What is the benefit of Prayer ? What is Prayer ? “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1 “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes. 5:17 “Continue in prayer” Col. 4:2 What is the benefit of Prayer ?

Prayer is a shield to the Soul Defensive armour “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41 “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:” Mt. 6:13

Prayer is a shield to the Soul Defensive armour Temptation is the lure of Satan World is full of pleasures of sin Must not yield to the temptation With every temptation there is an exit We need this shield at all times

Prayer is a Scourge to the Devil Offensive armour Resist and he will flee - James 4:7 ~ Resist = stand against ~ Flee = run away, vanish Matt. 4:1-11 - Jesus resisted

Prayer is a Scourge to the Devil Offensive armour Draw close to God – James 4:8 “The Closer we get to God the harder it is for the Devil to tempt us.” Ask to deliver – Matt. 6:13

Prayer is a Scourge to the Devil Offensive armour Devil is tricky and powerful- 1 Peter 5:8 Put on the whole armour - Ephesians 6:11 Prayer is part of the armour – Ephesians 6:18 If we do not scourge the devil through prayer, he will scourge us through sin !

Prayer is a Sacrifice to God Old Testament = Animal sacrifices Prayer is like a sacrifice I give myself unto prayer Ps. 109:4 Acts 10:4 - prayers come up before God

Prayer is a Sacrifice to God How will this help us ? Help us to resist the devil Help us to live better Help us to do more for the church.

What is Prayer ? Shield to the Soul = Protects Scourge to the Devil = Destroys Sacrifice to God = Pleases

What is Prayer ? How is your Prayer Life ? “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1 How is your Prayer Life ?

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org July 8, 2018 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com CCL11325562