The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

Read Jesus' teaching in Luke 11:5-10. The original words for "ask," "seek" and "knock" in verses 9 and 10 are in a Greek tense that implies repeated, habitual, ongoing action. The same is true for "receives" and "seeks" in verse 10. In other words, Luke is recordingJesus as saying, "The one who keeps on asking will keep on receiving," and so on.

1. Describe the kind of response you hope to receivefrom your asking, seeking, and knocking.

2. Now describe the type ofprayer habit you would expect to develop in order to receive this response.

Truth #2 There are many good things God won't do ifwe don't pray.

In the absence of prayer, don't expect God's blessing on your life, family, minist1y, or church. In fact, you may encounter His chastisement. God greatly prefers to encourage us by promise of blessing, but, where necessaiy, He also warns us of His anger.

3. Read Ezekiel 22:30-31, Isaiah 59:16, and Psalm 106:23. What is one possible conse­ quence ofprayerlessness you wish to avoid?

Truth #3

Faithful, sacrificial prayer is bard to accomplish.

I once helped a friend conduct a survey in a large city, in which we polled people about spiritual matters. We found that 96 percent said they believed in God, and 98 percent in prayer. But, based on what I know of most people's prayer lives, I find it hard to believe those 98 percent had in mind the kind of persistent, sacrificial prayer Scripture describes. Such prayer is uncommon because, frankly, it's hard work. Let's examine several of the reasons that prayer is a difficult task, even though it is well worth the effort and discipline required to do it right.