Intro: The word PRAYER as used in the largest sense includes all forms of communion with God; it embraces worship, praise, thanksgiving, supplication and intercession. The importance of prayer can be measured only by the prominence given it in the scriptures. There are over 33,000 promises in the Bible that we can claim only through prayer.

I. The Importance of Prayer:

The importance of prayer can be seen in the reason and necessity of it. The christian life cannot be sustained without it., for it is the Christian's vital breath.

The reason for Prayer:

[1]. Because it is right - (Lk. 18:1) "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." It is God's revealed will for His people to pray (Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17) and obedience thereto make it necessary. We are obliged to pray because of the example set by Christ ,Himself.
[2]. Because it is sinful to neglect it - (1 Sam. 12:23) "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." In not praying for others we not only wrong them, but it is a sin against God. Many sinful results come into our lives because we have not prayed, or not have prayed as we ought to.
[3]. Because Neglect of Prayer Grieves God - (Isa. 43:21,22) Prayerlessness is the wrong attitude for man in regards to God, therefore, such an attitude grieves God.
[4]. Because Prayer is The Medium of God's Blessings - (Matt. 7:11) Prayer is one of the appointed ways of God to bestow blessings upon us. And there are many things which God gives and the Christian receives only thru prayer.
[5]. Because it is Essential to Victory Over The Forces of Evil - (Eph. 6:12-18) We are in spiritual warfare with the forces of evil, and prayer brings the power we need for victory.
[6]. Because of The Emphasis Given to it By The Apostles, early Church - (Acts 6:4) They regarded prayer as one of the two most important things to receive their time and attention - the ministry of the Word, and prayer. The ministry of the Word, without prayer, leads to formalism; while prayer, without the ministry of the Word, leads to fanaticism.

 

II. Person Addressed, Time and Place:

Person Addressed: The Bible teaches that prayer is to be made to the Father (Acts 12:5) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18). The goal of prayer is the ear of God.

Time: At certain periods - regularly (Ps. 55:16,17); early in the morning (Mk. 1:35); at meals (1 Tim. 4:4,5); at night (Lk. 6:12); in times of trouble (Ps. 50:15); special occasions (Lk. 22:39-46); always (Eph. 6:18).

Place: In private (Matt. 6:6); amid nature (Matt. 14:23); at church (Jn. 17:1); before the unsaved (Acts 16:25); in public (Acts 27:35); everywhere (1 Tim. 2:8).

Manner: Standing (Mk. 11:25); kneeling ( 1 Kings 8:54) on knees and elbows; David prayed lying on his bed (Ps. 63:6); on face (Matt. 26:39); Peter prayed on the water (Matt. 14:30); the thief on the cross (Lk. 23:42).

The Bible sanctions no special bodily position in prayer, for the soul may be in prayer regardless of the body. However, recognition of God by bowed heads, and kneeling, etc. is in accordance to the attitude of the soul.

Worst and Best - (Luke 18:10-14) (See Acts 10)