Part 27 (1/2)

II. ITS NATURE.

1. AS SEEN IN ITS HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT.

2. SCRIPTURAL TERMS.

III. ITS POSSIBILITY.

1. THE REVELATION OF G.o.d.

2. THE WORK OF THE SON.

3. THE a.s.sISTANCE OF THE SPIRIT.

4. THE PROMISES.

5. CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY.

IV. ITS OBJECTS.

1. G.o.d THE FATHER.

2. CHRIST THE SON.

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT.

V. ITS METHOD.

1. POSTURE.

2. TIME AND PLACE.

VI. HINDEANCES AND HELPS.

1. HINDRANCES.

2. HELPS--ESSENTIALS.

G. PRAYER.

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER.

Even a cursory perusal of the Scriptures will reveal the large and important place which the doctrine of Prayer finds therein. The Christian life cannot be sustained without it; it is the Christian's vital breath. Its importance is seen when we recall:

That the neglect of prayer is grievous to the Lord (Isa. 43:21, 22; 64:6, 7, R. V.). That many evils in life are to be attributed to the lack of prayer (Zeph. 1:4-6; Dan. 9:13, 14, cf. Hosea 7:13, 14; 8:13, 14).

That it is a sin to neglect prayer (1 Sam. 12:23).

That to continue in prayer is a positive command (Col. 4:2, R. V.; 1 Thess. 5:17; we are commanded to take leisure or a vacation for prayer: 1 Cor. 7:5).

That it is G.o.d's appointed method of obtaining what He has to bestow (Dan. 9:3; Matt. 7:7-11; 9:24-29; Luke 11:13).

That the lack of the necessary blessings in life comes from failure to pray (James 4:2).

That the apostles regarded prayer as the most important employment that could engage their time or attention (Acts 6:4; Rom. 1:9; Col. 1:9).