Will You Pray?

Today's bible readings are Genesis 20:1-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, & Proverbs 2:16-22

I talked with a lady on the phone yesterday who was struggling with things that were happening in her son’s life. She was consumed by the situation & was looking for someone to give her hope. I had never met this lady before but she knew I was a pastor so she called to get some pastoral advice.

During the course of our conversation I asked her what she thought about prayer. I don't know if she was ready for a question like that but it is the one the Spirit told me to ask her. I then proceeded to tell her what God's Word says about prayer.

In one of our readings today we see the impact that prayer can have when a Christian does it.

Genesis 20:17

¹⁷ Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, so they could have children.

Abimelech represent so many people that we come into contact with on a daily basis. He was experiencing death in his life because he was far from God. He was as lost as a person could be.
Even though he was a king who appeared to have it all together, he didn’t have the most important thing—a heart connection with God.  He was surely going to die, as well as, his family & servants.
But then we see what the prayers of a righteous man can do. Abraham prayed & the hand f God touched & healed Abimelech & his household. As a result of Abraham standing the gap for a people who knew not God, they were saved.

What a beautiful picture that should move us all to pray for those that are lost. God is looking for people just like Abraham who will see the sin sickness in the lives of lost people & be moved to a place of prayer.

It is easy to complain & gossip about things. It is much more difficult to actually do something to help the matter & pray. Gossiping about a person or devouring others with our words has never accomplished God’s will for the situation BUT PRAYER HAS EVERY TIME!

I want to challenge you right now to stop & pray about that situation that has you frustrated. How about that person that you know who is really hurting? What about that co-worker who is going through a divorce? How about that family member who is drinking again?

1.     Who do you know of that desperately needs a miracle?

2.     Are there any people that come to mind that you know do not have a relationship with Jesus?

3.     What situations can you think of right now that only God can change?

PRAY!    PRAY!!    PRAY!!!

Why should we pray?

1. It is our duty. (Matt. 6:5)
2. Why not pray? (Phil. 4:6)
3. Prayer makes things happen. (James 5:16)
4. If we don't pray nobody will. (Eze. 22:30)
5. God is waiting for us to pray. (2 Chron. 7:14)

I believe that it is time for the church to start praying God-sized prayers. That is when we will see God-sized results. I double dare you to take off the restraints & pray like anything can happen. Start dreaming big & praying bigger! Then, sit back & watch the greatness of our God!!!

 

Pastor Richard