Prayer
Luke 18
More and more the Lord convinces us that PRAYER is the priority in our lives. Luke 18:1 says we are either praying or fainting. This whole chapter is a tremendous teaching on prayer. He says we ought always to pray. This woman is concerned She has a burden. Do you have a burden? Prayer is the place to leave it. This story is about taking your concerns to the Lord.
Humility is the next key issue. (v9-14) Prayer admits I can't and God is my only hope. If you are not praying you are proud. Prayer is admitting my need for God. Look at verses 15-17 and read where he says little people touch God. It seems that big important people are interested in being in touch with big important people, but little people touch God. We are simply to pray with the trust and faith of a child. Next we see praying people as empty. If you are not empty how can God fill you? We must come to the Lord needy and empty, or Jesus has essentially nothing to do. Conversly, he then says praying people are abundant. Do you realize how much you have or are you on a search for more? We have more food, more time, more blessings than we deserve. Many Christians are dissatisfied with their portion. The world says that success is how much we give away. You can't out give God. You will always be on the recieving end. Verses 31-34 deals with ignorance. Praying people are convinced that they know very little about prayer. Verse 34 says that they understood none of these things.
Don't approach the Father with answers. Go to Him with a hungry heart, and a teachable spirit. Finally we are admonished to be specific in our praying. These prayers get to the throne room. This man (vs 41) wants his eyesight. What exactly do you desire the God of all life to do for you today? He wants to prove His love to you but answered prayer demands responsibility.
Prayer is the untapped potential of our lives. It can bring revial to our lives, it can save our marriages, it can turn a job into a ministry, it can reverese any impossible into a HIMPOSSIBLE. The key is to PRAY, not read another book or hear another sermon on the subject, but to meet with Him.
