A Work of Absolute Necessity
Private prayer is a work of absolute necessity for our spiritual growth, sanctification, and preparation for life's challenges.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the absolute necessity of private prayer in the life of a believer. He explains that private prayer is essential for cultivating and maintaining a holy heart, revealing and combating sin, and enhancing our spiritual grace. Through prayer, believers are equipped to face temptations, afflictions, and fulfill their duties in service to God. Brooks highlights that prayer not only strengthens our relationship with God but also prepares us for the challenges of life.
Text
Private prayer is a work of absolute necessity, for the bringing of the heart into a holy frame, for the keeping of the heart in a holy frame, for the discovery of sin, for the preventing of sin, for the embittering of sin, for the weakening of sin, for the purging away of sin, for a full exercise of grace, for an eminent increase of grace to arm us against temptations, afflictions, and sufferings, to fit us for all other duties and services.
Sermon Outline
- The Necessity of Private Prayer
- The Benefits of Private Prayer
- The Importance of Private Prayer
- For a Full Exercise of Grace
- For an Eminent Increase of Grace
- For the Purging Away of Sin
Key Quotes
“Private prayer is a work of absolute necessity” — Thomas Brooks
“for the bringing of the heart into a holy frame” — Thomas Brooks
“for the purging away of sin” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Make private prayer a regular part of your daily routine to bring your heart into a holy frame.
- Use private prayer to discover and confess your sins, and to prevent future sin.
- Private prayer is essential for exercising and increasing in grace, which will prepare you for trials and duties.