Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Miracle of Prayer
What is prayer?
A. Communication with God-God communicates with us through:WORD, PRAYER, and OTHER PEOPLE
B. We communicate with God through prayer-talking with God from our heart.
How do we pray or talk to God?
Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus –John 16:23,24A – Adoration (Praise and Worship God);
Psalms 34:1-3, Hebrews 3:15C – Confession (Confess ant known sin);
Psalm 19; Psalm 51,1 John 1:9T – Thanksgiving (In everything thanks);
Psalm 118:1, Philippians 4:6 S – Supplication (Make a specific request)
James 4:2, Hebrews 4:15,16
When should we pray?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (Pray without ceasing)
Luke 18:1 (Man ought always Pray)
For whom do we pray?
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (Everyone and those in authority)
Ephesians 6:18 (Christians everywhere)
Matthew 9:36-38 (The unsaved and laborers)
Luke 6:28 (Our enemies)
HindrancesAnything that causes a break in our fellowship with God is a hindrance.
Religion without a relationship with God – John 14:6Sin Isaiah 59:2, Psalm 24:3, 4Pride – James 4:6, Proverbs 16:18,19God honors the prayers spoken from a heart of humilityBroken Relationships – 1 Peter 3:7Busyness – Ephesians 5:16Selfishness – James 4:3Unforgiveness – Mark 11:25, 26Unbelief – Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:23, 24
God promises to answer prayerJeremiah 33:3, Matthew 7:7-11, Hebrews 4:16
Scripture prayer to prayEphesians 1:17-20Ephesians 3:14-20Colossians 1:9-12Philippians 1:9-12
The Foundation of Marriage Is……
Ecclesiastes 4:12 New Living Translation (NLT)12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
War Room Prayersfor Your Marriage
What is a “War Room” Prayer?Couples who pray with a purpose pray war room prayers. A war room prayer for your marriage is a prayer you pray when you are completely serious about praying for
your marriage.
The Bible says we are to always be on guard because the devil is, “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NASB) always trying to find a place in our lives to pounce and attack us.
*It is his goal to destroy you, your prayer life, your witness, and your marriage.
*It is the closest relationship that mirrors God’s relationship with the church.
Why prayer for your marriage?
Because the devil wants to destroy you. He wants to destroy any and all good in
your life. He wants to destroy your witness.
What to pray for your marriage?“Answered prayers aren’t merely highly
unlikely coincidences. They are fingerprints of a living, loving God who
invites all of us to draw close to Him, the One who made us and “is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and
move and have our being” (Acts 17:27-28 NKJV).
As we learn more about prayer and the power in prayer we
come to have a deeper belief in the importance of prayer. We
have all had fights in our marriages. But the best way to fight in a marriage is to pray!
War Room Prayer Position
What’s the first thing we must do to get into position to fight this war
with the devil?
The Bible says in Ephesians 6:10-12 “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord
and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand
against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities against the cosmic powers of
this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.”
So next time a fight begins, remember our fight is not really with them. It’s against the evil forces of the darkness.
We have a strategy, a plan of attack;
The Bible is our battle plan!
War Room Prayer Preparation
We have to prepare ourselves. So we need to get into the Word, which is our Bible. Once we do this we find that we need to prepare our hearts.
Example of a War Room PrayerNow you know what a war room
prayer is, why you should be praying a war room prayer for your marriage, what to be praying for and how to prepare for it, and
what do you actually pray?
Our marriages are a blessing and it is so important that we cover our spouses and our marriages in prayer. We must give our marriages to God to guard, protect and bless. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
HUSBAND……Now pray a War Room Prayer for your Wife
WIFE…Now pray a War Room
Prayer for your Husband
NOW…..
PRAY YOUR PERSONAL PRAYER FOR YOUR MATE
Building a Legacy
God’s purpose for marriage goes beyond intimacy sharing romantic times together and achieving oneness. Marriage is meant to be a couple locking arms together to influence their world and future generations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why do people get married?
- Love and Happiness- Financial Security- Start a Family- Convenience- ??????
Why should people get married?
- Desire to become more holy- Line up with God word- Few people connect marriage with sanctification (Ephesians 5:25-26)
For followers of Jesus, marriage is a place for growing in holiness of heart and life. It is a place where vices should be challenged and virtues cultivated.
Want to grow in patience?- Get married- Do you wish that you were more kind?
- Less prideful and arrogant?- Less self-centered and more God focused, loving and generous?
God designed Christian marriage to be a place where all these virtues can be nurtured, helping us learn to better live and love like God does. (Mark 12:30-31)
Understanding Our Heritage
* What comes to mind when you think of a heritage or a legacy?*There are other types of legacies which people leave. List as many different kind as you can.*To what extent is a legacy a person leaves a statement of his or her values? Explain why this would be so.*Describe the heritage your parents left you and the values it represents?
Based on the scriptures (in the next slide)write down words or phrases that describe the legacy God desires you to leave.
Scriptures- Deuteronomy 6:1,2,5-7- Joshua 24:14,15- Psalm 112:1,2- Proverbs 4:10-15- 2 Timothy 1:5- 3 John 4
*Leaving a godly legacy will ultimately be different for every individual. The true test in leaving a godly legacy is faithful fulfillment of God’s mission through the stewardship of your time, talent and treasure.
*Take three minutes and write your
“Vision Statement for Your Marriage”
Lovell & Terri ‘s Vision StatementLovell and Terri marriage will evolve into the kind of oneness that honors God and serves as a blessing to others. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we will walk in the fullness of Jesus love and forgiveness as a spouse and minister.
*The legacy you leave is determined by the life you live.
How to Leave a Legacy that will Outlive You
*How do you leave a spiritual legacy? (Matthew 28:19-20)
*According to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, how do you leave a godly legacy through your influence on your children, your physical
descendants?
Your marriage should leave a legacy of love that will
influence future generations.
Motivation for Leaving a Godly
Legacy
What in the following verses motivates you to leave a godly legacy?
- Matthew 28:19,20- Romans 1:16
- Romans 8:35-39- Ephesians 2:10- 1 Peter 3:9-15- 2 Peter 3:9-15
* Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and contrast the final results of a worldly and godly legacy.
*Describe the legacy you would leave if your life ended tonight.
*What do you want your legacy to be?
*What people do you need to influence for God?
*What are some tasks in the church you are gifted to tackle?
*What projects/causes should you support?
*Evaluate the type of legacy your marriage is now leaving in the following area. Focus one or two area.- Love for People- Values- Schedule and Priorities- Sharing Christ with Friends/Associates- Finances/Possessions- Leadership- Children
What one specific action do you need to take to better use your marriage to leave a godly legacy?
Most people seek to leave a legacy that will honor them.
What does Psalm 45:16,17 add to this goal?
- How can you and your mate make this a reality in your marriage and family?
*Anyone like to share a take away from the Prayer and Building a Legacy session.