Pray without ceasing
Prayer is mentioned in the Bible five hundred forty five times (in 511 verses). Jesus is mentioned in connection with prayer sixty-two times (e.g. Matthew 14:23; 26:36, 39, 42, 44; Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32, 35, 39; John 14:16; 17:9-11, 20). He is known to have prayed on at least twenty-two different occasions. We may think a half hour is a long time to pray, but God’s Son sometimes spent whole nights in prayer (Luke 6:12). Much of his last hours of freedom on earth were spent in prayer (John 17), as were some of his last breaths (Luke 23:34, 46). It is safe to say that no one ever understood and practiced prayer as Jesus did. He encouraged his disciples to pray and inspired them by his example. Luke, more than the other writers, takes notice of Christ’s praying. Luke’s “Gospel of Prayer” gives at least twelve references to Jesus’ prayer life.
Luke
At his baptism (3:21).2
When his fame spread abroad (5:16).
Before naming his twelve apostles (6:12).
Before feeding the 5,000 (9:16).
Before asking, “Whom do men say that I am?” (9:18).
Prior to his transfiguration (9:28, 29).
When he rejoiced in spirit (10:21).
When his disciples asked for instruction on prayer (11:1).
For Peter’s faith to fail not (22:32).
Before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (22:41-44).
While on the cross (23:34).
Before eating bread with the disciples at Emmaus (24:30).
As we look at these references, we can make several observations. First, we see that Jesus prayed before making major decisions. As his church, we need to pray before appointing elders and deacons, hiring preachers, selecting missionaries, beginning projects, and before merging with other congregations or planting new churches. Second, we observe that Jesus prayed when facing trials. When congregations go through trying times, they need to increase their prayer time. Third, Jesus prayed on “ordinary” days (Mark 1:35). He never got too busy to pray ( 1 Kings 20:40). His church needs to remember to rely on prayer during “non-crisis” time. We must not get too busy with emphasizing the next project or activity that we forget to thank God for the success of the last one. We must not get so busy enjoying past success that we forget to pray for upcoming activities.
1.Remember Solomon’s prayer at its dedication included the fact it would be known as a “house of prayer for all nations” ( 1 Kings 8:41-48).
2.Interestingly, all the three voices from heaven, by which the Father bare witness to the Son, were pronounced while he was praying, or soon after, here, Luke 9:35 and John 12:28.
In 1st Thess 5:17 it says “Pray without ceasing”. We know it is very very true that what the Lord desires is a relationship of perfect communication with us. How do we communicate with our God if we are not praying without ceasing?
we will take a look at the prayer Jesus said was the perfect prayer,no one said it better than Tim Lahaye in the book named, Johns Story.I have broken it down for you below.
The our father.
Our Father Who Art In Heaven Hallowed Be Thy Name- Oh Father your name is so Holy.
Thy kingdom come Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven- Yes Father your will not my own,be done Just like it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread- Yes Lord feed us with your word, Fill us up with it.
Forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us- Yes Father please forgive us our sins, and help us to forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil-Yes Father do not let us be tempted into sinning, keep evil away from us.
For thine is the kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever and ever.Last part is self explanatory.
In the forum in this site, I have a nice long series going, called Pray without ceasing. It is an excellent excellent preaching by Charles Spurgeon that explains so very well how to pray with out ceasing. Please come back often and click on the forum on the right side tab in white lettering.
God Bless you all and keep you as Light in a dark world and plenty salty.
Love in Christ Jesus, Tammy/Prayer Warrior