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REASON #10 - It Encourages All Persons To Develop A Closer Relationship With Jesus Christ Through Prayer

So humble yourself before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

The story is told of a boy who was watching a holy man praying on the banks of a river in India. When the holy man completed his prayer, the boy went over and asked him, “Will you teach me to pray?” The holy man studied the boy and then gripped the boy’s head with his hands and plunged it forcefully into the water. The boy struggled frantically, trying to free himself in order to breathe. Finally, the holy man released his hold. When the boy was able to get his breath, he gasped, “What did you do that for?” The holy man said, “I just gave you your first lesson.” “What do you mean?” asked the astonished boy. “Well,” said the holy man, “when you long to pray as much as you longed to breathe when your head was underwater, only then will I be able to teach you to pray.” (Mark Link)

Prayer is communication with God. But, why do we pray? Do we pray out of habit? Do we pray because it is the right thing to do? Or, do we pray because we need to pray?

There is power in prayer, but you must learn how to harness that power. You must learn that prayer is about more than just asking God for the things that you want. And, you need to listen as God speaks to you through your prayers.

Prayer is a vital part of Sunday school. Most classes open and close with prayer, as they take specific needs and joys to the Lord. And, through the study of God’s Word, they learn what Jesus and others have taught about making the most of prayer.

Questions To Think About: How would you describe your personal prayer life? What do you pray about? Do you take the time to listen as our Lord speaks to you during your time of prayer?

Prayer Suggestion: Pray to thank God for opportunities that we have to come to him in prayer.

A Call To Action: Use your social media contacts to share a prayer request that you have regarding your church, Sunday school or community.