Developing a Habit of Prayer
David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of developing a consistent and sincere habit of prayer for spiritual growth and intimacy with God.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of developing a habit of prayer, urging believers to find a personal, intimate space to commune with God away from distractions. He highlights that true prayer is not about public display or seeking recognition, but about sincere communication with the Father in secret. Wilkerson warns against the hypocrisy of those who pray for show, reminding us that genuine prayer is vital for spiritual growth and power. He encourages Christians to cultivate a daily practice of seeking God wholeheartedly, as this is essential for a vibrant faith.
Text
"When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret, will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:6).
When Jesus speaks of going into a secret place to seek the Father, he is talking about something much greater than a physical closet. He is referring to any place where you can be alone with him in intimate communion.
Do you have a place of prayer? Do you have a habit of shutting yourself in with God? It could be in your car while you commute to work or in your study at home. The Holy Spirit woos you and your spirit responds, "I must talk with my Father today!" Having a prayer habit, a daily practice of disciplining yourself to come before God, is vital to your spiritual growth.
Jesus warned against hypocrisy in prayer. He drew a dramatic distinction between those who seek God in the secret place and those who pray so that they can be seen by others as holy. Hypocrites are actors, people who act holy in order to receive the praise of others. Jesus said there are many such actors in his church: "When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward" (Matthew 6:5).
Far too many Christians do not practice a wonderful, daily communion with the Lord. The vast majority pray only in church and at meals, with perhaps a few quick words to God before going to bed. Beloved, there is absolutely no power in haphazard, on-again-off-again praying. God sees the very depths of your being and he desires for you to seek him with all your heart.
The habit of daily drawing near to God is meant for every one of us! "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!" (Psalm 119:2).
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Understanding the Secret Place
- The Importance of Intimate Communion
- Identifying Your Personal Prayer Space
-
II
- Establishing a Daily Prayer Habit
- Disciplining Yourself to Pray
- Recognizing the Holy Spirit's Prompting
-
III
- Avoiding Hypocrisy in Prayer
- The Dangers of Public Prayer for Recognition
- The True Reward of Private Prayer
-
IV
- The Power of Consistent Prayer
- The Consequences of Inconsistent Prayer
- Seeking God with Your Whole Heart
-
V
- The Call to All Christians
- Embracing the Habit of Prayer
- The Blessings of Daily Communion with God
Key Quotes
“When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place.” — David Wilkerson
“There is absolutely no power in haphazard, on-again-off-again praying.” — David Wilkerson
“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Identify a specific time and place to pray each day to cultivate your relationship with God.
- Be mindful of the motivations behind your prayers, ensuring they are sincere and not for public recognition.
- Commit to seeking God wholeheartedly, making prayer a priority in your daily life.