The PRAYERS OF CORNELIUS Acts 10:2 I. Introduction. A. People who accept that Jesus is the Christ put much faith in prayer. B. For the Christian, prayer is a powerful force: James 5:16. 1. Paul's attitude: Colossians 1:9. 2. Hence: I Thessalonians 5:17. C. But--others also prayed(and pray). 1. The world today; war correspondent who prayed. 2. Cornelius, a Gentile: Acts 10:2. II. Body. A. Why did Cornelius pray? 1. Knew he was responsible to a higher being. 2. Perhaps had seen others pray. 3. Prayer is used by most, if not all, types of religion(talks to divine being). B. For what did he pray? 1. We have no idea! 2. He talked with God--expressed his thoughts. 3. For what should a Christian pray? C. His prayers were a "memorial": Acts 10:4. 1. Opportunity to remind Peter and the apostles of duty. 2. Though Peter had preached--needed help: Acts 2:39.(Don't we all?) 3. God had not forgotten: perfect memory: man did forget(and does)! D. Cornelius, the man. 1. Sincere and honest. a. Look at his life. b. Look at his response to angel. c. Note his willingness to change. 2. Shared with others(alms). a. Could miss this(emphasis has been: on prayers). b. Cared about others. c. Liberal with substance. 3. Dependent on God(prayed). a. Immediate response to angel. b. To hear things commanded "of God." 4. Receptive to truth: Acts 10:33. a. Acts 10:48. b. Wanted others to hear: "all here present." E. Cornelius let nothing stand in his way to do God's command. 1. His personal dedication alone could not save him. 2. His attitude: sent for Peter. 3. He had been trying: now dedicates himself. 4. Did he have to give up anything? F. Demonstrated removal of barrier by Jesus death: Ephesians 2:14. 1. His prayers were a "memorial." a. God used to teach Peter. b. To open way for all Gentiles. 2. Moved from Jews to whole world. G. Even Cornelius had to obey. 1. Received Holy Spirit: Acts 10:44. 2. Note: Acts 10:48. 3. Also: Acts 11:14. H. From Cornelius learn: 1. Men ought to pray(in every place). 2. Men ought to sacrifice. 3. Praying alone is not acceptable(even for a Christian). 4. One is to be sincere and honest. 5. Correct attitudes are essential to righteousness. 6. To do right: sacrifices must be made! III. Conclusion. A. How do I, as a Christian, compare to Cornelius?-jy