The Importance of Prayer
The Importance of Prayer19
Tendencies to Be Avoided
By E.M. Bounds0PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the critical role of prayer in the life of a preacher, warning against two extremes: isolation from the people and excessive popularity. He illustrates that true ministry requires a deep, fervent prayer life that connects the preacher with God and the congregation. Bounds argues that without prayer, a preacher risks becoming a heartless professional or a mere entertainer, lacking the divine power necessary for effective ministry. He stresses that prayer should not be a mere duty but a vital part of a preacher's life, shaping their character and effectiveness. Ultimately, Bounds concludes that a preacher's ability to communicate God's message hinges on their commitment to prayer.
When to Pray
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 14:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:15LUK 6:12R.A. Torrey emphasizes the significance of timing in prayer, drawing from Jesus' example of praying early in the morning, all night, before and after significant events, during busy times, and before facing temptations. He highlights that the early morning is ideal for prayer as it allows for focus and sanctifies the day ahead. Torrey encourages believers to prepare for life's crises through dedicated prayer and to maintain a constant communion with God, especially during busy periods. He warns against neglecting prayer after achievements, as it can lead to pride and loss of power. Ultimately, Torrey calls for a life of continuous prayer, reflecting Jesus' model.
The Call to Prayer
By Mike Bickle1950:361TH 5:16Mike Bickle emphasizes the vital call to prayer, highlighting its role as a two-way conversation with God that transforms both the individual and the world. He discusses the importance of intentionality in developing a prayer life, noting that prayer is not merely a duty but a delightful partnership with the uncreated God who desires relationship with His people. Bickle encourages believers to grow in prayer, asserting that it is essential for spiritual well-being and the fulfillment of one's calling. He also points out that prayer is a means of participating in God's work on earth, inviting believers to engage in the divine dialogue that shapes history. Ultimately, Bickle inspires the congregation to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, assuring them that even weak prayers can ascend in power through faith.
A Call to Prayer
By J.C. Ryle0PHP 4:61TH 5:17J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, urging believers to reflect on their personal prayer habits. He argues that prayer is essential for salvation, spiritual growth, and maintaining a close relationship with God. Ryle warns that neglecting prayer can lead to spiritual backsliding and a lack of true happiness. He encourages Christians to pray earnestly, regularly, and with faith, highlighting that prayer is a means of accessing God's grace and strength. Ultimately, Ryle's message is a heartfelt call for all to engage in sincere and consistent prayer as a vital aspect of their faith.
A Praying Saviour
By J.C. Ryle0MRK 1:35J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of private prayer in the life of Jesus, illustrating how even the sinless Son of God prioritized communion with His Father. He argues that if Christ, who was perfect, found it essential to pray, how much more should we, who are flawed, engage in prayer. Ryle warns against the dangers of being prayerless, asserting that a true Christian cannot exist without a prayerful life. He also highlights Jesus' mission as a preacher, underscoring the importance of preaching in spreading the Gospel and nurturing faith. Ultimately, Ryle calls believers to honor the office of preaching, recognizing it as a vital means of grace and spiritual growth.
The Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-13
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 17:1R.A. Torrey explores the profound event of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where He reveals His divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah, emphasizing the significance of this moment as a fulfillment of prophecy and a testament to Christ's true nature. The sermon highlights the importance of prayer, the recognition of Jesus' supremacy over the law and the prophets, and the conscious state of departed saints who are interested in Christ's mission. Torrey also discusses the disciples' reactions and the divine confirmation of Jesus as the beloved Son, urging believers to heed His words. Ultimately, the message underscores the necessity of understanding Jesus' suffering as a precursor to His glory and the importance of sharing the revelation of Christ with others.
Evening Thoughts - January
By Octavius Winslow0DEU 33:25JOB 9:11PSA 34:18PSA 42:8PSA 141:2ISA 44:21MAT 17:8ACT 16:301CO 2:2REV 8:3Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness as we enter a new year, encouraging believers to trust in His unwavering support through life's uncertainties. He reminds us that Christ's grace and presence are sufficient for our needs, urging us to approach God with a broken and contrite heart, seeking His mercy and strength. Winslow highlights the necessity of prayer and self-examination, asserting that true faith is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, who is our mediator and source of life. He calls for a continual dedication to God, emphasizing that our lives should reflect our commitment to Him, living not for ourselves but for His glory.
