Prayer Accomplishes Much

Prayer Accomplishes Much

2003044

Topic # 0455

Introduction:

A. Growing in knowledge article.

B. Do we pray w/expectation that our prayers will be answered?

1. if one only knew of all good accomplished & the evil averted through prayer – I think we would be even more diligent in our prayer.

2. We can be assured that when we pray – God listens. He will answer our prayers.

C. Js. 1:5-7; 4:8; 5:16b – bible attests that prayer works.

D. When life continues to throw out its share of problems, trials, temptations, and setbacks – we are sometimes left to wonder if God is really listening/answering prayer.

E. For a few moments today – let us be reminded that prayer accomplishes much.

I. Prayer works for the Christian.

A. Jesus testified to power & effectiveness of prayer.

1. Mt. 7:7-11 – Lord will supply all our needs – giving what is good to those who ask Him.

2. John 14:13-14 – Jesus speaking specifically to apostles just before His death. Applicable to Christians today because prayer not meant only for the apostles.

3. Paul’s testimony:

a) prayer implied in Eph. 3:20.

b) Phil. 4:4-7 – we to express to God our wants/needs; to share everything w/Him.

c) Albert Barnes: there is nothing which pertains to body; mind; estate; friends; conflicts; losses; trials; hopes; fears; in reference to which we may not go and spread it all out before the Lord.

B. Heb. 4:16 – draw near w/confidence.

1. see also 10:22-23; 11:6

2. our prayer must be conducted in faith – firm belief/persuasion – trusting that it will be answered.

C. Js. 5:16b – perhaps the clearest statement affirming that prayer works.

1. NASV – “effective;” “accomplish much.”

2. NKJV: “effective, fervent” “avails much.”

3. NIV: “prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

D. Focus on “effective; fervent.”

1. Strongs: to be mighty in; to work (at).

2. Thayer: to be operative; be at work; put forth the power.

3. We might conclude: a prayer that is suited to have an effect is a prayer that is

a) sincere/earnest.

b) Hearty/persevering

4. it not a prayer that:

a) listless; indifferent

b) cold & lifeless – as if there is no vitality or power in it.

5. We must strive to have prayers that are alive & meaningful.

a) not just a repetition of the same old phrases & common sayings

6. We must pray w/a sincere heart

a) persevere in prayer.

b) Believe there is power in the prayer of the righteous!

II. Prayer should elevate our spirits because it reminds us God is in control!

A. Psa 34:15-19 – source of hope when we’re down-trodden w/worry & coping w/life’s problems.

1. Psa. 86:7; 118:1-6; 138:3

2. 1 John 5:14; Heb. 4:16

B. Prayer is a Key

1. In the morning prayer is the key that opens us to the treasuries of God’s mercies and blessings;

2. During the day it is the key that allows us to know His presence and to give God the glory in all things.

3. In the evening, prayer is the key that allows us to lay our heads down with confidence protected and safeguarded knowing our souls are His whether we wake to this earth’s sunlight or the Son’s light of heaven.

4. ARE YOU USING YOUR KEY?

III. The eyes of God are upon the righteous!

A. 1 Pet. 3:10-13; Heb. 13:5-6

B. What a comfort! What a joy!

C. Our God! He IS alive!

1 Phil. 4:19 – he will supply all our needs.

D. God is ready to provide us with love & care during hard times!

1. 1 Pet. 5:6-7.

2. Let it be God who directs our paths. Pro. 3:5-6

Conclusion:

A. We walk by faith – not by sight. 2 Cor. 5:7

B. We trust in God.

1. this why the Christian has hope. This why he holds his head high.

2. this why Christian filled w/optimism – even during trial/adversity.

C. Why Should I Feel Discouraged?

D. God is in control & will take care of those who serve Him.

1. Are you serving Him?

2. Can you cast all your care upon Him? Do you have that privilege?

E. Obey the gospel today!

F. I N V I T A T I O N



Prayer Accomplishes Much 2003044 Topic # 0455 Introduction: A. Growing in knowledge article. B. Do we pray w/expectation that our prayers will be answered? 1. if one only knew of all good accomplished & the evil averted through prayer – I think we would be even more diligent in our prayer. 2. We can be assured that when we pray – God listens. He will answer our prayers. C. Js. 1:5-7; 4:8; 5:16b – bible attests that prayer works. D. When life continues to throw out its share of problems, trials, temptations, and setbacks – we are sometimes left to wonder if God is really listening/answering prayer. E. For a few moments today – let us be reminded that prayer accomplishes much. I. Prayer works for the Christian. A. Jesus testified to power & effectiveness of prayer. 1. Mt. 7:7-11 – Lord will supply all our needs – giving what is good to those who ask Him. 2. John 14:13-14 – Jesus speaking specifically to apostles just before His death. Applicable to Christians today because prayer not meant only for the apostles. 3. Paul’s testimony: a) prayer implied in Eph. 3:20. b) Phil. 4:4-7 – we to express to God our wants/needs; to share everything w/Him. c) Albert Barnes: there is nothing which pertains to body; mind; estate; friends; conflicts; losses; trials; hopes; fears; in reference to which we may not go and spread it all out before the Lord. B. Heb. 4:16 – draw near w/confidence. 1. see also 10:22-23; 11:6 2. our prayer must be conducted in faith – firm belief/persuasion – trusting that it will be answered. C. Js. 5:16b – perhaps the clearest statement affirming that prayer works. 1. NASV – “effective;” “accomplish much.” 2. NKJV: “effective, fervent” “avails much.” 3. NIV: “prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” D. Focus on “effective; fervent.” 1. Strongs: to be mighty in; to work (at). 2. Thayer: to be operative; be at work; put forth the power. 3. We might conclude: a prayer that is suited to have an effect is a prayer that is a) sincere/earnest. b) Hearty/persevering 4. it not a prayer that: a) listless; indifferent b) cold & lifeless – as if there is no vitality or power in it. 5. We must strive to have prayers that are alive & meaningful. a) not just a repetition of the same old phrases & common sayings 6. We must pray w/a sincere heart a) persevere in prayer. b) Believe there is power in the prayer of the righteous! II. Prayer should elevate our spirits because it reminds us God is in control! A. Psa 34:15-19 – source of hope when we’re down-trodden w/worry & coping w/life’s problems. 1. Psa. 86:7; 118:1-6; 138:3 2. 1 John 5:14; Heb. 4:16 B. Prayer is a Key 1. In the morning prayer is the key that opens us to the treasuries of God’s mercies and blessings; 2. During the day it is the key that allows us to know His presence and to give God the glory in all things. 3. In the evening, prayer is the key that allows us to lay our heads down with confidence protected and safeguarded knowing our souls are His whether we wake to this earth’s sunlight or the Son’s light of heaven. 4. ARE YOU USING YOUR KEY? III. The eyes of God are upon the righteous! A. 1 Pet. 3:10-13; Heb. 13:5-6 B. What a comfort! What a joy! C. Our God! He IS alive! 1 Phil. 4:19 – he will supply all our needs. D. God is ready to provide us with love & care during hard times! 1. 1 Pet. 5:6-7. 2. Let it be God who directs our paths. Pro. 3:5-6 Conclusion: A. We walk by faith – not by sight. 2 Cor. 5:7 B. We trust in God. 1. this why the Christian has hope. This why he holds his head high. 2. this why Christian filled w/optimism – even during trial/adversity. C. Why Should I Feel Discouraged? D. God is in control & will take care of those who serve Him. 1. Are you serving Him? 2. Can you cast all your care upon Him? Do you have that privilege? E. Obey the gospel today! F. I N V I T A T I O N