Do you realize the Disciples did not ask Jesus to teach them how to preach, teach or even  to cast out demons, but said unto Him, "Lord teach us to pray."

     "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one  of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, . . . And He said unto them, When  ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom  come, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread.  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us  not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." Luke 11:1-4

 Prayer is Communication:
 Hearing and being heard.

A. What is prayer?

  1. Prayer is simply a talk with my friend.   Prayer is not a magic encantation or      positive mental attitude, we must understand that prayer is  a conversation      between us and God.  

  Often we forget that Jesus desires to have a relationship with each of us individually.  It is  all to easy to rush off and attend to those things that press upon each day...the kids, the  bills, work, deadlines even church and ministry can come before we take time out to listen  to the precious voice of God. 

 Yet our Lord desires with a passionate longing that we look to Him first!  You see it is His  deep love for us that purchased for us the privilage to commune with Him and to be  transformed by our prayerful encounters with God.  

 Many times our only communications with Him are in times of need and distress . . . "Help  me O! God!" we cry, and true to His mercy and grace he once again answers our prayers. 

 Many of us know that God answers prayer but few truly know the God who answers  prayer.  Consider the following poem and think about how much God desires for each of  us to respond to His great love through the privilaged and   intimate relationship of prayer.   Let each one of us offer the Lord an "invitation" to be a part of our  lives today.

The Invitation

You served breakfast on the beach, 
broke bread with thousands, 
sat a hillside picnic,  celebratedat the marriage in Cana.
Exciting events ---all of these.
But this morning it's only me on an ordinary Monday
requesting the honor of your presence
at my kitchen table for coffee
and conversation.
Comfort comes in knowing you require
neither feasts nor crowds
--- only an invitation.

 2. Prayer is Powerful.  Prayer coupled together with the Name of Jesus is the most      powerful force in this present world.  Prayer binds the forces of the enemy and      can loose the hearts and minds of men to hear the voice of God.

        ". . . and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of  a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are,  and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the  space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain,  and the earth brought forth her fruit."
 - James 5:16-18

 3. Prayer is the sincere desire of the heart made known to God.

  "Praying always will all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto    with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"  Eph. 6:18

 4. It is a natural relationship between the Father in heaven and earthly sons. (see    Luke 11:5-11).

 5. The basic principles of prayer are suggested in Psalm 143.
  a. "Cause me to hear...in the morning" (verse 8). 
  b. "Cause me to know the way...I should walk" (verse 8).
  c. "Quicken me...for thy name's sake" (verse 11).

 B. Why/how should we pray?

 1. It is commanded: "pray without ceasing" (I Thess 5:17).

 2. Possessions are "sanctified" with prayer.
 
  "For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer."
  -I Tim 4:5

 3. Man needs contact with God like vegetation needs contact with the sun.

 4. "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they      shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them. . ."      (Matt. 21:22).

 5. The joy of prayer: Praise and joy are also to be a predominant part of prayer. Joy can     be evidence of faith and of confidence in God's plan, promise and power. ". . Being     confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it     until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).

 6. You pray so that he will send you into the harvest. "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the     harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matt. 9:38). Satan does not     want you to know your potential in PRAYER. In your prayer life, it is life and death that    comes out of your mouth.

 C. Focus your prayer.

 1. Unity: Among leadership (different ministries within the church) congregation ". . . all      with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1).

 2. Revival: Sometimes we do things for the wrong reasons/motives. We must do it for     God. Revival is the result of unity.

 3. Pastor and family: He must lead us (quickest way to pastor is family).

 4. Wisdom and understanding: Wisdom to know when to speak and when not to speak.     Understanding, be compassionate, have mercy with people (i.e. always late, kids     misbehaving, negative, etc.).

 5. Holy boldness. Step out on a limb with God. Trust Him with your prayer. ". . . yet ye     have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2).

 6. Spontaneous prayer: over phone, in lobby, parking lot, etc., just pray. They are asking     NOW! JUST DO IT!