A Dumb Devil
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 34:15MAT 6:6ROM 12:12PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:16Thomas Brooks emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the life of a believer, asserting that those who do not pray are forsaken by God, blinded by Satan, and hardened in sin. He warns that prayerlessness leads to a state of spiritual danger, exposing individuals to various judgments. Brooks illustrates the absurdity of only seeking God in times of crisis, highlighting that true worship includes consistent prayer. He concludes that a lack of prayer signifies a lack of grace, urging believers to cultivate a prayerful life.
Letter: 19f 42 Mr E Maylan, Geneva, October 8th, 1840
By John Nelson Darby02CO 12:9PHP 4:6John Nelson Darby reflects on his recent experiences and the challenges of faith, expressing concern over a perceived loss of energy in his service to God. He acknowledges the hindrances posed by Satan and the importance of prayer in sustaining spiritual work. Despite personal struggles, he finds comfort in the blessings occurring in various communities and emphasizes the need for encouragement among believers. Darby also touches on the topic of church ruin, recognizing it as a burden but affirming God's sustaining love and the joy found in fellowship. He concludes with a call for unity and freedom in matters of conscience, particularly regarding baptism.
John 20, Acts 2
By Peter Brandon551:45JHN 20:19Peter Brandon shares insights from John 20 and Acts 2, emphasizing the transformative power of the resurrection of Christ. He illustrates how Jesus' appearances changed sorrow into joy, barrenness into fruitfulness, and fear into peace, highlighting the importance of prayer in experiencing God's presence. Brandon encourages believers to recognize that nothing can keep out a resurrected Christ, who can penetrate even the closed doors of our hearts. He also reflects on the significance of the ninth hour of prayer, linking it to the power of the Holy Spirit and the unity of believers. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to prayer as a means to witness God's movement in the church.
"Where Are You?"
By David Wilkerson0GEN 3:9PSA 145:18JER 29:12MAT 6:6PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16REV 3:1REV 3:4David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of prayer for Christians, warning that neglecting this vital connection with God can lead to spiritual death, much like the church in Sardis. He highlights that while believers may still be saved, a lack of prayer can result in a defiled and careless spiritual life. Wilkerson draws parallels between Adam's hiding from God in the Garden of Eden and modern Christians who fail to seek fellowship with their Father. He urges believers to recognize the cost of their access to God, which was paid by Jesus' sacrifice, and to return to their secret place of prayer to restore their spiritual vitality.
Let Me Speak, Lastly, to Those Who Do Pray
By J.C. Ryle0GEN 24:12GEN 32:11PSA 119:145ECC 5:2MRK 11:24ACT 12:152CO 12:8PHP 4:6COL 4:2HEB 5:7J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of prayer in the life of a believer, urging Christians to approach prayer with reverence, humility, and earnestness. He highlights the necessity of praying spiritually and regularly, while also encouraging perseverance and boldness in our requests to God. Ryle warns against the dangers of formality and encourages specificity in prayer, advocating for intercession and thankfulness as essential components. He concludes by stressing the importance of watchfulness over our prayer life, asserting that it reflects the state of our spiritual health. Ryle's heartfelt desire is for Christians to cultivate a spirit of prayerfulness in their lives and in the church.
A Work of Absolute Necessity
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 51:10MAT 6:6LUK 18:1ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16Thomas Brooks emphasizes the absolute necessity of private prayer in the life of a believer. He explains that private prayer is essential for cultivating and maintaining a holy heart, revealing and combating sin, and enhancing our spiritual grace. Through prayer, believers are equipped to face temptations, afflictions, and fulfill their duties in service to God. Brooks highlights that prayer not only strengthens our relationship with God but also prepares us for the challenges of life.
Thou Restrainest Prayer Before God.
