Night Prayers

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

Night Prayers

Text: Matthew 26:36-46 IBCWPM January 10, 2007

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

Illustrated by Jose B. Cabajar

Praying to our Heavenly Father is a great honor and privilege every believer must realize. It should not be taken lightly but seriously because every time we commune with God, we are not merely talking to some great men of the world but talking to the Supreme Authority. High reverence to the Holy One leads a prayerful man in the path of wisdom. We must keep in mind that how often we come to the Lord in prayers reveals our mindfulness of the Living and True God.

Strengthening our prayer life is a wise step to deep spirituality. As we become more preoccupied with daily cares of life, there is always a great tendency to neglect our prayer life. We should not let this happen because if we really love God, we could always make a way to show our respect and acknowledgement of His pre-eminence in our lives.

We believe that Jesus was the busiest man who ever lived in this world and yet His personal prayer life was incomparable. In Luke 18:1, it says, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (KJV) Truly, there is no justifiable reason why man cannot pray consistently.

Praying during day time is unquestionably good, but if we desire to experience a more powerful prayer life, intensive night prayers will surely make the difference. Great servants of the Lord do not only spend much time in prayer during the day but during the deep of the night as well.

As we study how the Lord prayed during His last hours in this world, surely we will be blessed. In Luke 22:41-46, it is written, And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. (KJV)

(I) The Shameful Results Of Not Praying To God

Matthew 26:36-43 26:56

-No care for others

Uncaring people don’t realize the importance and power of prayer. They rather sleep and enjoy “the sluggard sleep” than to pray for others. It is a shame if God finds us enjoying our sleep and snoring at night but has forgotten to pray before we go to bed. In Matthew 26:43, it is written, And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. (KJV)

-Powerlessness

Christians are undeniably powerful people if they use the power of Holy Ghost and through prayers, God’s power will surely be manifested through their lives and ministries. In Matthew 17:19-21, it is written, Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (KJV)

-Cowardice

In Matthew 26:56, it is written, But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. (KJV) What a shameful result of not spending time with God in prayer during the night. Apparently, many professing Christians talk much about themselves, but when spiritual warfare intensifies, they flee and hide themselves for fear. No prayer, no courage.

(II) The Beneficial Results Of Being Prayerful

Matthew 26:36-67 John 18:1-11

-Powerful life

Behind a powerful Christian is the Lord’s hand, and behind his consistent victories, is a strong prayer life.

-Excellent composure

Excellent composure in times of provocation is well-demonstrated through a prayerful man. Like the Lord, he is not easily shaken; courage and firmness are always notable in his life.

-Many will be blessed

A prayerful Christian is a sure blessing to many. Sometimes we wonder why many unexpected blessings come to our lives, and that even those things we did not pray for are being poured to us in a surprising way. First of all, we must be aware that God is so good to us. Secondly, someone prayed for us.

On the other hand, sometimes we feel downhearted because of those could-be avoided tragic events that come on our course of life. We ask God why they happen, but the question is, have we knelt down in prayer and ask God to save us from such unpleasant situations? Earnest prayer changes people; it also turns heartbreaking moments into delightful days.

We could not imagine how hopeless we would be if the Lord had not prayed earnestly that the will of His Father be done through His death at the cross. In Matthew 26:39, it is written, And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (KJV) We praise God because Jesus our Lord prayed for the will of His Father, and as an excellent result, every man has the opportunity to be saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

How many people are being benefited by a prayerful believer? Surely, countless people are enjoying the blessings of night prayers. May we continue kneeling down in prayer and ask God for His will to be fulfilled marvelously through our lives. Be prayerful, and be blessed, and be a blessing to others.

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