Weekly Newsletter
Pastor David’s Weekly Devotional
One essential aspect and duty of the Christian life is prayer. The importance of prayer simply cannot be overstated. As John MacArthur wrote, “Prayer is like breathing for Christians.”
Prayer holds a preeminent place in God’s Word. In Scripture we are exhorted to pray regularly, humbly, fervently, sincerely, continuously, faithfully, boldly, persistently, expectantly and reverently. In the Bible we find examples of godly men and women praying early in the morning and late at night, formally and informally, short prayers and long prayers, corporately and privately, desperately and devotionally, repentantly and joyfully. It is clear that prayer is an important part of the Christian life.
But why is prayer important? What are we really missing, or losing, when we fail to pray? Reuben A. Torrey answers that question comprehensively and wisely in a little book entitled “How to Pray”, listing eleven reasons:
The importance of prayer simply cannot be overstated. This is seen in the many different commands to be faithful in prayer: “be constant in prayer” (Rom.12:12), “[pray] at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Eph.6:18), “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil.4:6), “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col.4:2), “pray without ceasing” (1Thess.5:17), “[Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Lk.18:1).
Jesus not only taught His disciples to pray, He commanded them to pray. Prayer is not merely a luxury or an elective in the Christian life. It is an absolute necessity. It is a fundamental part of a Christian’s walk. Failing to pray is failing to obey. “When you don’t pray, you’re holding your breath spiritually – fighting against the very existence and presence of God in your life” (MacArthur).
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #9):
Genesis 32-35; Judges 17-21; Psalm 24-26; Job 17-18; Isaiah 45-50; Matthew 23-25; 1 Cor. 1-2
Recommended Reading:
“Praying with Paul: A call to spiritual reformation” by D.A. Carson
One essential aspect and duty of the Christian life is prayer. The importance of prayer simply cannot be overstated. As John MacArthur wrote, “Prayer is like breathing for Christians.”
Prayer holds a preeminent place in God’s Word. In Scripture we are exhorted to pray regularly, humbly, fervently, sincerely, continuously, faithfully, boldly, persistently, expectantly and reverently. In the Bible we find examples of godly men and women praying early in the morning and late at night, formally and informally, short prayers and long prayers, corporately and privately, desperately and devotionally, repentantly and joyfully. It is clear that prayer is an important part of the Christian life.
But why is prayer important? What are we really missing, or losing, when we fail to pray? Reuben A. Torrey answers that question comprehensively and wisely in a little book entitled “How to Pray”, listing eleven reasons:
1. Because there is a devil and because prayer is the God-appointed means of resisting him;
2. Because prayer is God’s way for us to obtain what we need from Him;
3. Because the apostles, whom God set forth to be a pattern for us, considered prayer to be the most important business of their lives;
4. Because prayer occupied a prominent place and played a very important part in the earthly life of our Lord;
5. Because prayer is the most important part of the present ministry of our Lord, since He is now interceding for us;
6. Because prayer is the means God has appointed for our receiving mercy from Him and of obtaining grace to help in time of need;
7. Because prayer is the means of obtaining the fullness of God’s joy;
8. Because prayer with thanksgiving is the means of obtaining freedom from anxiety and, in anxiety’s place, that peace that passes understanding;
9. Because prayer is the method appointed for our obtaining the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit;
10. Because prayer is the means by which we are to keep watchful and be alert at Christ’s return;
11. Because prayer is used by God to promote our spiritual growth, bring power into our work, lead others to faith in Christ, and bring all other blessings to Christ’s church.
The importance of prayer simply cannot be overstated. This is seen in the many different commands to be faithful in prayer: “be constant in prayer” (Rom.12:12), “[pray] at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Eph.6:18), “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil.4:6), “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col.4:2), “pray without ceasing” (1Thess.5:17), “[Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Lk.18:1).
Jesus not only taught His disciples to pray, He commanded them to pray. Prayer is not merely a luxury or an elective in the Christian life. It is an absolute necessity. It is a fundamental part of a Christian’s walk. Failing to pray is failing to obey. “When you don’t pray, you’re holding your breath spiritually – fighting against the very existence and presence of God in your life” (MacArthur).
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #9):
Genesis 32-35; Judges 17-21; Psalm 24-26; Job 17-18; Isaiah 45-50; Matthew 23-25; 1 Cor. 1-2
Recommended Reading:
“Praying with Paul: A call to spiritual reformation” by D.A. Carson
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