Rolling Hills Community Church | Belmont Heights | Nic Allen The

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Rolling Hills Community Church | Belmont Heights | Nic Allen The Purpose of Prayer: More Than Words One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 Why pray? • Jesus modeled it. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 • Scripture commands it. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 • Piety proves it. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16b Why we don't pray? According to social scientists: for the same reason we don't do other things of perceived value. We approach behavioral change with four factors in view: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Will it work for me? Can I do it? What's it worth to me? What will it cost me?

Why this part of the passage? The prayer prompt here matters for us. Jesus's followers wanted to know how to be like Him. *Prayer was common in Jewish lifestyles. Different rabbis, sages, and even communities had various formulas for prayer. Jesus's disciples wanted to know His recipe. Why? Prayer isn't automatic. It must be learned from someone… who knows how to pray… and how to teach. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:28-29 Prayer is never perfected. It must be practiced. Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17