The Path to Spiritual Growth Prayer

 Psalm 63:6 “When, on my bed, I think of You, I meditate on You during the night watches.”  Christian meditation is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey his Word  Christian Meditation vs. Eastern Meditation  Purpose is to allow Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in our hearts  Proper time - 24/7  Proper place – Inside or outside (favorite spot)  Posture – is and is not important

 Psalm 63:6 “When, on my bed, I think of You, I meditate on You during the night watches.”  How to meditate: Ponder the Scripture – Mary Active participants Thank God for creation Reflect on the events of our time and perceive their significance

 Psalm 6:9 “The Lord has heard my plea for help; the Lord accepts my prayer.”  Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.”  I Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray constantly.”

 Famous Quotes  William Carey ( ), “Prayer –secret, fervent, believing prayer – lies at the root of all personal godliness.”  Martin Luther ( ), “I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.”  John Wesley( ), “God does nothing but in answer to prayer.”

 Attributes of prayer:  Perpetual communion with God  It transforms us: To think God’s thoughts after Him To desire the things He desires To love the things He loves To will the things He wills

 Why pray?  Is everything in the universe already set?  Paul reminds is in 1 Cor. 3:9 “ for we are God’s co-workers…” Our prayers do make a difference!  Exodus 32, Moses boldly prays because he believes his prayers could changes things (Golden Calf)  We are working with God to determine the future!

 How do we pray?  Luke 11:1 “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Lord’s Prayer)  Prayer involves a learning process  Quiet our fleshly activities  Attune ourselves to divine breathings of God  Listen, Listen and Listen!!!  Pray so that our experiences conform to the words of Jesus, rather than making His words conform to our experiences  Let go of our will when it conflicts with the will of God  Prayer should never be too complicated

 Ways to pray:  Flash prayers  Intercessory prayers  Against evil Spiritual warfare against the world, the flesh and the devil 1 Pet. 5:8 “Be sober, Be on the alert! Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  Pray even if you do not feel like it