

Faithfulness of brethren – 2 Cor. 13:7

Wisdom – Col. 1:9

Preachers – 1 Thes. 5:25

Ourselves - Physical and Spiritual needs

In Humility“Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God,” 1 Pet. 5:6-7

In Faith"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.“ Matt. 21:22

In GratitudePs. 100:4 “Be thankful to Him”

In Acceptance of God’s will“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matt. 6:10

In Unity“Continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” Acts 1:14

Speak to God every dayPray for everyone – including ourselvesPray with humility, faith, and gratitude

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14

Sermon by Arthur Pigman

Evans Church of Christ

515 Gibbs Road

Evans, Ga. 30809

706-855-1249

evanscoc@bellsouth.netevanscoc@bellsouth.net

www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org

Sunday Evening Nov. 21, 2010