Sermon On The Importance Of Prayer

William Franklin Graham, (Billy Graham) the American evangelist, once remarked: "We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient." Philippians 4:6 confirms: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Prayer is our personal communication with God and is probably one of the most important aspects of life. It allows us to talk through our everyday concerns and problems that we are encountering. It allows us to seek forgiveness and offer repentance for our transgressions. 1 John 1:9 confirms: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When we have concluded our prayers directly with God, we may often feel much better in ourselves, especially if we have a troubled mind or heart. We might feel uplifted and perhaps joyous. It can bring us a sense of internal peace. We could even experience: “That feel-good factor.” Regular prayer is important in our lives. We can tell God things that we would often be reluctant to discuss with others. We can be as intimate and as personal as we like. There are absolutely no boundaries. Romans 8:26 states: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

When loved ones are suffering through illness, either in mind or body, prayer becomes of particular importance. It can help us, as much as the person we pray for. It can aid the release of tensions or worry that are within us. It will bring us closer to God.

Jesus taught us how to pray in the standard format which is related in Matthew 6:9-13. This is usually said together in our Sunday church services. However, the most important part to remember about prayer in general, is that it can increase one’s depth of faith and give us a greater understanding of the power of God’s love. John 15:7 reminds us: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

God always listens and answers every prayer we make. The result may not always be what we hope for or expect, but there will always be a reason if it is not in the affirmative. We sometimes just have to respect that not everything in life is always possible. Max Lucado, an American author, and pastor, probably summed up the importance and need for prayer in his words: "Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference."

A true story is told of a 12-year-old boy who used to visit his grandmother along with his mother each Saturday for lunch. She lived in a terraced house near Twickenham Railway Station and he always looked forward to the visit as his favorite hobby was train spotting. He was often allowed to walk to the end of the street where the main railway line was situated. He regularly conversed with the signal box keeper while the adults chatted between themselves and his grandmother prepared lunch for them all. He became friendly with the signalman and often arranged for trains approaching the station to be halted for a couple of minutes, as they came over the viaduct so that he could record the details of the locomotives in his spotters' book. During the afternoon, he regularly looked around the local shops in the town center which incorporated a large Woolworths store while his mother did the weekly food shopping. He had always desired to own a camera of his very own, as he dreamt of taking pictures of the trains that he saw, as a permanent keepsake. On a particular day, whilst he was in the store, he noticed a Kodak 127 camera on display. He liked the look of it and felt the insatiable desire to own it, but unfortunately, as his weekly allowance was somewhat limited, he did not have the required amount of money to purchase it.

He then decided to do something that he had never done before in his life and that was to steal it. He nervously looked around to see if anybody was observing him for some time, until he felt confident that no-one was, and when the coast was clear he picked up the camera and put it into his coat pocket. He also needed a film for the camera, and again stole one that fitted and put that in his pocket also. He was shaking violently throughout the procedure as these actions were totally alien to him. He then made a hasty exit from the shop and made his way down to the River Thames so that he could examine his newly acquired item in peace and quiet. He found a bench and sat down, he took the camera out of his pocket and with great pride began to view it. He was so delighted to have something in his possession that he had always wanted.