Prayer Is Not Optional

We are commanded in scripture to build an altar to the Lord. In the times of the Old Testament, altars were built of stone and heavy materials. As living sacrifices, we build an altar of the lifestyle of prayer. A lack of prayer doesn’t mean you just forgot today; it is about your heart’s posture towards God.

Abraham vs. Lot

Abraham built his life around God.
Lot built his life and his decision-making around things.

What Am I Telling God When I Don’t Pray?

1. “I don’t need You.”
2. “I don’t trust You.”
3. “I’m too busy for You.”
4. “I can live without Your Presence.”
5. “Your will is not important to me.”
6. “You’re not my essential.”

Why Pray?

1. Prayer changes us
2. Prayer aligns us with God’s will
3. Prayer connects us to a relational God
4. Prayer shows dependence
5. Prayer invites God’s power
6. Prayer builds intimacy

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Prayer is not about getting more things from God—it’s about getting the mind of Christ about things.

How to Build an Altar of Prayer? 

1. Set a time and a place to pray
2. Remove distractions
3. Start where you are
4. Develop consistency
5. Pray scripture
6. Pray different prayers

-Adoration: Acknowledge who God is. Worship God.
-Confession: Repent and be honest. Be Real and Raw.
-Thanksgiving: Thank God for the big and small things.
-Supplication: Tell God your needs (for yourself and for others).
-Intercession: Standing in the Gap

7. Listen
8. Pray with others
9. The Holy Spirit is my prayer partner (Romans 8:26).
10. Pray in Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:14; Jude 1:20)

Watch The Full Sermon Here: