Hitting the target

We stir the Holy Spirit

 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

1.Proper PERSPECTIVE- Seeing things from God’s point of view

Prayer is a mystery- Almighty God does NOT need our help but He gives us the joy of partnering with Him! (Father/Son mowing grass or Mother/Daughter baking a cake)

Prayer is the foundation for all life changing ministry with eternal results- Pray the price

The devil is terrified of God's power released through prayer- not our human abilities!

Our confidence is NOT in our ability to pray, it is in GOD’s ability and faithfulness to answer!!!

The size of the giant doesn’t matter! - Gideon and 32,000 Israelites are facing 300,000 Midianites. (10 to 1 odds) “The Lord said to Gideon, You have TOO MANY men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands or they will boast it is our own strength that saved us. Now announce to the army, anyone who is afraid may go home.” () Only 300 soldiers remain to face the 300,000. (1000 to 1 odds) God is supremely confident in HIS power and ability and so should we!

2.Proper PRIORITY- Don’t Stand up the King of the Universe!

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” ()

“If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” ()

3. Pronounce PRAISE- God inhabits the praises of His people ()

Praise is a weapon- it routs the enemy! ()

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” () Praying and praising always brings God’s power on the scene!Pronounce PRAISE- God inhabits the praises of His people ()

4.Persevere with PERSISTENCE- Lock on the target and just keep coming!

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” () Praying and praising always brings God’s power on the scene!

Darn the torpedoes- FULL Speed ahead! (Admiral Farragut)

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, Grant me justice against my adversary. For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t keep wearing me out! And the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not GOD bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? ()

“Let they who call upon the Lord give Him no rest until He comes and establishes Jerusalem and makes her a praise in all the earth.” ()

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and pray without ceasing for all the saints.” ()

When the devil tells you your prayers aren’t working tell him he is a liar and pray even harder!

The answer/breakthrough you seek may be closer than you think! ( and )

The faith of the Canaanite widow ()

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed ()

The closer you get to the target, the heavier the anti-aircraft fire!

Sometimes when we pray circumstances get worse before they get better- why?

a. It is a test- how bad do you want it

b. The devil panics and pulls out all the stops to get you to turn around and go back