1. Prayer Life Of a Christian
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
Luke 18:1

2. The Words Nouns Verbs - a petition - a wish - to beg - to ask
- to wish
- to invoke
To express to God the fulfillment of a desire.

3. WHEN
Should Christians
Pray?

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. WHERE
Should Christians
Pray?

9. In Private In Public Matt. 6:6 – in a room or closet
Mark 1:35 – solitary place
Acts 10:9 - Peter on housetop
Matt. 14:23 – on a mountain
In Public
Pray for our food – 1 Tim. 4:3-5
Acts 2:42 - members met together
1 Cor. 14 – public assembly

10. WHY
Should Christians
Pray?

11. Why Pray ? 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

12. 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.

13. WHO
Should Christians
Pray For?

14. People of the world
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;”

15. Everyone in the church 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

16. HOW
Should Christians
Pray?

17. In Humility In Faith In Gratitude
“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 Gratitude
Ps. 100:4 “Be thankful to Him”

18. 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

19. Prayer Life Of a Christian Speak to God every day
Pray for everyone – including ourselves
Pray 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

20. Sermon by Arthur Pigman
Evans Church of Christ
515 Gibbs Road
Evans, Ga
Sunday Evening Nov. 21, 2010