Ephesians 6:18 20 · 3/4/2012 · ‘Prayer is not everything, but everything is by ... ‘Prayer...
Transcript of Ephesians 6:18 20 · 3/4/2012 · ‘Prayer is not everything, but everything is by ... ‘Prayer...
Ephesians 6:18–20
‘The Church that goes forward, goes forward on its
knees.’
‘Prayer is not everything, but everything is by
prayer.’ Ray Ortlund
‘Prayer is that slender nerve that moves the muscles
of God’s omnipotence.’ Charles Spurgeon
‘When a Christians shuns fellowship with other
Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops
reading the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops
praying, the devil shouts for joy.’
Corrie Ten Boom
What do you think Christ wants this
church to be?
What would happen in our congregation if
every member was prayed for every single
day by someone?
‘Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests.’ Ephesians 6:18
Prayer is the ultimate weapon in spiritual warfare
There are Many Ways to Pray…
and They are All Valid
1) The Content of Prayer
• adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication
A-C-T-S
2) The Posture of Prayer
• sitting, kneeling, standing, eyes open/closed…
Ephesians 6:18–20
There are Many Ways to Pray…
and They are All Valid
3) The Associations of Prayer
• alone, small group, corporate body…
4) The Style of Prayer
• formal, informal, written, recited…
Ephesians 6:18–20
There are Many Ways to Pray…
and They are All Valid
5) Places and Times of Prayer
• in our homes, offices, classrooms, morning,
afternoon, night…
6) The Objects/Purposes of Prayer
• confession, restoration, healing, help…
Ephesians 6:18–20
‘The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and
effective.’
James 5:16
The Best Time to Pray is
When You Feel the Need to
‘…on all occasions...’
God is near us when we think we need Him the most
Ephesians 6:18–20
Effective Prayer Requires
Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
‘Pray in the Spirit...’
He invites, incites and instructs us to pray
If you are thinking about praying…go ahead and pray
Ephesians 6:18–20
If You Want Your Prayers Answered,
Stay Awake and Keep on Praying
‘Be alert and always keep on praying...’
‘Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up
so that no one falls behind or drops out.’
The Message
Whatever helps you stay alert is the right way to pray
Ephesians 6:18–20
The Wider our Circle of Concern,
the Wider the Results
Ephesians 6:18–20
Paul Asked for Two Things
1) Clarity ~ the right words to say
1) Courage ~ boldness to say them at the right time
Ephesians 6:18–20
Truths to Take Home
1) No one ever outgrows the need for prayer
1 Corinthians 2:1–5
2) No one ever outgrows the need to pray for others
Ephesians 6:18–20
Unless you pray, someone will…
Give up
Remain wounded
Be deceived
Give in to temptation
Make a foolish choice
Grow weary
Collapse under their burdens
Go AWOL
‘My house will be called a house of
prayer.’ Matthew 21:13