Four lessons we have learned through the years concerning prayer:

1. The Priority of Prayer

1. Luke 10:38–42 (NLT) — 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
2. In all of your Christian walk, the most valuable thing you will ever do is sit at the feet of Jesus! 
3. Pray early - When you genuinely prioritize prayer, you will put it first in your day.
4. Pray first - When you face any scenario, think about praying first.
5. Pray at all times - Stay connected!

2. The perseverance of prayer

1. Matthew 26:40–41 (NLT) — 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
2. Jesus gives us an amazing truth here “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” If we always listen to our bodies, we will often not desire to pray. 
   1. It’s never the desire of your body to get up early to pray.  
   2. It’s never the desire of your body to fast.
   3. It’s never the desire of your body to stay longer than you anticipated.
   4. It’s only your spirit that desires it. You must let your spirit lead.

3. The Pattern of Prayer

1. Matthew 6:9–13 (NLT) — 9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need, 12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
2. God, God, God, we, we, we
   1. God is family - Gives us confidence in prayer. 
   2. God is holy - Gives us reverence in prayer.
   3. God is the priority - Gives us perspective in prayer.
   4. We need provision - Only God is my source.
   5. We need forgiveness - Only God can save my soul.
   6. We need protection - Only God can truly fight my battles.
3. Other patterns of prayer
   1. Ripple prayer
   2. Tabernacle prayer
   3. A.C.T.S prayer
   4. Trinity prayer
   5. Praying through the scriptures

4. The power of prayer

1. Luke 5:15–16 (NLT) — 15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
2. There is a direct connection between prayer and power! 
   1. Jesus said, “These kind come out only through prayer and fasting.”
3. A praying church is a powerful church! A praying individual is a powerful individual.
4. In the book of Acts:
   1. Prayer for revival and renewal - Acts 2
   2. Prayer for boldness and courage - Acts 4
   3. Prayer for protection and deliverance - Acts 12
5. Prayer is the oil in the engine! Without prayer, the engine overheats and burns out!

May we ALWAYS BE A PRAYING CHURCH.

1. Individuals that pray
2. Corporate gatherings that pray