DIGGING DEEP NO. 900 – September 14th, 2021 Getting More Out of Prayers

Together with singing, an important part of our assemblies are our prayers. Often beginning our service, and always concluding them we pray. Interspersed throughout the course of our service we also pray. Prayer is an important element of serving the Lord with gladness. It is implied in the text upon which our title is based Psalm100:4 Paul stressed its inclusion in conduct suitable in the house of God 1Timothy 2:1-2; Yet prayer can easily become a meaningless exercise if prayers are offered by mechanical or habitual repetition with little thought by those offering the prayer and if prayers are not listened to, and minds wander to other things by the congregation. To get more from our public prayers, that we might truly serve the Lord with gladness, let’s review 1– The place of prayer in our assemblies. Prayers were offered in the assemblies of the early Christians as indicated in 1Corinthians 14:15-17 It was offered in times of trouble Acts 4:23-31; 12:5,12 Prayers were enjoined by the apostle Paul to give thanks for all things Ephesians 5:20; 1Thessalonians 5:18 He also admonished us to pray for all men, and for those in authority 1Timothy 2:1-2 we must understand that Christians joined together in supplication and thanksgiving pleases God 1Timothy 2:3-4

The Bible also tells us about the power of prayer. The prayer of a righteous man avails much James 5:16, how much more the prayers of many. Prayers of faith will raise the sick James 5:15 when it is the Lord’s will. Prayers result in the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds Philippians 4:6-7 Prayers can result in the peace among nations 1Timothy 2:2 Prayer can impart strength for those struggling with temptation Matthew 26:41, forgiveness for those who fall into temptation Acts 8:22;1John 1:9, opens opportunity for the spread of the gospel Matthew 9:38; Colossians 4:2-3; 2Thessalonians 3:1, It will give boldness to those who proclaim the gospel Ephesians 6:18-20 Christians in their prayers work together with God to produce great things.

Getting more out of our prayers. We must believe in the power of our prayers. Jesus would have us believe in the power of prayer, the power of persistent prayer  Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 18:1-8 The power of praying together  Matthew 18:19 The power of praying with faith  Matthew 21:22;Mark 11:24 Assumed are the following conditions that we receive when we pray. (A) That we are doing the Father’s will 1John 3:22;1 Peter 3:12; Proverbs 28:9 (b) That we ask according to His will 1John 5:14,15 Those who believe in the efficacy of prayer, will rejoice when Christians pray.

Prayer is more meaningful when it is a familiar experience so we must develop a personal practice of prayer. We will appreciate its value more when this is done. We should develop the mental discipline to get more out of praying as such we need to continue steadfastly in prayer Romans 12:12, we need to continue earnestly in prayer Colossians 4:2 and we need to pray without ceasing 1Thessalonians 5:17 People who pray often, love to pray.

Take a humble position when you pray. The Bible describes various praying postures. (a) Standing 1Samuel 1:26; Mark 11:25;Luke 18:13 (b) Hands spread out and/or lifted heavenward 1Kings 8:22; Nehemiah 8:6; 1Timothy 2:8 (c) Bowing the head Nehemiah 8:6 (d) Lifting heavenward of the eyes John 17:1 (e) Kneeling Acts 20:36 (f) Falling down with the face upon the ground Matthew 26:39 (g) Bowing the head, with a face between the knees 1Kings 18:42 (h) Bowing the head while striking the breast Luke 18:13 While there is no official posture for prayer, the posture we take reflects the attitude of the one praying. The posture should reflect humility and reverence. Select a posture that you feel comfortable with, that reflects your true state of mind. Prayer is a state of mind, which can be enhanced by bodily position.

Pray along with those who lead in prayer. We should not be a passive listener but active participants. In our hearts, we should tell the Lord we agree with what is being said. Make the public prayer your own personal prayer. Offer a hearty “amen” at the close of prayer. The word amen means:  so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled. Jesus used it in concluding His pattern prayer in Matthew 6:13. It affirms agreement with what is said, public prayers are enhanced for all when concluded with a hearty “Amen”

CONCLUSION

The power of prayer is too important to be taken lightly. It is an avenue by which we can thank and praise God. It is a means by which we can bring God’s blessings on ourselves and others for whom we pray. We should give prayer its proper due by

believing in the power of prayer, developing a personal practice of prayer, taking a humble position when you pray, praying along with those who lead in prayer and offering a hearty “Amen” at the close of the prayers.

Joined with joyful singing, heartfelt praying will go a long way to our serving the lord with gladness.