Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

The Value Of Secret Prayer
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus taught His disciples the value of secret prayer...
a. As opposed to prayer done to be seen of men - Mt 6:5
b. To ensure that the Father in heaven hears and responds to our prayers - Mt 6:6
2. In this study, we shall examine more fully the value of secret prayer...
a. To consider other advantages of this form of spiritual devotion
b. To encourage its adoption in our daily walk with God
[The value of secret prayer can be seen in that it...]
I. CULTIVATES OUR SPIRITUAL NATURE
A. THROUGH REGULAR EXERCISE...
1. Our bodies are developed through regular physical exercise
2. The spirit of man also benefits through regular spiritual or godly exercise - 1 Ti 4:7-8
3. The practice of prayer is a form of spiritual exercise
a. “Prayer is the spiritual gymnasium in which we exercise and practice godliness.” - V. L.
Crawford
b. “...Prayer is educative. The man who prays grows; and the muscles of the soul swell
from this whipcord to iron bands.” - Frederick B. Meyer
4. The opposite is also true: “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.” - Allan E.
Bartlette
B. THROUGH FREEDOM FROM DISTRACTION...
1. Where else but in the privacy of one’s closet or room...
a. Can one fully concentrate his efforts in communion with God?
b. Can one engage in prayer without outside distractions?
2. Even in the assembly of the church it is easy to be distracted
a. By noise or movements from others as we try to listen to others pray
b. By concern of how we sound as others listen to us pray
C. THROUGH EMPHASIS ON PERSONAL CONCERNS...
1. Public prayer by its nature rarely addresses the specific needs of the individual
2. Private prayer provides opportunity pour out one’s soul to God
[The cultivation of our spiritual nature is greatly enhanced by secret prayer because it also...]
II. FORMS A HABIT OF CLOSE COMMUNION WITH GOD
by
A. CONSIDER THE LAW OF HABIT...
1. Man is a creature of habit, we cannot help but form habits
2. Habits can be bad or good
a. One who allows himself to engage in a sinful practice over time finds himself enslaved
Topical Sermons 359