1. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

2. To Pray is to be burdened Nehemiah was burdened when he heard the state of Jerusalem – Nehemiah 1:1-4 Jesus lamented to state of Jerusalem – Matthew 23:37 If we could see through his eyes – Matthew 9:36 Do we see what’s on the surface or the reality? In our world In our society In our community In eternity

3. To Pray is to be broken “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy” – Daniel 9:17 God hears some prayers and ignores others – Luke 18:9-14 To walk as Jesus did – 1 John 2:6 “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray” – James 5:13 How much of our prayer time is focused on others? Total surrender

4. To Pray is to be bold “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” – Luke 18:1 “Ask and it will be given to you” – Matthew 7:7 “Greek present imperatives are used here, indicating constant asking, seeking and knocking. Persistent prayer is being emphasised” – NIV Study Bible This is not a blank cheque – Acts 12:1-5 Faithful in prayer – Romans 12:12

5. To Pray is to believe Is your God big enough? We know that he is the all powerful creator Is he powerful enough to affect your home, marriage, workplace, class, neighbours? Feed on the Word of God – Romans 10:17 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22

6. To Pray is to begin Pray to open doors – Colossians 4:3 We could be the answer to our own prayers “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on” Exodus 14:15