The Sin of Prayerlessness
1 Samuel 12:23
Intro
Samuel, the prophet of God, considered prayerlessness as a sin against the Lord. To live a prayer less life is to be disobedient to the command of God. The spirit and habit of prayer is commanded and encouraged throughout the Bible.
READ TEXT
I. Prayerlessness is a sin against God.
a. To live a life of prayerlessness is to live a life of rebellion against God.
i. Prayer is not just an opportunity; it is a responsibility.
ii. Prayer is not just a monologue in which we express our wishes and wants to God; it is a dialogue in which we also listen to God.
iii. Through prayer God has designed to give us grace and guidance, correction and instruction as we seek to live according to his will.
b. To live a prayer less life means we neglect to check into headquarters to find out what “the Boss” wants us to do.
II. Prayerlessness is a sin against self
a. We impoverish ourselves when we neglect to pray.
i. Prayer is the divinely ordained channel through which we are to receive those things essential to carrying on the work of God.
b. Prayerlessness reveals something tragic about our spiritual heart condition.
i. Neglect of the closet of prayer indicates smug spiritual satisfaction, moral laziness, unbelief, and preoccupation with the world.
III. Prayerlessness is a sin against others.
a. When we spiritually impoverish ourselves by failing to pray, we also rob others of blessings.
b. Have you ever really wanted a vibrant faith?
i. Do you eagerly covet divine, wisdom?
ii. Do you hunger for inward strength to understand the sinful pressures about us?
iii. These are but just a few of the blessings that come as a result of prayer that affects the lives of those about us.
IV. Developing a prayerful spirit.
a. Set apart a time in your daily schedule for prayer.
b. Pray with faith until you get an answer from God.
c. Prayer about needs and problems as they arise.
d. Follow the Bible examples of prayer.
Closing
The use of credit cards has greatly increased during recent years. Some companies have issued company credit cards to certain employees. They are authorized to use these credit cards to requisition needed items for the operation of their business, but they may not use them for personal purchases.
Prayer is heaven’s company credit card by which we may requisition the things needed for living and working effectively as servants of God.
