Benefits of Christian Practices 5

Memory Verse: …  ‘The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you’. Philippians 4:9 (AMP).

Text: Matthew 5:3-12

Spiritual Emphasis: Christian practices are any regular and intentional activities that establishes, develops, and nourishes our personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is more about practice than belief. For us to grow spiritually, Christian practices are essential. It is important to note that for us to experience the full benefits of these practices, these elements must form the foundation of our Christian practices – it must be regular, and it must be intentional. Then and only then, we will be able to establish, develop, and nourish our personal relationship with God, and be transformed by Him.

      Benefits of making Praying a lifestyle – 1 Thess. 5:16-18.

• Prayer is the method we use to present our needs to God: Phil. 4:19; Matthew 7:7-8.
• God comforts us in our times of trial and heartache by assuring us of His presences with us and His willingness to help us: Gen.28:15; Heb. 13:5; Ps. 46:1-3; Ps. 23:4.
• Prayer is a channel through which we build an intimate relationship with God and sense His love for us: James 4:8; Ps. 73:28; 1 John 4:16.
• The Lord strengthens us in times of temptation as we believe His promises and seek His help in prayers: 1 Cor. 10:13.
• God is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness as we confess our sins to Him in prayers: 1 John 1:9.

Questions/Activities: How can I make praying a daily lifestyle?

Conclusion. True prayer is a way to grow in our relationship with the Lord. All relationships require two-way communication. Instead of just speaking our prayer request, we must also listen to the Lord. His Word is the primary way He speaks to us. Our prayer time should include Bible reading.

Shalom! Self-Study: Daniel 6:10; Mark 1:35; 1 Tim. 4:15; John 3:21; Rom. 12:13; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 3:10; Matt. 6:1; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; Lev. 18:3; Gal. 5:21; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Nehemiah 2:1-8.