The Importance of Prayer

"Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:21

I - The Sin of Prayerlessness - Prayerlessness is sinful. "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray." ( 1 Samuel 11:23). "That men ought always ought to pray, and not faint." (Luke 18:1). It is practical atheism. Atheist don't believe in God. The only way to talk with God is through prayer. Prayerlessness robs us of many blessings. "Ye have not, because ye ask not." (James 4:2). Jesus always invites us to pray. An imperative command for us to pray. "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8).

II - The Joy of Answered Prayer - There is power in confession. Our attitude in life should be one of confession and obedience. "I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10). Sin creates a roadblock to answered prayer. Sin offends our Holy God. Because God is Holy, He cannot ignore, excuse or tolerate sin as though it didn't matter. Sin cuts people off from Him. We must confess our sins, because He is faithful and just.

III - God's Answer Proved This Prayer Had Been Heard - Answers to prayer prove the importance of prayer. Answers to prayer prove God hears our prayer. Answers to prayer prove God's mercy toward us.

IV - God's Invitation to Prayer - "Call unto me." (Jeremiah 33:3). It is a privilege to pray directly to God. The promise of prayer is that God will answer our prayer. The power of prayer has great and mighty things. Prayer moves mountain. "Nothing shall be impossible to you." (Matthew 17:20).

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon's Sunday Worship Message at Odiongan Baptist Church, Odiongan,Romblon)