How many of you try to read the daily newspaper?
How many of you try to watch the morning or evening News on T.V.?
For those who answered yes...what do you think??? How is our country looking to you?
I believe that the majority of people who live in our country are unhappy with the way it has turned out?
If you know anything about U.S. history...you know that when America was established...it was established around Godly principles.
But unfortunately throughout the years...God has slowly been removed from the big picture.
Because of this...We can see the effects of what our country has become.
We are all living in a Nation that is God-less...Judgmental...and self-focused.
Because of this some of the things we read about in the newspaper or hear on the news...break our Hearts.
And knowing it breaks our hearts...what do you think it does to God’s?
What if I told you today...that there was one thing... that each of us could do that would help to encourage God’s heart?
Would you be willing to help? (Take out you wallets...just kidding) (Sounds like the IRS doesn’t it?)
What is one thing that the world cannot take away from us?
It’s the opportunity of a relationship with the God who created us…and our ability to speak with Him thru prayer.
One thing I know about serving and trusting in God is this...He does want us to pray to Him.
Praying is one thing that every person can do...
It doesn’t matter if you’re a young child or a senior saint…
Prayer still has the power to change lives... and the world as we know it.
Question.
How many of you are willing to admit that you pray to God on a regular basis?
One thing I do is when I’m eating out in a public restaurant... I watch to see who takes the time to thank God for the food He has blessed them with.
One thing that I have noticed while being a Pastor is this...
Most people don’t pray...
I believe most people struggle with prayer for two reasons...they either don’t know why to pray or they don’t know how to pray?
So for the next few minutes I want to talk about the reasons why most people don’t pray.
The first reason most people don’t pray is because they don’t know...
First...Why they should Pray?
James 5:16...clearly explains to us the reason why we should pray...
”So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.”
One of the main reasons our country is in the condition it is in today is because people don’t pray for each other.
People have become over saturated with selfish desires rather than compassionate desires…
People have become more consumed with themselves rather than being concerned with others.
A person can’t turn on the radio...pick up a newspaper...or turn on the TV without hearing about trying times.
Why would you want to pray? I can probably think of a few reasons...
-Our country is in the worst financial condition it has ever been in...(Feb. 11th 2013....15.9 trillion dollars)
-There are millions of homeless and hungry people in the world... ([1.5–1.9] million people died of AIDS-related illnesses worldwide in 2011 )
-Americans are more concerned with fighting for gays rights than Godly principles...(Nov. 7th 2012...9 states allow )
-And thousands of churches are being forced to close their doors because people don’t believe that God exists or cares for them?
I ask again...Why should you pray? If the reasons aren’t clear enough...Here is the reason...
James 5:16...“The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness”
Your prayers have the power to change people lives.
Prayer...is a person’s direct lifeline to God. It’s the way to communicate with God!
(Praying to God is a simple as face booking...twittering...face timing...or even as simple as texting).
All God wants from you is a relationship with Him.
And the only way a relationship exists...is through communication.
I have counseled dozens of couples with marriage problems.
And the number one reason they find themselves sitting in my office is lack of communication.
Plain and simple…
If you know God...talk to Him...If you do-not know God...then begin a relationship with Him.
The 2nd reason most people don’t pray is because they don’t know...
2nd...How to Pray?
Many people believe that prayer is only heard by God if...
-there are on their knees -or looking up towards heaven... -or face down on the ground... -or holding up hands... -or doing it where everyone can see
The problem with pray today is...Traditions and Customs have become a barrier between man and his relationship with God.
Prayer was never intended to be difficult. It was intended to be personal and intentional.
Philippians 4:6... “ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Daniel was one of the many people who didn’t let traditions and customs get in-between him and his God.
Even when Nebuchadnezzar said you shall not worship any other God but me.
Daniel was found in his room praying to God three times a day…not fearing what man might say or do to him.
All God asks from us is to have a relationship with him.
And just as the married couples success rides on their communication with each other.
Your relationship with God rides on your prayer relationship you have with Him.
God wants to reveal the love He has for you but in order to receive the blessings He has in store for you…you first need to act.
The Bible tells us when we pray...pray with great expectations...
-When you pray...do it expecting great things to happen.
I have personally seen God remove cancer from a child…because people prayed asking God to remove the disease.
I have seen God rebuild marriages that both husband and wife thought was past the point of repair.
God answers those who pray.................
-The parting of the red sea (Israelites) -a young boy who slayed a giant (David) -3 people walking out unharmed from a fiery furnace (Shad, Mesh, & Abed) -or spending all night in a lion’s den (Daniel) -Paul and Silas freed from jail
There is nothing too large or too small that you shouldn’t ask God for help with.
Pray expecting God to do great things…And He will
Prayer is your lifeline to God....
Knowing what I know now...I cannot imagine trying to go through this life without God’s as my friend.
I hope and Pray that God is yours.
