the journey OF PRAYER

the journey OF PRAYER

prayer: prayer [prair]: a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God; a reverent petition to God in word or thought; an earnest request.

Every person who s ever lived has likely contemplated the idea of prayer. While some call it nonsense, others have dedicated their entire lives to its practice. History records the prayers of notable figures and religious leaders who have called on their Creator during times of need, abundance, harvest or loss. Jesus Christ himself devoted time to prayer. Your view of prayer has likely been shaped by many things your family background, church or community but for followers of Jesus, the journey of prayer is a lifelong quest of communication with the Heavenly Father. It s an interactive relationship with the God of the Universe that becomes a life-line for His children. Drink deeply of the truths found in this simple book and remember that your journey of prayer can begin today. If you ve been on this journey for a while, be refreshed and continue in prayer with increased fervency until the day when you meet your Savior face to face. Lord, teach us to pray!

Go to the inner chamber often. Close the door, so that you are shut off from men and shut up with God. There the Father waits for you, and there Jesus will teach you to pray. To be alone in secret with the Father should be your highest joy. Andrew Murray

Prayer is the opening of a channel from your emptiness to God s fullness. E. Stanley Jones The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. Psalm 6:9

Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God. Mother Teresa O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Psalm 5:1-2

Prayer is the great means by which I get all the help I need, and God gets all the glory He should have. John Piper Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breath! Psalm 116:2

prayer Without we have neither light nor strength to advance in the way which leads to God. St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguiori He regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. Psalm 102:17

Prayer honors God, acknowledges His being, exalts His power, adores His providence, secures His aid this is hard work, but it is God s work and man s best labor. E. M. Bounds For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

you should never doubt your prayer, thinking that it might have been in vain, for I tell you truly that before you have the words, the prayer is already recorded in heaven. St. Bernard Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress and He hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. John Bunyan Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11

The most important thing anyone can do for God or man is to pray. It is not the only thing; but it is the chief thing. S.D. Gordon Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

God could have bestowed these things on us without prayers; but He wished that by our prayers we should be taught from where those benefits come. St. Augustine May God be gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on the earth, your saving power among the nations. Psalm 67:1-2

v Thankfulness is not only an element of prayer; it will also be the end result of prayer. From prayer to praise is never a long or difficult journey. C.H. Spurgeon Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers. J. Sidlow Baxter Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and earth by your great power...nothing is too hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17

God longs to demonstrate His power in the tremendous trials that jar us like thunder, and in the pinprick troubles that annoy us. Great needs are never too great for His power; dwarfsized ones are never too small for His love. Warren & Ruth Meyers Don t be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven. St. Ephraem of Syria Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Ephesians 6:18a

Whenever God determines to do a great thing, He first sets His people to pray. Charles Spurgeon If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Work, work and more work from early until late. In fact I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer. Martin Luther (when asked his plans for tomorrow) But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Prayer is powerful. The devil smiles when we make plans, he laughs when we get busy, but he trembles when we pray! Corrie ten Boom Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. Psalm 20:7

Until we know that life is war, we won t know what prayer is for. John Piper Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Prayer is the mightiest agent to advance God s work prayer succeeds where all else fails. E.M. Bounds The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16b

To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them. John Calvin Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Matthew 9:38

Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 Have you met Jesus as your personal Savior? Do you have questions? You can find answers at http://www.womenforjesus.org/journey/#. We hope you ll consider His life and words today. Our prayer for you is that your personal journey of prayer will take you regularly before the throne of God to that place of peace, trust and rest.

Millions of women and children do not know that Jesus loves them and because many lack basic education and can t read, a visual gospel story is needed in a language they can understand. Please visit www.womenforjesus.org to learn how you can help. www.womenforjesus.org womenforjesus@jesusfilm.org A MINISTRY OF THE JESUS FILM PROJECT Giving hope to women and children by providing the gospel through film in their heart language.