Prayer

Years ago, when I was in elementary school - I don’t remember if this was 4th or 5th grade, the Queen of Norway came to Atlanta to visit the city ahead of the olympic games. And our school chorus was given an invitation to come and sing for her.

I don’t remember much about it, but I’m sure security was toit.

I do remember my brother telling me about he and his wife going to a concert, and then Vice President Mike Pence came to it. They blocked off his entire row, and secret service were allllll over the place.

For a very, very brief window, I had access to the leader of a country.

For a very brief window, my brother had access to the second in command of our country. A *narrow*….brief….window.

But here’s the thing. Mike Pence, never even knew my brother was in the room.

The Queen of Norway? She couldn’t pick me out of a lineup.

Those people, they have no idea who we are.

And besides that, we have access to Someone infinitely more important. Infinitely more acquainted with us. Someone of infinitely more influence. Infinitely more powerful……

The sad reality is that

We have barely scratched the surface of how powerful, meaningful, and fulfilling a healthy prayer life can be.

who - to your Father Matt 7:11 seems to say that God is our loving Father who gives good things to His children when they ask for them.

what should we pray about? EVERYTHING! - Phil 4:6 says to make all of your needs known to God

when - without ceasing!! 1 Thess 5:17

where - in private (Neh 1:4) and in the moment (Neh 2:4)

why - because it is effective! (James 5:13-18)

how - Well see, now we get to it. Don’t we.

Matt 6:9-13

We honor the Father, and give Him the praise and glory He deserves.

We proclaim His sovereignty and submit our desires to His will.

We acknowledge our needs and wants, and recognize that He alone can supply them.

We confess our need for forgiveness, and extend forgiveness to those around us.

We pray protection from sin, and guidance from the enemy’s schemes.

If you’re not good at praying - pray

If you want to get better at praying - pray

If you have a friend or loved one who NEEDS Jesus - pray

Whenever someone calls for prayer in a public group - PRAY

To that end.

You know we have a room downstairs. It’s set up as our prayer room. Right?

What if we prayed - BOLDLY, SPECIFICALLY, CONSISTENTLY

What if, before worship on Wednesdays….what if we had some people who got together and prayed in there….

What if….what if on random days, we had people who came in here, to pray for specific things.

God, give us 25 students who give their lives to Christ.

God, raise up 8 small group leaders

God, do what only You can do.