LIFESTYLE PRAYER

(Luke 18:1 NLT) One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. 


(1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT) Never stop praying. 


 A certain time. 


(Daniel 6:10) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 


 A certain place. 


(Mark 1:35) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 



 A certain plan. 


(Luke 11:2-4) He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” 


PRAY FIRST 


(2 Chronicles 7:13-14) When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 



1. Pray first for our nation. 


(1 Timothy 2:1-2) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 


(Proverbs 11:11) Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted… 



2. Pray first for my family. 


(Nehemiah 4:14) Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes. 



3. Pray first for the lost. 


(Matthew 9:37-38 NKJV) Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." 


4. Pray first for my needs.


(Philippians 4:6-7) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 


Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.  


Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/pray-first