Just pray!Pray on all occasionsPray with all types of prayersPray for everyone

Ephesians 6: 18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6: 18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Intercessory prayerWhy is it of value?1. God expands our capacity to loveWe live in an individualist society.It’s impossible to grow in love until we learn to express it in the lives of others.

The peanut butter jar effect…

2. We grow in spiritual discernmentWhen we pray Jesus steps alongside us.We experience more of his presence.We see what he sees – through his perspective.

3. It blesses othersThe power of God moves.He touches people with goodness, healing, freedom, wisdom.

Notice v18 Be alert…Stepping into a spiritual battle ground. Stay alert – be watchful & vigilant.Use the spiritual armour provided by God.Developing a spiritual rhythm to our lives – helps us grow stronger.

What is Jesus doing right now?Interceding for us.Christ Jesus who died – morethan that, who was raised tolife - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Rom 8:34

Who do we pray for?1. Family and friendsHow can we praymore effectively?

The Disciple’s prayer – a good model for us.Matt 6: 9 – 13Our Father in heaven…Your kingdom come, your willbe done…Give us today our daily bread…Forgive us our debts, as we alsohave forgiven… Lead us not into temptation…Deliver us from the evil one…

2. The Government & political leadersWe tend to complain not pray!1 Tim 2:1 - 3 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness

& holiness.  This is good, and pleases God…

God is a God of order not chaos.He has ordained political institutions. (Rom 13)We live under their authority.We pray for those in authority.We serve our community.

Our prayers do make a difference as we seek the peace and prosperity of our world, nation, town.Jeremiah 29:7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you… Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

3. Pray for our enemiesJesus always had unrealistic expectations!Matt 5: 43-45 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.But I tell you, love your enemiesand pray for thosewho persecute you,that you may bechildren of your Fatherin heaven.

Not a category of enemy but all enemies.Who does this really mean?Those who threaten •our country•our livelihood•our career•our relationships•our family•our hopes and dreams•our sense of self worth.

Why would Jesus ask us to do this?Often we pray for their obliteration!•We show them the same grace that we receive …whilst still sinners (Rom 5)•We experiencegreater peace & freedom in ourown lives than ifwe don’t pray.•That they might seeJesus in us.

Do we have bitterness in our heart? Who is it attached to?Where do we harbour a grudge?All fear and bitterness is based on a belief that God’s love has limits.Forgive as you havebeen forgiven. Which enemiesare on our prayer list?Bless their lives – greaterpeace, freedom and forgivenesswill come in our lives.

4. Pray for the churchFor the persecuted church (Open Doors 2015)Smash and squeeze tactics

1) North Korea2) Somalia3) Iraq4) Syria5) Afghanistan

6) Sudan7) Iran8) Pakistan9) Eritrea10) Nigeria

For the local churchLet there be no arrogancein us…Let us pray for the spiritualatmosphere in our town.

For our church•For us as a congregation•For growth – as people know more of Jesus•For growth – as we invite people

For our church•More of God’s favour•More of the presence of Jesus•More power of the Holy Sprit

Paul praying for his church plant in EphesusEphesians 3: 16 – 19I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.