Importance of Mediation and Prayer

page l 1 l 2 l
- 2 -

 

How often should we pray?

 

“And pray in the Spirit in all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep in praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. “Everyday I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” Psalm 145:2. 

 

How often did the psalmist say he would pray?

 

“Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” Psalm 55:17. (See Daniel 6:10.)

 

In whose name did Christ teach us to pray?

 

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” John 14:13.

 

Why did the unjust judge answer the widow’s prayer?

 

“But for some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming.”

Luke 18:4,5.  

 

Subjects of Mediation

 

What was one of Paul’s injunctions to Timothy?

 

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15.

 

Note – Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It assimilates, appropriates, and makes personal and practical that which has been seen, heard, or read.

 

When did the psalmist say he would praise God with joyful lips?

 

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”

 Psalm 63:6.

 

How will such meditation be to one who loves God?

 

“May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.” Psalm 104:34. 

 

In what does the psalmist say the man who is blessed and meditates?

 

 

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Psalm 1:2.

 

Temptation and Mediation

 

With what adversary do we constantly have to contend?

 

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

 

When is man tempted?

 

“But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed.”

James 1:14. 

 

That we may not be overcome, what are we told to do?

 

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41.

 

Necessity of Constant Prayer Attitude

 

How constantly should we pray?

 

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12.

 

Note – This does not mean that we should be constantly bowed before God in prayer, but that we should not neglect prayer, and that we should ever be in a frame of mind, even when walking by the way or engaged in the duties of life – ever ready to send up out petitions to heaven in time of need.

 

Preparation for Christ’s Return

 

That we might be prepared for His coming, what admonition did Christ give?  

 

“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that come will come. It’s like a man going away. He leaves his house and puts the servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!” Mark 13:33-37. (See also Luke 21:36.)

 

Why are watchfulness and prayer especially imperative in the last days?

 

“Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” Revelation 12:12.

 

page l 1 l 2 l
- 2 -

[TOP]