In part one of the current series on what prayer is, Pastor Paul has preached on three points. They are prayer is communication, prayer advances the Christian into another realm, and prayer is a gift for the children of God. In today’s text, three additional points will be covered on what prayer is as Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray.
Prayer is a primary weapon against Satan. In our minds, there’s a spiritual battle constantly happening. But we can also pray continuously in our minds and hearts. This is why Satan hates those who pray, and he is also afraid of those who pray. The Christian must pray unceasingly as the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen and equip us.
In the church, it is important to pray for one another. We are all on the frontlines of spiritual warfare. What helps tremendously in our battles against the flesh, sin, the world, and the evil one is prayer.
When we pray according to the will of God, that is true prayer. The Apostle Peter denied Jesus three times because he depended on his own will and thinking rather than seeking the will of God in prayer. This command is a common occurrence in Scripture (1 Jn. 3:22, 24). Those who seek obedience to God’s word will pray God’s will more often than not. In other words, how much you’re closer to the Bible determines how much you pray and if it’s according to the will of God. And when God answers prayer, God will be glorified.
A high view of God and his word produces a man of obedience and prayer. As we draw nearer to the Lord and his word, we will
Prayer is fellowship with God. There is a great calm in the hearts of those who commune with God through prayer. And in fellowship with God, we learn more about his love for us.
Private prayer and fellowship with God also result in our desire for public prayer and fellowship with the saints. If we fail in private, how can we expect to be successful publicly?
Prayer is essential and Jesus did not ever hesitate to teach his disciples how to pray. The disciples asked Jesus how to pray because they witnessed the power and success of Jesus’ own prayers. It was his prayer that helped him overcome the constant persecution and trials he faced throughout his ministry.
Jesus shows there is no replacement for human fragility, and he was not an exception (Heb. 5:7). Jesus was truly man and he bore the title of “man of sorrows”. “Just as we live in dependence upon the Father and his provisions, so did Jesus Christ” (Phil Newton). If this was true of our Lord, how much more should we pray as we are nothing but dust and clay (Gen. 2:7)? Knowing this, why don’t some Christians pray? Idolatry and worldliness deter some from praying.
Prayer is essential because it is a hallmark of a true Christian. Even though we might neglect certain things, prayer is not one of them. One thing all believers have in common is a prayerful life. Jesus knew he prayed to the living Father as we should (1 Thess. 1:9).
“I do say this. That not praying is a clear proof that a person is not yet a true Christian. They cannot really feel their sins. They cannot love God. They cannot feel themselves a debtor to Christ. They cannot long after holiness. They cannot desire heaven. They have yet to be born again. They have yet to be made a new creature. They may boast confidently of election, grace, faith, hope, and knowledge, and deceive ignorant people. But you may rest assured it is all vain talk if they do not pray” (J.C. Ryle).
Christians are the temple of God where prayer is always occurring. In other words, true Christians pray. God gifts every believer with the ability to pray in the Spirit to him. Christians are not only able to pray to God but they are also commanded to pray unceasingly (1 Thess. 5:16). Therefore, a life of prayer is a hallmark of all believers as they become the temple of God when they are saved.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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