today is precisely to call Christians to a deeper place of prayer. 3. Jesus recommended it. 4. The disciples wanted it. 5. The apostles modelled it. 6. It is the source of holiness, joy and peace with God. Through prayer sinfulness drops away and Christ’s character is formed in us. To pray is to change. 7. Intimacy with God is the source of power and peace for living. 8. Those who pray get in touch with the heart of God and receive his burden. 9. God answers prayer, so desperate situations can be brought