A Time Of Prayer Series

“A Time Of Prayer”

Acts 3:1

We will just look at one verse today.

How important is prayer in your life?

Is it important enough to set time aside so that we may pray?

Or is prayer just something we do when there is an urgent need like and accident, sickness, distress, or any on a number of emergencies?

I find it interesting that Peter and John are going together to pray.

- I see nothing wrong with private prayer.

- There is nothing wrong with a quiet place to pray.

- Equally there is nothing wrong with house prayer meetings.

But in our text none of those times are mentioned.

They went to the Temple “At the hour of prayer.”

I believe if we are to see the Lord work here, it will be a direct result of prayer.

What is Prayer?

What is NOT prayer?

Where should we pray?

How often should we pray?

So before we see the action of Peter and John let’s just focus today on this simple yet complex subject of PRAYER.

The word prayer is found 107 times in the King James Bible, with the book of Psalms mentioning it the most with 30 occurrences. The related word "pray" is found an additional 306 times, with the book of Genesis recording it 46 times.

I. What Prayer is

What is the definition of prayer?

Prayer, in the Old Testament, is derived from several Hebrew words which mean intercession, supplication or to intervene.

Prayer, In the New Testament, the word means a petition, request, supplication, or prayer addressed to God.

So prayer is not just “talking with God.”

It is not the same as a typical conversation we would have with a person face-to-face.

It is the process by which we make our requests known to our heavenly Father.

Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

It is also the means by which we can worship and be in awe of our Creator and Saviour.

God’s response to our request can take many forms, and can occur at any time, but I have never heard an audible voice.

Rather I have found His Word sufficient to be HIS voice and response.

Most prayers that I have heard include a list of wants and wishes that we each carry and desire that God would somehow manifest a divine answer that we are waiting for.

The most sacred, hollowed time of prayer is when very little is said and that I simply desired to be with Christ.

Paul told us “to be careful for nothing” = to understand this means to quit being anxious about things in this present life.

It does not mean we quit caring about this present time but that we measure our request in the thought of the eternal.

Do we pray for the sick yes, but in the eternal thought the physical means very little.

Do we pray for our families? Yes, but we ought to pray for the eternal position of our families; are that saved?

Do we pray for our food and lodging? Yes but remember we are just passing through to the eternal presence of a Holy God and what we eat or drink is of little eternal meaning.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

The closer we get to real prayer the concerns of this world seem to just fade away!

II. What Is The Purpose Of Prayer?

Prayer is the means by which we acknowledge and strengthen our relationship with our Saviour and we seek out His will for our lives.

We are told in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Prayer is the path in which we can honestly confess our sins, ask forgiveness and cry out to God for help in overcoming the fight in the flesh and trials of life.

I wonder how many expect a great day, as we understand it, because we have prayed?

When was the last time that you accused God of not listening because what you wanted is not what you received?

I have seen and know of many who will look into the heavens and ask God why He is punishing them.

It may occur to some that when the Lord brings difficulties that God may be getting our attention or helping us to grow?

Prayer is also the way we can petition our Saviour for the benefit and blessing of others, even those who use and persecute us. Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”