Principles for a Powerful Prayer Meeting PT2

Matthew 6:5-13, 33 – 5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. . . 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (New King James Version)

What Is the Significance of “Seeking First the Kingdom of God?”

▸ “Seeking first . . .” speaks of _______________________ and _______________________ our desires

▸ While the passion for ‘God’s Kingdom’ only comes from God, we must _________________ _________

James 4:8 – Come close to God, and God will come close to you. . . . (New Living Translation)

Psalm 86:11 – Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you. (New Living Translation)

▸ Your identity becomes that of a ______________________ on _______________________ with God

Luke 4:14 – Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Soon he became well known throughout the surrounding country. (New Living Translation)

What Does It Mean to “Seek First the Kingdom of God”

▸ The ____________________ _________ of the believers

Philippians 2:4-5 – 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (New Living Translation)

▸ ______________________ __________ to the unbelievers

1 Timothy 1:15, 2:4 – 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all. . . . 2:4 . . .who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (New Living Translation)

Colossians 4:3 – And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (New International Version)

Romans 10:1 – Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for . . . people . . . to be saved. (New Living Translation)

▸ Having an _____________________________ on society

Acts 2:44, 46-47 – 44 Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. . . . 46 And every day they devoted themselves ⌊to meeting⌋ together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. (Holman’s Christian Standard Bible)

Matthew 5:13-16 – 13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. 15 If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. 16 Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (The Message)