Every Believer Has One Thing in Common
Bible teacher and author Priscilla Shirer skillfully and engagingly relates a story of a theology professor named Dr. Orr in England in the 1940s who took his students on a “field trip” to famous religious historical sites. One of the stops was the house of John Wesley who led a great revival in England and in the United States. The tour of the house ended in the bedroom where the students noticed that beside the bed were two worn spots in the carpet where John Wesley had knelt for hours in prayer. The sight of those two worn spots had a profound effect on the students who stood in silence before they left to get on the bus.
Once on the bus, Dr. Orr realized that one was missing.
He went back into the house and found the student kneeling in the place Wesley knelt, fervently praying, “Do it again, Lord! Lord, would you do it again?! And would you do it again with me?!”
The professor touched the young man on the shoulder and indicated it was time to go. With that, Billy Graham stood up and joined the rest of the students on the bus.
And sure enough God did it again.
Martin Luther
The statement “In busy times, I pray three hours” reflects a sentiment that prayer is crucial, especially when facing a demanding schedule. It’s a quote often attributed to Martin Luther, who reportedly said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer,“
Importance of Prayer
- that’s the first thing Paul did when he was converted - Acts 22
- that’s what the disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach, “Lord, teach us to pray” that was the only thing the disciples asked to be taught in all the gospels - Luke 11
- Jesus says that, His house is not a den of robbers, but a House of Prayer
- even when Jesus gave them (His disciples) power and authority over all the unclean spirits, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.”
- that’s what Jesus did throughout His ministry as He went to desolate places by Himself
- that’s what Jesus did before His hour has come, He prayed for His 12 Disciples and all the Believers
- that’s what Jesus did after He predicted Peter would deny Him 3 times: Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
- before Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him 3 times, He prayed for him, that your faith may not fail. and when you have turned back, you will strengthen your brothers
- & after Jesus predicted Peter’s denial, Jesus again prayed for his disciples, “That you will not fall into temptation”
Types of Prayers
- Prayer of adoration: Praises God’s majesty and goodness
- Prayer of confession: A searching prayer of the heart where you confess your sins and shortcomings to God
- Prayer of thanksgiving: Expresses gratitude for God’s blessings
- Prayer of petition: Asks for what you need, including forgiveness
- Prayer of relinquishment/surrender: is a prayer that encourages surrendering one’s will and anxieties to God, trusting in His wisdom and plan for one’s life, rather than clinging to control and personal desires
- Prayer of intercession: Asks for what others need
- Prayer of faith: Making a request to God without doubt in your heart