Mark 9:28-29 - 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
NIV



Top 10 Reasons to make prayer a priority in 2024



1. It’s the basis of our relationship with God.



Romans 10:9-10, 13 - 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved…13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” NIV



2. It brings forgiveness of sin.



1 John 1:9 - 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.  NLT



3. It helps you discern God’s will.



Acts 13:2 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." NIV



4. It strengthens you.



Psalm 105:4 - Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always. NIV



5. It gives you peace.



Psalm 34:4-5 - I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; NLT



Philippians 4:6-7 - 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV



6. It gives you victory over temptation.



Matthew 26:41 - Jesus told his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” NIV



7. Makes you wiser.



James 1:5 - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. NIV



8. Brings God’s healing.



James 5:13-15 - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. NIV



9. It brings spiritual Intervention



Daniel 9:23 - 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you NIV



10. God rewards those who diligently seek Him.



Hebrews 11:6 - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV



Why don’t we prioritize prayer?



1. We don’t know what to say.



2. We don’t think God will answer.



3. We get busy.



1 Thess. 5:17 - Pray continually.