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    Prayers That Work

    Tom Holladay | October 15, 2017

    Have you ever invested hours, or even days on a project that never panned out? Maybe you even threw in the towel on a failed repair job despite changing the batteries, reading the instructions, and getting a second opinion. Sometimes our prayer life can feel just like that—with a lot of time on our knees and nothing quite working. In this message, Pastor Tom Holladay teaches us about prayers that work and shares how to pray frequently, earnestly, and specifically. You’ll learn how to boldly ask God to act, and five directions for specific prayers. Discover how to align your prayers with God’s will, and pray with his ultimate plan in mind.

    Message Action Plan

    Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT) 

    1. FREQUENTLY 

      “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)   

      Action Plan: Practice the “First 2 Minutes” technique. Whenever you transition from one activity to another, set aside the first 2 minutes for prayer. Ex: When you get into your car to begin your drive home, begin with a 2-minute prayer. 

    2. EARNESTLY

      Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. Ephesians 3:20 (NASB) III. PRAY SPECIFICALLY

      So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) 

                Boldness is ASKING GOD TO ACT

    5 Directions for Specific Prayers:

    May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.  May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.  1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (NLT) 

    1. REMOVE OBSTACLES

      When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia. Acts 20:1 (NIV) 2. Pray for God to INCREASE LOVE

    2. Pray for God to INCREASE LOVE

      While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church." 1 Cor 8:1 (NLT) 

      ...if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 13:2 (NIV) 
    1. A CHANGE OF HEART 

      Action Plan:When you pray for your own needs or the needs of others, ask God to not only meet the need but also to develop your/their character and a heart that is more like God’s.
    1. GOD’S GREATEST WILL
    2. ULTIMATE END IN MIND

    Take time to revisit this prayer from Pastor Tom this week:

    Lord – I want things to change - really change - in my prayer life.

    I pray from time to time, I want to learn to pray all of the time 

    Teach me to pray.

    I pray casually, I want to learn to pray earnestly.

    Teach me to pray.

    I pray for a change of my circumstances, but forget to pray for a change in my character.

    I pray for my needs to be met, but forget to pray for my love to increase.

    My prayers often stretch no further than tomorrow when I want them to reach towards eternity. 

    Teach me to pray. 

    In Jesus’ Name, Amen

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    40 Days of Prayer
    September 24 - November 26, 2017
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