THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

INTRODUCTION: This text is part of Samuel's farewell address to Israel as he resigned his office as judge to Saul, who was to become Israel's first king. In his address we observe that Samuel clears himself of abuse of his authority as Israel's judge, vs. 1-5. He reminds his people of the great things God had done for them, vs. 6-13. He sets before them both blessings and curse, vs. 14-19. He exhorts them to be faithful to God.

1. UPON SAMUEL ISRAEL CONFERRED THE GREATEST HONOR.
   1)   A man in touch with God- "pray for us," v. 19.
   2)   Israel stakes its life on Samuel's prayers, v. 19.
   3)   NOTE: Samuel's great veneration for prayer, TEXT VERSES.

2. CHRISTIANS, TOO, MUST REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER!
   1)   The Church had its beginning in prayer, Ac. 1:14.
   2)   Prayer is inseparable with God's Word, Ac. 6:4.
   3)   A righteous life is essential to prayer, Jas. 5:16.
   4)   Giving and prayer are inseparable, Ac. 10:4.

3. OUR RELATIONSHIP TO CHRIST MAKES PRAYER IMPERATIVE.
   1)   A learner must communicate with teacher, Jas. 1:5.
   2)   Ambassadors must speak with their king, 2 Cor. 5:20.
   3)   Pilgrims must ask for directions, I Pet. 2:11.

4. CONSISTENT PRAYER MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
   1)  Belief that God is" a rewarder," Heb.. 11:6.
   2)  "With thanksgiving . . . requests be made" Phil. 4:6.
   3)  Intercession--"Brethern, pray for us," I Thess. 5:25.
   4)  Dependency--"The Lord is my shepherd," Ps. 23:1.
   5)  Resignation--"not my will, but thine," Lu. 22:42.
   6)  Forgiveness--"When . . . praying, forgive," Mk. 11:5.

5. GOD AS OUR "FATHER" MAKES PRAYER NATURAL.
   1)  "New born babes" need parents attention, I Pet. 2:2.
   2)  "Abba"--instinctive cry of God's child, Gal. 4:6.
   3)  "If I . . . be a father, where is mine honor?" Mal. 1:6.

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