Resolved to Be a People of Prayer

This morning I want to share with you 10 reasons we should commit together to be a people of prayer.

Resolved: we will be a people of prayer.

1. It is written, my house shall be called a house of prayer. 

these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer;

their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

Isaiah 56:7

2. Prayer changes things.

You do not have because you do not ask God.

James 4:2

3. Things need changing!

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36

4. United prayer is answered prayer.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”

Matthew 18:19

5. Prayer is learned by praying.

“Pray until you can pray. Pray to be helped to pray, and do not give up praying because you cannot pray. It is when you think you cannot pray that you are most praying.”

– Charles Spurgeon

6. Our souls were made for feasting.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 36:7-9

But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.

Psalm 73:28

7. Coals need other coals to stay hot.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24

8. The Spirit in us is groaning to pray.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26

9. Fullness of joy!

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:24

10. Prayer is our eternal home.

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!”

13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise and honor and glory and power,

for ever and ever!”

Revelation 5:11-13