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