THE PRAYING SERVANT PART 12 OF 12

TEXT- MARK 14:32-42

INTRODUCTION

IN THE COMIC STRIP "PEANUTS", PEPPERMINT PATTY IS CALLED TO THE FRONT OF THE CLASSROOM BY HER TEACHER TO SOLVE A MATH PROBLEM SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER.

AS SHE STANDS STARING AT THE BLACK BOARD SHE BEGINS TO PRAY, "WHAT AM I DOING UP HERE IN FRONT OF THE CLASS? HELP ME! HELP ME! PLEASE HELP ME LORD!"

THE LONGER SHE STANDS THERE THE MORE FERVENT HER PRAYER BECOMES.

"IT'S THE SECOND PROBLEM ON PAGE TWELVE LORD...HELP ME... I'M HERE AT THE BLACK BOARD... PAGE TWELVE, PLEASE LORD, HURRY!"

FINALLY HER FRIEND MARCI INTERRUPTS HER.

"YOU CAN SIT DOWN SIR...THE TEACHER SAID SHE WASN'T FEELING WELL, AND LEFT THE ROOM."

AT THAT MOMENT PEPPERMINT PATTY SHOUTS, "SCHOOL PRAYER REALLY WORKS, MARCIE!"

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT PRAYER REALLY WORKS?

JAMES SAID IN JAMES 5:16; "THE EFFECTIVE PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN CAN ACCOMPLISH MUCH."

OUR TEXT THIS MORNING IS FOUND IN MARK 14:32-42 AND THE TITLE OF MY MESSAGE IS, "THE PRAYING SERVANT."

HERE IN OUR TEXT WE FIND JESUS WITHIN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE DURING A TIME WHEN HE WAS FACED WITH THE PROSPECT OF BETRAYAL, HUMILIATION, TORTURE, AND ULTIMATELY EVEN DEATH.

AS HE PRAYED TO THE FATHER FROM THE ANGUISH AND DISTRESS OF HIS HEART, JESUS GIVES US FOUR KEYS TO FOLLOW WHEN WE PRAY TO GOD AS SERVANTS TODAY.

LET'S LOOK NOW AND SEE WHAT THESE FOUR KEYS ARE AND HOW WE CAN APPLY THEM TO OUR PRAYER LIVES TODAY.