Men of Prayer
Prayer is essential for the church's survival and growth, and men should lead by spiritual worth, not just position.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that prayer is a collective responsibility and privilege of the entire church, essential for spiritual vitality. He warns against a trend where men neglect prayer, leaving it to women, which undermines their leadership role in the church. Tozer asserts that prayer is the lifeblood of the church, and without it, the church cannot thrive. He calls for men to engage in prayer to fulfill their God-given roles and lead with spiritual integrity. Ultimately, he highlights that true leadership in the church must be rooted in spiritual worth and prayerfulness.
Text
Prayer is not a work that can be allocated to one or another group in the church. it is everybody?s responsibility; it is everybody?s privilege. Prayer is the respiratory function of the church; without it we suffocate and die at last, like a living body deprived of the breath of life. Prayer knows no sex, for the soul has no sex, and it is the soul that must pray. Women can pray, and their prayers will be answered; but so can man, and so should men if they are to fill the place God has given them in the church.
Let us watch that we do not slide imperceptibly to a state where the women do the praying and the men run the churches. Men who do not pray have no right to direct church affairs.
We believe in the leadership of men within the spiritual community of the saints, but that leadership should be won by spiritual worth.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Prayer in the Church
- Prayer Knows No Sex
- The Role of Men in the Church
- Men should lead by spiritual worth, not just position
- Men who do not pray have no right to direct church affairs
Key Quotes
“Prayer is the respiratory function of the church; without it we suffocate and die at last, like a living body deprived of the breath of life.” — A.W. Tozer
“Men who do not pray have no right to direct church affairs.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Prayer is everybody's responsibility and privilege, and we should all make time for it.
- Men should lead by spiritual worth, not just position or authority.
- Prayer is essential for the church's survival and growth, and we should prioritize it.