EXCELLENT PRAYER

Hebrews 13:20–25 CSB

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, he will be with me when I see you. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with you all.

Main Idea: Powerful praying impacts lives for the kingdom of God.

Key Question: Are you praying powerfully for the glory of God?

1. Notice the powerful address. (v.20)

A. Address the God of Peace. (v. 20)

Hebrews 13:20 CSB

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Philippians 4:9 CSB

Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 CSB

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

B. Address the Resurrected Savior. (v. 20)

Hebrews 13:20 CSB

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Acts 2:24 CSB

God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.

Romans 8:11 CSB

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.

C. Address the Shepherd of the Sheep. (v. 20)

Hebrews 13:20 CSB

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Psalm 23:1 CSB

The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.

Isaiah 40:11 CSB

He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.

2. Notice the powerful intercession. (v. 21)

A. Ask for equipping believers. (v. 21)

Hebrews 13:21 CSB

equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 1:9–12 CSB

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.

Colossians 4:12 CSB

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.

B. Ask for sanctification of believers. (v. 21)

Hebrews 13:21 CSB

equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 CSB

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:13 CSB

For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.