The Measure Of Our Prayers Series

THE MEASURE OF OUR PRAYERS

This morning, we continue our sermon series with today’s message, ‘The Measure of Our Prayers.’ One of the things God will surely measure, is our prayer life.

Prayer is so powerful that it can reach the whole world and the fruit it produces will last forever. One day in eternity, God will show us the impact our prayers had, or could have had, if we had only prayed. Prayer is much like sowing and reaping. If you sow nothing, you reap nothing. But, the more you sow, the more you reap. When you pray, you are sowing for eternity, and one day, God will show you the eternal fruit that your prayers produced.

With those thoughts in mind, let’s stand together and open our Bible to…

1 Thessalonians 5:17 …pray without ceasing…

GOD WILL MEASURE YOUR PRAYERS

Not only is it God’s will that you pray, but it is God’s desire that you pray without ceasing.

To pray without ceasing is to live with an attitude of prayer that is constantly thinking upon God and His word. To pray without ceasing is an investment of your time in prayer.

Many Christians have bought into the idea that prayer is only for the super saints. But that is so not true. The Bible clearly teaches that every believer, including you, has the God given ability to pray. Our prayers are so important that one day in eternity, God will pull back the curtain and show you the impact your investment to pray, had on eternity.

One of the great truths so many Christians miss, is to whom we pray. Jesus said when we pray, we are to pray to our Father in heaven. Who is our Father in heaven?

Our Father in heaven is the almighty God of heaven and earth who set the earth in its place. He holds the stars in His hand, and calls each of them by name. He is all-powerful, and all-knowing. He is the mighty God who is from everlasting to everlasting and yet, as mighty as He is, God cannot answer a prayer, that has not been prayed. How important is it to pray?

Consider that just hours before His trial and crucifixion, that out of all that Jesus could have said; out of all that He could have done, Jesus chose to spend His final hours in prayer.

Every major decision in Jesus’ life, was clothed with prayer. The point is, if Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, believed prayer was absolutely necessary, how much more should you and I pray? Look at this way… Not everyone is called to be a pastor, a Sunday School teacher, or a missionary, but every believer… is called to pray.

More than at any time in history, our society is in desperate need of prayer. God’s divine timetable for the ages is racing toward great prophetic events. The signs of the tribulation and of Christ’s return are upon us. And as we watch the end of days unfold before our eyes, it is vital that we pray and be a people of prayer. Again… God cannot answer a prayer that has not been prayed. In Jesus name, I encourage you to pray.

DECIDING TO PRAY…

When it comes to prayer, you have two choices. You either choose to pray, or you choose not to pray, and the decision, is yours to make. In Matthew 6, Jesus said “When you pray…”

Not if you pray, or if you get around to pray, but when you pray. It is God’s divine will that you pray and live a life of prayer. To achieve greatness in prayer, you first have to pray.

Your decision to pray, or not to pray, is one of the greatest decisions of your life. Prayer is so important and holds such great potential, that your failure to pray will have serious eternal consequences. Your prayers are eternal… and will have an impact on eternity.

However, God will not force you to pray. You either choose to pray, or you choose not to pray.

That decision stood before me 35 plus years ago. I knew prayer was important, but I struggled to pray. I prayed from time to time and whenever I needed to. But I did not set prayer as a vital part of my life.

Then one day the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to my lack of seriousness to pray and that I was missing the will of God by not praying. About that same time, I saw a sign that deeply moved my soul. The sign said; “He who kneels before God can stand before any man.”

When I read those words, I knew God was speaking me. I knew the Lord was calling me to pray, but I didn’t know where to start. So, I sincerely prayed, “Lord, teach me to pray.” Show me how to pray in a way that moves your heart. That prayer began a journey that has lasted to this day. I made a decision to pray and that decision has had a huge impact on my life.