I Want You To Pray! I’ve heard it said, “all that we have left is prayer.” However, prayer should never be viewed as a last resort….but first. A private conversation with God should not be looked upon as “leftovers.”

What the prayer of scripture is not…… (and what it is) A checked box Something just “said” - Consider Jesus’ passionate prayer in the garden It should be an offering……Not a formality! Greater than “stars”…..governors….sports greats…..or Presidents!

Do you know who you’re talking to? I am the Alpha and Omega….the beginning and the end! (Revelation 21:6) Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth (God to Job….Job 38)

THIS IS WHO YOU CAN TALK TO! “God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing. He wraps the rain in his thick clouds, and the clouds don’t burst with the weight. He covers the face of the moon, shrouding it with his clouds. He created the horizon when he separated the waters: he set the boundary between day and night. The foundations of heaven tremble; they shudder at his rebuke. By his power the sea grew calm. By his skill he crushed the great sea monster. His Spirit made the heavens beautiful, and his power pierced the gliding serpent. These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?” Job 26:7-14

Pray like your life depends on it…because it does! Matthew 5:3 (poor in spirit); Isaiah 6 (unclean lips) Revelation 3:17 (to church @ Laodicea) “Because you say, “I am rich, and have need of nothing’…..and don’t realize you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”

Pray because He’s listening Pray because He cares “Frasier Crane” – show: “I’m listening” World Christian Broadcasting: “The World Is Listening” I Peter 3:12 - “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers……” I John 5:14 - “this is the confidence we have….that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

He cares about our prayers! 26 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. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Pray because people can’t always help. We will fail you. Spouse, children, parents, friends, job, government, planning….. Job’s wife, family, friends all failed him….so did his wealth and position.

Pray to God….with your cooperation! Pray as a righteous person - what does that mean? Not perfect person….but a pursuing person! Are you running after God or just not running from Him? The fervent prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective - James 5:16

Would people call on wisdom from God and Him not answer? when terror strikes you like a storm     and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,     when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;     they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge     and did not choose the fear of the Lord, - Proverbs 1:27-29

Pray because it will change you! Luke 12:34 - Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. And lastly….this reminder: But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)

Summary……..PRAY! As if your life depended on it (because it does) Because He’s listening and cares Because people can’t always help you Pray with cooperation Because it will change you (seriously….how are you doing with this?)