Sermon Notes: The Power of Prayer

A Promise:

Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven.
Prayer is getting God’s will done on Earth.
Prayer says I need you God.
I’m inviting you into my life

The word Prayed is found 68 times in the Bible. Most notable:

Luke 5:16 NIV But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Jesus provides an excellent model to His disciples:

Matthew 6:9‭-‬13 NIV “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
- on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today 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 the evil one. ’

The Message

Matthew 7:7‭-‬12 NIV

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Analysis: This verse encourages believers to actively seek God’s help and guidance. The three actions—ask, seek, knock—imply persistence and faith.
Cross References:
- James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Analysis: This verse reassures that those who earnestly seek God will receive answers. It emphasizes God’s readiness to respond to our needs.
Cross References:
- Luke 11:10: “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
- Proverbs 8:17: “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

Analysis: These verses use the analogy of a parent providing for their child to illustrate God’s goodness and willingness to give us what we need.
Cross References:
- Isaiah 49:15: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
- Luke 11:11-12: “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?”

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Analysis: This verse contrasts human imperfection with God’s perfect goodness. If flawed humans can give good gifts, how much more will God, who is perfect, give to those who ask?
Cross References:
- James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
- Romans 8:32: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Analysis: Known as the Golden Rule, this verse summarizes the ethical teachings of the Law and the Prophets. It calls for treating others as we wish to be treated.
Cross References:
- Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
- Romans 13:8: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
- 1 Peter 4:9‭-‬11 NIVOffer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Remember:

The idea that power is inherent in prayer is a very popular one. According to the Bible,

The power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer. Consider the following:

Closing Thoughts

Something to remember when we “think” God is not listening:

God’s Timing

Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is “not yet.” God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with our own. Consider

Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Different Answers

God can answer prayers in various ways: “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” A “no” might be difficult to accept, but it could be for our ultimate good.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Trust in God’s Plan

We might not always understand why our prayers seem unanswered, but trusting in God’s plan is crucial.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Persistent Prayer

Jesus taught about the importance of persistent prayer in

Luke 18:1-8, the parable of the persistent widow. This parable encourages us to keep praying and not lose heart.

Self-Reflection

Sometimes, unanswered prayers can be an invitation to self-reflection. Are there areas in our lives that need change or growth?

Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Key Takeaways

Patience and Trust: Trusting in God’s timing and plan is essential, even when we don’t understand it.
Persistent Prayer: Keep praying and seeking God’s will, knowing that He hears us.
Self-Reflection: Use the time of waiting to reflect on personal growth and alignment with God’s will.