It’s a Privilege to Pray

God sits on His throne in His temple. Jesus sits beside Him, vigorously pleading for those He loves. For us. The Holy Spirit is there too. On our behalf He utters groans that words cannot express. And then there’s you. And me. Sitting here, yet welcomed into the presence of this Almighty God. (Psalm 11:4; 18:6, Jeremiah 50:34, Hebrews 7:24-25, Romans 8:26-27)

He invites us to come with confidence. (Hebrews 4:16)

He tells us our prayers are powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

He says pray about anything and everything. When we do He gives us His peace. (Philippians 4:5-6)

He tells us that faith the space of a mustard seed can says to a mountain, “Move!” and it will move. (Matthew 17:20)

God says He loves us more than we can know and that He is able and willing to do more than we ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:18-20)

It is a privilege to pray.

Talking With and About Jesus Brings Glory to God

She was hoping to be healed without attracting attention, but Jesus wanted to talk with her, so He asked, “Who touched me?”

Trembling she came, fell at his feet, and explained why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. (from Luke 8:43-48)

Jesus, and the crowd, heard her story of faith. And we just heard it too!

Every Person, Every Prayer Matters to God

Jesus was surrounded by the crowd pressing against him. But He stopped to talk to one woman.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. And then, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” (from Luke 8:42-48)

No matter how many others there are, Jesus will hear your prayer.

Don’t Let Other Voices Silence Your Prayers

Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal his daughter. As they went, a messenger said, “You daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” (Luke 8:49)

Jesus heard and told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith and she will be healed.” (Luke 8:50)

Don’t let other voices silence your prayers.

Jesus. A Compassionate, Life-Giving Savior

The Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he spoke to her dead son, who sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. (from Luke 7:12-15)

Jesus sees sorrow. He gives life. Trust Him.

Forgiveness and Love

Her guilt and public shame didn’t stop her from lavishly loving Jesus. (see Luke 7:39-50)

Let the forgiveness of Jesus fill you with adoring love.

By Persevering Prayer

We should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1)

Those who heed this call to prayer will by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15)

Does Faith or Fear Inspire Your Prayer?

They were in a boat, on a lake, in a storm. Fearful, they cried, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked. (see Luke 8:22-25)

Pray with faith even when you are afraid.

Are you trying to pray?

Trying to pray is praying.

God’s Spirit makes prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. (Romans 8:26 msg)

Prayer is Listening to God – 9

His words bring hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Prayer is Listening to God – 8

His words will bring comfort.

He is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)