Topic: The Spirit Of Prayer
Text: Philippians 4:4-7

Today, we shall examine occasions when we need to pray.

At the time of sorrow. According to John 16:24, Jesus can change your sorrow to joy: “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” It is within the ability of Jesus Christ to give you joy. When you find yourself at the very depth of sorrow, pray. He will change your sorrow of joy.

In the time of joy. Many of us forget prayers at the time of joy. It is when you are joyous most that your enemy is closest to you. Ask Herod, in Matt. 14:6-9. Herod was having his birthday when the plan to kill John the Baptist was hatched. From the height of joy, the king sunk to the bottom of sorrow because he knew what he was being asked to do would guarantee his chairmanship in hell. When you are rejoicing, the enemy is nearest to you than you can ever imagine.

When you are going out, either in the morning or in the afternoon. There is danger out there. I Peter 5:8 says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Pray!

When you are coming in. Matthew 10:6 says there is greater danger at home: “But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

When you are fighting your private wars. Isaiah 9:6 teaches that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He knows how to bring peace into your battles.

When there is peace. It is at the time of peace that you should prepare for war. Jesus told His disciples to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” David had been practicing how to use the sling in the time of peace before he was faced with Goliath.

When God seems near. Isaiah 55:6 says: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” If God is near, He will hear you quickly and the result will come fast.

Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:18 - “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto”