Give Me Strength
“The Importance of Prayer”
Isaiah 40:31; Mark 1:35-39

There are spiritual practices that God can use to grow our endurance, our wisdom, our grace and our strength. 

1. Seek wisdom daily from God’s Word.
2. Experience His strength through prayer. 

Prayer is not just seeking God in times of need, but pursuing Him daily on our knees. 

Mark 1:35-39

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.”  –Mark 1:35

Private prayer was an important habit in Jesus’ life.
He tuned out the noise of the world to hear the voice of the Father.

What are the benefits of prayer?
A renewed focus on God’s purpose and priorities for our lives 
A peace that guards our heart and mind from worries of the world

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything with prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:6-7

What are the benefits of prayer?
A power experienced when we trust and depend on God 

“Father, if it is possible take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Your will be done.” –Mark 14:36

“Prayer is not getting God prepared to do your will, but getting you prepared to do His will.” –John Hagee

Reasons why we don’t pray:
We don’t think it’s important. 
We don’t believe it makes any difference.
We’re too busy, or think we don’t have time.

“If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy.” –Corrie Ten Boom 

“The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we need the most.”  –John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Jesus teaches us a valuable lesson on prayer:
The busier we get in life, the more time we need with God. 

How to develop a practice of prayer: 
Schedule a time to meet with God
Start small; consistency is more important than length 
Pray with Scripture 
Open your heart to God; be real with Him 

Regardless of how or when you pray, if you give God the space, He will impact your life.