powerful in prayer the church: stewards of the mystery
TRANSCRIPT
Powerful in Prayer
The Church: Stewards of the Mystery
Why is Prayer so Hard?We…• are busy• are distracted• like instant results• like the loud, the
fast, the exciting• like action
Prayer…• takes time• takes focus• requires patience• is quiet and still
• is passive
Why Pray?
1. because God commands it
Ephesians 6:18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints
Why Pray?
2. because it is our privilege
Hebrews 10:19-22
Why Pray?
3. because it changes us
Philippians 4:6-7Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Why Pray?
3. because it changes us
PRAYER TIP #1: “with thanksgiving”
Why Pray?
4. because God acts on it
John 16:23-24“…Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.”
Why Pray?
God is Sovereign
Psalm 135:6Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
Why Pray?
AND YET… Exodus 32:9-14
God is sovereign…
…AND yet still my prayers really change things for the better
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
1. Contrary to His revealed will
James 4:3You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
2. Stalled by un-confessed sin
1 John 3:21-22Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
2. Stalled by un-confessed sin
PRAYER TIP #2: always include confession
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
3. “No” brings something better
2 Corinthians 12:7-9Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!...
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
3. “No” brings something better
2 Corinthians 12:7-9… Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
3. “No” brings something better
Romans 8:28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
3. “No” brings something better
Matthew 26:39He… fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
PRAYER TIP #3: have an attitude of acceptance
Why Doesn’t God say “Yes”?
4. Haven’t persevered in prayer
Luke 18:1-7
Why Pray?
1. because God commands it2. because it is our privilege3. because it changes us4. because God acts on it
Application: Prioritize Prayer
– Block out time to pray• Privately• As a family• In a small group• Wed @ Anderson
Application: Prioritize Prayer
– Block out time to pray– Hit the “Pause” button
