Discipleship

I. The importance of prayer for the Christian is established in two words, "Jesus prayed." He was "the man of prayer."

1. In prayer Jesus was equipped and empowered for service (Luke 3:21-22,5: 15).

2. In prayer Jesus called and sent His disciples (Luke 6:12-13, 10:2, 22:44-51).

3. In prayer His glory was revealed to others (Luke 9:18-20, II Cor. 3:18).

4.In prayer Jesus was strengthened to do the Father's will (Luke 11:1; 22:39-46).

5. In prayer Jesus overcame death (Matthew 27:45-46; Luke 23:46; Hebrews 5:7).

6.Jesus is now praying for us (Luke 22:31-32; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

II. Jesus taught His disciples to pray as He prayed (Luke 11:1-13, 10:2, John 14:12-14, Luke 18:1, 22:46, Phil. 1:19-21, Acts 7:60).

III. The purpose of prayer is to relate to God as Father, Jesus as Friend, the Holy Spirit as Helper and to receive all that God desires to give and do.

(Luke 11:1-13).

IV. Some suggestions for personal conversation with the Father

1. Give prayer priority. Jesus did. (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12, 22:39-46).

2. Have a place for prayer. Jesus did. (Luke 4:42, 22:39).

3. Pray with an open Bible. (John 15:7; I John 5:14) .

4.Pray with an open, forgiving heart. (Matthew 6:9-15, 18:21-35; Mark 11 :25, 6)

5. Pray definitely for specific requests. (Mark 10:46-52; Philippians 4:6)

6. Pray persistently. (Matthew 26:36-46)

7. Pray freely and fully. Pour out your heart. (Matthew 27:45-46).

8. When prayer seems unreal or difficult, pray audibly.

9. Pray expectantly and thankfully. (Luke 11:9-13; Philippians 4:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:18).

10. Pray in the strong name of Jesus Christ. (John 14:13-14) On the ground of His merit and purpose for His sake because we are His and bear His name.

11. Let Christ pray through you. (Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 7:25). Ask His to do what you think He wants done - in you, in others, in the world.

12. Pray with others. (Matthew 18:19-20; Acts 1:14, 2:1, 13:1-3). "Prayer is more caught than taught" through association with intercessors. The power of united prayer.