Introduction: Should we pray about everything? Everybody? All the time?
Here are some biblical reasons to pray:
1. Pray for those in authority! (1 Tim 2:1-2) – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
By the way, this includes both the righteous and the unrighteous. Peter mentions it. (1 Pet 2:13-15, 18) – “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well…. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.”
Once we learn this concept in the world, the Church, and the home, then we can expect God’s favor and blessing. But first, we must submit to Jesus Christ and His Word.
2. Pray for God’s will! (1 John 5:14-15) – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
Did you notice that biblical prayer focuses on the Will of God? Are you praying about your will or God’s will?
3. Pray when you’re tempted to worry! (Phil 4:6) – “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication…..”
The word “careful” has to do with worry or anxiety. So our Lord is saying, “Don’t worry; instead, pray.” Would you rather worry?
4. Pray with thankful hearts! (Phil 4:7) – “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Thanksgiving is the key. But why should we be thankful? The answer is because our trust is in the Lord Jesus, not in circumstances. Are you going to give thanks?
5. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come! (Matt 6:10) – “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Actually, Jesus Christ’s kingdom will come. When He returns in His second coming and inaugurates His dominion, He shall reign forever!
6. Pray for enlightenment and understanding! (Eph 1:15-17) – “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”
What a great prayer to pray for others as Paul was inspired by the Holy Ghost! Are you praying for others?
7. Pray for God’s Power! (Acts 4:31-32) – “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
A fresh filling and boldness came as a result of prayer. These are great needs for every Christian!
8. Pray with a teachable spirit and persistence! (Luke 11:1-2) – “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
This should be our prayer! Teach us to pray!!
9. Pray for all the saints! (James 5:16) – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Two words stand out: Accountable and Responsible. Think about it.
Conclusion: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
