Just pray!

Have you ever prayed for anything lots of times and over a long time? If you have you’ll have begun to learn some things about prayer.

Prayer is not magic

We are limited

God is generous

This series… Just pray! Looking at Ephesians 6: 18

Set in the context of Ephesians 6 The weapons we have in our fight against the work of the enemy. The final one in v18 is prayer.

Ephesians 6: 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Defined by the use of the word ALL And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Defined by the use of the word ALL Pray ALL the time Pray ALL kinds of prayers Be alert and ALWAYS keep praying. Pray for ALL of God’s people. John Stott – we change ALL for SOME!

Paul tells us to pray in the spirit… What does this mean? To pray in tongues – yes But also to pray in harmony with in accordance with under the guidance of the spirit

What does that look like? Praying in the spirit unpacks the purpose of prayer. If it’s simply to ask Jesus for what we need, we’re missing something very precious.

What’s distinctive about Christian prayer? The Holy Spirit is given to point us to Jesus. John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. The reason Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit was to centre us on Jesus – his presence, his words, his works.

What’s distinctive about Christian prayer? The epic difference that Christian prayer makes is that its purpose is to gain Christ. Phil 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. What does it mean to gain Christ?

To pray is to open the door to Jesus To give him access to our lives & permission to deal with us. We weren’t born Christian; we have to open the door to him. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in Rev 3:20

To pray is to open the door to Jesus Prayer keeps the door open. What ever our day; our emotions; our feelings – invite Jesus in. If we’re angry – invite him in. If we’re disappointed – invite him in. If we’re sad – invite him in. If we have doubts…

To pray is to grow in our relationship with Jesus Prayer is how we develop relationship. When communication breaks down life is awkward. Relationship is face to face. Get below the surface. Not religious jargon but emotional honesty.

To pray is to embrace the presence of Jesus To take on his character Eph 4:19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. When we pray we’re saying we want more of Jesus.

To pray is to embrace the presence of Jesus To take on his composure To give him our burdens Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4: 6-7 When our worries keep us awake at night…. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

To pray is to embrace the presence of Jesus To take on his counsel We need his wisdom We need his direction about the future.

To pray is to embrace the presence of Jesus To take on his kingdom Thy kingdom come… Prayer is the bridge over which the kingdom of God comes to earth. Imagine a big train…

To pray is to embrace the presence of Jesus If we want to see more of God’s kingdom in our lives then PRAY! We pray to gain Christ in our lives. We may pray for circumstance to change but mostly we need more of Jesus.

What does it mean to pray all the time? We don’t need a special place to pray. We don’t need a special time to pray. We don’t need a praying feeling. Charles Spurgeon: We should pray when we’re in a praying mood, for it would be sinful to neglect so fair an opportunity. We should pray when we’re not in a praying mood, for it would be dangerous to remain in so unhealthy a condition!

Hudson Taylor said he often felt like wood when he prayed. Most of his victories came through emotionless prayer!

So why do we pray always? We have access to God – always We have needs – always Others have needs – always Satan is at work – always And for the church – always That we would gain Christ.