By F.B. Meyer0JOB 15:4PSA 127:1MAT 6:6ACT 2:42EPH 6:18COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 10:25JAS 5:161PE 4:7F.B. Meyer emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the life of a believer, highlighting how Job's friends mistakenly assumed his suffering was due to secret sin, while many Christians today similarly neglect private, social, and family prayer. He warns that restraining prayer leads to spiritual famine and a lack of connection with God, as believers often prioritize work for the Lord over personal communion with Him. Meyer calls for a return to dedicated prayer practices, urging individuals to create time for intercession and to gather with others in prayer, as well as to establish family worship as a cornerstone of home life.
Prayer
By J.C. Ryle0ISA 55:6HOS 14:2MAT 7:7LUK 18:1JHN 6:37ACT 9:11ROM 8:26PHP 4:61TI 2:8JAS 5:13J.C. Ryle emphasizes the paramount importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, asserting that it is essential for salvation and a hallmark of true faith. He argues that prayer is often neglected despite its necessity, and that a consistent prayer life is crucial for spiritual growth and holiness. Ryle warns that neglecting prayer can lead to backsliding and spiritual stagnation, while diligent prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God and brings peace amidst life's troubles. He encourages believers to approach prayer with earnestness, specificity, and thankfulness, highlighting that true prayer is a heartfelt communication with God. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a revival of prayer in the lives of Christians, urging them to recognize its power and necessity.
Continue in Prayer
By C.H. Spurgeon0GEN 4:26PSA 55:17LUK 18:1ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:161PE 5:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the vital role of prayer in the life of a believer, illustrating how prayer is woven throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. He highlights various biblical figures who exemplified a life of prayer, underscoring that prayer is essential for spiritual vitality and communion with God. Spurgeon warns that a prayerless life indicates a lack of true relationship with Christ, urging believers to recognize their need for God's mercy and guidance. He encourages Christians to make prayer a priority, seeking holiness, humility, and a deeper connection with Christ. The overarching message is to 'Continue in prayer' as a foundational practice for spiritual growth and service.
The Danger of Neglecting Prayer
By David Wilkerson0PSA 34:10PSA 138:3PRO 15:29MAT 6:33HEB 2:3David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, highlighting how many believers often turn to worldly solutions instead of seeking God first. He reminds us of the promises in Scripture that assure us of God's attentiveness to our prayers and the strength He provides in times of trouble. Wilkerson warns against the danger of neglecting prayer, urging Christians to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly distractions. He encourages believers to seek the Lord earnestly, assuring them that they will not lack any good thing when they do so. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to prayer as a means of recognizing God's voice and guidance in our lives.
My Sheep Hear My Voice
By Shane Idleman1852:53PSA 32:8PSA 37:4ISA 30:21JER 29:11MAT 7:7JHN 10:27JHN 16:13ROM 8:14JAS 1:22REV 3:22Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning God's voice amidst the chaos and confusion of today's world, reminding us that true Christians, as described in John 10:27, will hear and follow His voice. He discusses the necessity of positioning ourselves correctly to hear God, which involves building a relationship with Him through prayer and obedience to His Word. Idleman warns against the distractions of social media and conspiracy theories that can lead us away from God's truth, urging believers to focus on scripture and genuine spiritual counsel. He highlights the need for patience and discernment in decision-making, encouraging the congregation to seek God's will actively. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of prayer and a return to the foundational truths of scripture to navigate the moral decline in society.
The Vine and the Branches 4 the Fruit of the Fruit
By Omri Jenkins1.4K54:07ISA 53:11JHN 15:1ROM 5:5PHP 4:19JAS 5:16Omri Jenkins expresses gratitude to the congregation for their support and prayers, emphasizing the loneliness of the pulpit and the importance of the Holy Spirit as a minister's true companion. He reflects on John 15, where Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and believers as branches, urging the congregation to abide in Christ to bear fruit. Jenkins warns against superficial faith, encouraging self-examination to ensure true connection with Christ, and highlights that genuine fruitfulness leads to effective prayer and glorification of God. He concludes by discussing the joy and love that come from abiding in Christ, which not only brings joy to believers but also glorifies God.