The Power of Prayer

THE POWER OF PRAYER Crosspointe・June 6, 2021 Pastor Greg Crocker Ephesians 6:18–24 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians begins with the greatest unfolding of the believer’s privileges, we are brought into the awesome majesty and power of God as He unfolds His eternal plan for us. Then in chapter 6, the book ends with believers facing their greatest conflict. WHAT IS PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT? Pew Research Discovered _______% of Americans say they pray every day, 21% say they pray weekly or monthly, and 23% say they seldom or never pray. David said, Psalm 55:17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. To pray at all times means to live in continual God _______________________________, constantly keeping a deep awareness of God’s presence. Hebrews 11:27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Perseverance means “to stick to it and NOT quit” 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. The Bible targets spiritual needs rather than our _________________________ needs. What was the apostle Paul so concerned about? Prayer is the spiritual air that the soldier breathes. Luke 18:1 Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and NOT lose heart. Ephesians 6:19–20 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. The believer who neglects prayer is setting himself up for a _____________________. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall —1 Corinthians 10:12 PRAY FOR YOUR SHEPHERDS Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ —Matthew 26:31 HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE PRAY? Luke 21:36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place Acts 2:42 And they (disciples) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. True story of Jame Stegalls Matthew 18:19–20 if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.