The Power of Prayer | Romans 1:10

The Purpose for Prayer

Matthew 6:8 ESV

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Prayer REORIENTS our hearts toward God.

"Prayerlessness is our declaration of independence from God"

John 15:4 ESV

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Prayer RECONNECTS us to Christ’s Presence

Hebrews 4:15–16 ESV

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Prayer RESTORES us in times of failure

The Power of Prayer

Paul understood that it was the God "whom I serve with my spirit" that he trusted to bring them safely home to himself. It is not Paul’s own strength, but the strength God gives us through prayer.

John 15:5–8 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

1 John 3:22 ESV

and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

1 John 5:15 ESV

And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

The Pattern of Prayer

Jesus gives us a Pattern to Prayer. We do not have to go into prayer aimlessly, we can go joyfully knowing how we are to pray.

Matthew 6:9–13 ESV

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

A - Adoration

C - Confession

T - Thanksgiving

S - Supplication

Church, let’s pray this year, as Paul did. Let’s pray for our One, let’s pray for our church.