Devotion to GOD – Part 2 Devotion to Prayer (21 Jan 2012)

Speaker: PASTOR Tani Omideyi

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DEVOTION TO GOD – PART 2 [PRAYER}

We read in Acts 1v14 that the disciples devoted themselves to among other things ‘prayer’.  Many Christians find praying very difficult.  What was it that motivated the disciples to this devotion?  Probably the same three reasons why you and I would devote ourselves to anything!

1. Obedience to a command – given by someone in authority over you

2. It yields great rewards

3. A form of addiction to it – becomes a way of life

Example of the Apostles

Obedience to command

*10 days in the upper room – Acts 1v4 [wait in the upper room]

*A ministry duty for leaders – Acts 6v4 [give ourselves to prayer…]

*Corporate prayer with one voice – Acts 4v23-27

*Priority over everything else [Acts 3v1, 10v9] designated hours of prayer in midday

Yielded great rewards

*Great power came upon them as they prayed [Acts 4v31]

*We find the apostles in prayer waiting on the Lord – not just speaking to Him, but meditating and receiving from Him fresh insights and visions, and clear guidance concerning what they must do each day (Acts 1:15ff, 10:9ff; 18:9).

*We find them praying in the face of grave danger – set free from prison (Acts 12:12, 16:25)

*We learn that they actually met the Lord in prayer, as He revealed Himself to them and spoke with them concerning His purpose and plan (Acts 18:9; 13:1-5).

A true devotion – addiction to it

*They exhort us to pray about everything (Phil. 4:7), pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), and to let prayer be the hallmark of our existence (1 Pt. 4:7; 2 Pt. 3:11, 12).

Kevin of Glendalough (fl. 6^th century)

Born in 498 in the Irish province of Leinster, became St Kevin – Evangelist of Southern Ireland.

*At seven, sent to monastry in Cornwall – legend of the blackbird and his prayerful life

*was a man devoted to prayer

*He lived in a small, five by seven by three foot cave, now know as St. Kevin’s Bed for seven years in prayer isolation

*Evangelized Ireland south of Dublin

Kevin was a catholic Saint.  Let’s look at one of the historic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church about prayer – use of the Rosary!

Why Catholics use the Rosary to pray

There is a list of 12 reasons given to Catholics why they should recite the Rosary.  I have extracted this from a longer list.  It’s all about the specific benefits given as certainties.  They are so amazing as to motivate the common person to devote to using it.  What happens if in the statements you replace the phrase ‘Recite the Rosary’ with ‘Devote to prayer’? Most of these things are guaranteed us if we devote our lives to prayer.  They are true because they are found in several passages in the Bible. We don’t need the Rosary, we need lives devoted to prayer.

How can I develop that prayer lifestyle?

Five simple steps to get you going:

1. Be truthful to yourself – stop deceiving yourself that your prayerless lifestyle is alright.

2. Commit yourself to learn to pray – prayerful life is one that is taught.  Be humble enough to learn from those who do it well. You may need to get rid of your prejudices regarding prayer

3. Commit yourself to number of simple ‘first steps’ – personal and group!  Both are important.  Be accountable to someone.

4. Broaden your prayer points so you don’t get bored.  Remember that it is not about asking things for yourself only.  It is a lifestyle you are seeking to develop.

5. Monitor and celebrate results so you and others can get encouraged.

Prayer life this year @ TOP

There are plenty of opportunities for you to participate in group prayers at TOP.

Resolve to commit yourself to at least one for this year.  Devote yourself to it and see the impact on your walk with God.

1. Sunday prayer hour @ 9.45am every Sunday morning

2. Last Fridays – Night vigil this year starts at 8pm till 2am – request from folks

3. Fasting & prayer seasons – Lent, End of year

4. Prayer Team – regular intercession evenings – for those who want to pray for the body

5. Prayer in zones and gender groups – prayer breakfasts etc

A life devoted to God in prayer will be rich and full of wonders.  Emulate Kevin and the Apostles and commit yourself today.