Discipline of Prayer

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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving

Introduction

1. In our previous study we defined the spiritual disciplines as

a. Spiritual exercises that one engages in habitually which bring one closer to God and thus become more godly in character and behavior

b. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, giving, etc.

2. Now we shall consider such disciplines more carefully, beginning with prayer

a. An activity in which Jesus Himself frequently practiced – Luke 5:16

b. A spiritual exercise enjoined upon Christians – Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Body

I. THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER

A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS

1. To praise God, expressing adoration

a. As indicated by the phrase “Hallowed be Your name…” – Matthew 6:9

b. As exemplified in one of David’s prayer – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

2. To pray that God’s will to be done

a. As indicated by the phrase “Your kingdom come…” – Matthew 6:10

b. As exemplified in the Lord’s own prayer – Matthew 26:39,42

3. To make requests for our daily needs

a. Such as our daily food – Matthew 6:11

b. Such as our bodily health – 3 John 2

4. To confess our sins, seeking mercy

a. Asking forgiveness, as we forgive others – Matthew 6:12

b. Assured that God will justly and faithfully cleanse through Jesus’ blood – 1 John 1:9

5. To ask for God’s providential care

a. Keeping us away from evil – Matthew 6:13

b. Directing our path if it be His will – Romans 1:9-10

6. From “The Lord’s Prayer”, we can learn much about the purpose of prayer

B. AS TAUGHT BY HIS APOSTLES

1. To express thanksgiving – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

2. To find peace in the midst of anxiety – Ph 4:6-7

3. To receive strength and boldness from God – Ephesians 3:14-16,20; 6:18-20

4. To find opportunity for service to God – Colossians 4:3

5. To receive wisdom from God – James 1:5-8

6. To intercede on behalf of others – James 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:1-2

7. From the apostles’ writings, we learn much about the purpose of prayer

There is much good that can come from prayer, both for ourselves and those for whom we pray. It is an activity in which Jesus and His apostles engaged in frequently, so now let’s consider more closely

II. THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER

A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS

1. Jesus taught the value of secret prayer

a. By precept, in His sermon on the mount – Matthew 6:5-6

b. By example, in finding solitary places to pray – Mark 1:35

2. Jesus taught the value of simple prayer

a. Many words are not necessary – Matthew 6:7

b. Our Father already knows our needs – Matthew 6:8; cf. Romans 8:26-27

3. Jesus taught the value of steadfast prayer

a. In response to His disciples’ request to teach them to pray- Luke 11:1,5-10

b. In telling them the parable of the persistent widow – Luke 18:1-8

4. Thus the discipline of prayer should include the elements of secrecy, simplicity, and steadfastness

B. AS PRACTICED BY GODLY MEN AND WOMEN

1. David, a man after God’s own heart, prayed morning, noon, and evening – Psalm 55:17

2. Daniel, a man greatly beloved by God, prayed thrice daily for many years – Daniel 6:10

3. Anna, a prophetess, served God in prayers night and day – Luke 2:36-37

4. Real widows continue in prayers night and day – 1 Timothy 5:5

5. Epaphras labored fervently in prayers for those in his church- Colossians 4:12

6. Paul prayed frequently for his brethren in other churches – Romans 1:9; Philippians 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2

7. Clearly the discipline of prayer involves a habitual, daily practice of prayer

Conclusion

1. The discipline of prayer, done habitually, is truly a spiritual exercise

a. “Prayer is the spiritual gymnasium in which we exercise and practice godliness.”

b. “…Prayer is educative. The man who prays grows; and the muscles of the soul swell from this whipcord to iron bands.”

c. The opposite is also true: “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”

2. The discipline of prayer is truly an exercise that leads to godliness

a. For Jesus, at the right hand of God, makes intercession for us – Romans 8:34

b. Indeed, Jesus always lives to make intercession – Hebrews 7:25

3. If we desire to be true disciples of Christ, if we want to become more like Him, then “The Discipline Of Prayer” is a spiritual exercise that we must engage in frequently.

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. – Matthew 14:23

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. – Mark 1:35

So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. – Luke 5:16