PRAYER IS A COMMAND

THOSE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD Part 40

“Those who know their God will be strong and do great things.” Dan 11:32

WHAT DO PEOPLE DO TO KNOW GOD?

As you know, we’ve been discussing the importance of prayer. But why? Why Pray? Over the next few days, I want to give you some compelling reasons to make prayer central to your existence. First of all, in the Bible, prayer is not a good idea; prayer is a command. Look at the wording in the following scriptures regarding prayer.

1Pet 4:7 The end of all things is near, therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. In other words, during these days, we live in (the end times), the purpose of being clear-minded and self-controlled is so that we can pray.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

According to these Scriptures, prayer is not just a good idea, it deserves our devotion and faithfulness! From a young age, the prophet Samuel learned about prayer and hearing the voice of God. To him, prayer was so important that not praying for the children of Israel was unthinkable.

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.

To Jesus, prayer was not an if but when. In Luke 11:2, Jesus said, “When you pray, say: ‘Father hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.”

Prayer is like GPS; it maps out where you are headed and helps you know where to go. The great woman of the faith, Corrie ten Boom, once asked the question, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”  I am sure that Corrie did not know anything about the GPS systems of our day, but she intimately knew the power and guidance of prayer!

So, here’s my question to you today; is prayer guiding your life, or do you only pray when something is broken? Is prayer your lifestyle? Do you find yourself praying all the time? The more you understand that prayer is where God will impart to you your life’s most essential directions and instructions, the more you will desire to pray!

So, why should we pray? Well, to start things off, prayer is not just a good idea…

PRAYER IS A COMMAND