NEVER STOP PRAYING

NEVER STOP PRAYING

Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT

Often when I have talked to people about praying they say- I pray in church. That means in an average week they prayed 1% of the time.

The Bible says to Pray all the time!

There are different activities we can be involved with as we pray that will help to keep our prayer life fresh and will also help us to pray all the time.

1. Walking

Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24 NIV

The phrase walking with God means Enoch was in agreement with God and enjoyed deep fellowship with God.

It does not mean he physically walked with God but I use it as a reminder of the fact that I can pray as I walk.

I just want you to remember the phrase- he walked with God

I think we can talk to God as we walk through the woods.

We can talk to God as we drive to work (But don’t close your eyes- that would be more dangerous than texting while driving)

I think the point here is that Enoch brought God into every area of his life just like we can.

Some people cannot sit still and pray.

Can we talk to God as we walk?

2. Talking

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Exodus 33:11 NIV

One of the greatest blessings of prayer is when I can talk to God like a friend.

Just talk to Him and say- this is a great day

Talk to Him as you watch TV

Talk to Him as you cut the grass

Talk to Him about your problems

Talk to Him about your frustration

im about your problems

Just talk to Him and say you love Him

Just talk to Him like you talk to your husband or wife

3. Working

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

One day when I was working in construction I was shoveling sand to mix mortar. It was hot, it was miserable and I was not a happy camper.

Then the Lord reminded me- do it for me- I began to shovel sand into the mixer and I was doing it for God.

Work can be a form of prayer when I do it for God.

4. SILENCE

But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”

Habakkuk 2:20 NIV

We think of prayer as talking but do we ever just remain silent in His presence?

Ever know people that the only way you get a word in edge wise is when they pause for breath?

Do we ever pause for breath with God and let Him talk back to us?

5. Crying

Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.

1 Samuel 1:10 NLT

Sometimes there is nothing wrong with this weeping with God because He weeps with us.

Sometimes I come to God and I have nothing to give Him but tears.

Broken over my sin

Broken over the sin of others

Broken over rebellion and complacency in the church

If you have never wept before your God then maybe you need to spend some time over a period of years in His presence

1. 6.   Singing

Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

1 Chronicles 16:9 NLT

Have you ever been by yourself and sung praises to your God?

When you sing in church are you singing to Jesus?

Are you singing in the Holy Spirit?

Are you praising God from your heart?

And can it be that I should gain

        An interest in the Savior’s blood!

        Died he for me? Who caused his pain!

        For me? Who him to death pursued?

        Amazing love! How can it be

        That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

       

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, 

        Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; 

        Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; 

        I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; 

        My chains fell off, my heart was free, 

        I rose, went forth, and followed thee. 

No condemnation now I dread; 

        Jesus, and all in him, is mine; 

        Alive in him, my living Head, 

        And clothed in righteousness divine, 

        Bold I approach th’ eternal throne, 

        And claim the crown, through Christ my own. 

Sing a song but sing it to Him

“You cannot please everyone-

Jesus didn’t and you and I won’t either

You cannot please anyone all the time-

Anyone who has been married more than five minutes knows this to be true.

You can please God-

He is much easier to please than people.

Play to an Audience of One”

Pastor Mike Chaney

Faith Fellowship Baptist Church

5783 Mary Ingles Hwy

Melbourne, KY 41059