We Still Need to Pray
Acts 10:1-8
In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. One afternoon about three o'clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. "Cornelius!" the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. "What is it, sir?" he asked the angel. And the angel replied, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore." As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants. He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.
Intro:
1 Timothy 2:1-3
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Saviour,
2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
- He was a Devout God Fearing Man
- Acts 10:2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household.
- Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.
- He was a Generous Giver
- Acts 10:2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor
- Acts 10:31 He told me, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!'
- 2 Corinthians 9:9-11 As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
- He was a Person of Regular Prayer
- Acts 10:2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.
- Matthew 7:7-8 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
- Romans 12:12 Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
- He was a Well Respected Man
- Acts 10:22 They said, "We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity.
- He was a Righteous Man
- Acts 10:35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.
- 1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
- James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Conclusion:
James 5:13
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray.
