Reasons for Prayer 2

Reasons for Prayer Part 2 The disciples of Jesus came to Him one day and implored Him to teach them how to pray. This is interesting, since most people might have asked for four steps to do miracles or some other supernatural feat. In fact, we find a passage in John illustrating this point. Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" John 6:28 This question arose among the multitudes the followed Him after He multiplied the fish and loaves. Although His twelve disciples were aware of the feeding of the five thousand, and many other miracles, they wanted to learn how to pray effectively. Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." Luke11:1 The disciples obviously realized there were great benefits in learning to pray effectively, and that it was one of the great traits or characteristics of the ministry of Jesus. Afterall, they had been with Him for some time, and often found Him alone praying. And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. Mark 6:46 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 The disciples watched Jesus pray on the mount of transfiguration as Moses and Elijah appeared to Him. They watched Him pray before raising Lazarus from the dead. They watched Him pray before multiplying the fish and loaves to feed the multitudes on more than one occasion. There was something very mystical and profound about the prayer life of Jesus, and the disciples wanted to learn its secret. Like the early disciples, we also must learn the value of effective prayer, because prayer is the vital link between God and His people. It is the avenue for the supernatural enabling power of God to manifest on earth. Prayer, as we shared in our last post, is the open door for the Father to legally intervene in the affairs of mankind, because He waits for our invitation and does not force His will on anyone. He has given man a free will, and He will honor that privilege until we die. In our next post we will look at some classic examples of prayer found in scripture, and how it changed the outcome of individuals, nations, and situations. Until then, may God, our Father, richly bless and keep you. James Brown CST 08/26/2022