40 Days of Prayer: Connecting with God
Summary
In our journey of 40 days of prayer, we embark on a transformative exploration of the profound power and purpose of prayer. Prayer is not just a religious ritual; it is a divine invitation from God, who created us to communicate with Him. It is an integral part of our human makeup, a means through which we connect with our Creator, our Savior, and our Friend. Despite its simplicity, many of us struggle with prayer, often unsure of what to say or how to pray effectively. Over the next 40 days, we will delve into these questions, learning how to pray in times of crisis, for breakthroughs, and for renewal in our lives.
Prayer serves four primary purposes: dedication, communication, supplication, and cooperation. First, prayer is an act of dedication, a declaration of our dependence on God. It requires us to set aside our pride and self-sufficiency, acknowledging our need for His help. As Jesus taught in John 15, remaining in Him is essential for bearing fruit, for apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Second, prayer is an act of communication. Just as effective communication is vital in our human relationships, it is crucial in our relationship with God. Through prayer, we understand His will and draw closer to Him. Jesus calls us friends, granting us direct access to God, the King of Kings, without intermediaries.
Third, prayer is an act of supplication, where we present our requests to God. The Bible encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will meet our needs through prayer. This act of asking is not just about fulfilling our needs but also about building a relationship with God, who delights in answering our prayers.
Finally, prayer is an act of cooperation with God's plan. Through prayer, we partner with God to accomplish His purposes on earth. Our prayers have the power to influence nations and change lives, transcending time and space. As we pray, we align ourselves with God's will, allowing Him to work through us in miraculous ways.
As we embark on this 40-day journey, let us commit to praying with dedication, communicating with God, presenting our supplications, and cooperating with His divine plan. Let us ask boldly, believing that God will answer our prayers and bring about breakthroughs, renewal, and hope in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Prayer as Dedication: Prayer is an act of dedication, a declaration of our dependence on God. It requires humility, setting aside pride and self-sufficiency, and acknowledging our need for His help. As we dedicate ourselves to God, we open ourselves to His power and guidance in our lives. [06:25]
- Prayer as Communication: Effective communication is vital in our relationship with God. Through prayer, we understand His will and draw closer to Him. Jesus calls us friends, granting us direct access to God, the King of Kings, without intermediaries. [10:16]
- Prayer as Supplication: Prayer is an act of supplication, where we present our requests to God. The Bible encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will meet our needs through prayer. This act of asking is not just about fulfilling our needs but also about building a relationship with God, who delights in answering our prayers. [13:09]
- Prayer as Cooperation: Through prayer, we partner with God to accomplish His purposes on earth. Our prayers have the power to influence nations and change lives, transcending time and space. As we pray, we align ourselves with God's will, allowing Him to work through us in miraculous ways. [20:51]
- The Power of Asking: Many of us lack what we need simply because we have not asked God for it. Prayer is God's chosen method of meeting our needs, and He invites us to ask boldly, believing that He will answer. As we embark on this 40-day journey, let us commit to asking God for the breakthroughs and renewal we desire. [22:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:03] - The Universality of Prayer
- [02:35] - Struggles with Prayer
- [03:06] - Focus of the 40 Days
- [03:55] - Purpose of Prayer
- [04:26] - Prayer as Dedication
- [05:23] - The Hindrance of Pride
- [06:37] - Dependence on God
- [07:24] - Prayer as Communication
- [08:40] - Our Relationship with God
- [10:32] - Prayer as Supplication
- [12:04] - God's Method of Meeting Needs
- [16:29] - Prayer as Cooperation
- [19:20] - Limitless Power of Prayer
- [21:11] - Invitation to 40 Days of Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: 40 Days of Prayer
Bible Reading:
1. John 15:5-7 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."
2. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
3. James 4:2 - "You do not have because you do not ask God."
Observation Questions:
1. According to John 15:5-7, what is the relationship between remaining in Jesus and the effectiveness of our prayers? How does this relate to the concept of dependence on God? [06:37]
2. In Philippians 4:6-7, what are the steps outlined for presenting our requests to God, and what is promised as a result?
3. How does James 4:2 explain the reason for unmet needs in our lives? What does this imply about the importance of asking in prayer? [12:49]
4. What are the four primary purposes of prayer as discussed in the sermon, and how do they each contribute to our relationship with God? [04:26]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of the vine and branches in John 15 illustrate the necessity of staying connected to Jesus for a fruitful prayer life? [06:37]
2. What does the promise of peace in Philippians 4:6-7 suggest about the role of prayer in managing anxiety and stress in our lives?
3. In what ways does the act of asking in prayer, as emphasized in James 4:2, reflect our relationship with God and our understanding of His character? [12:49]
4. How does the concept of prayer as cooperation with God's plan challenge or expand your understanding of the impact of prayer on the world? [16:29]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Are there areas where you struggle with pride or self-sufficiency that hinder your dependence on God? How can you address these areas? [05:23]
2. Consider your communication with God. How can you improve this communication to better understand His will and draw closer to Him? [08:10]
3. Identify a specific need or desire in your life that you have not yet brought to God in prayer. What steps will you take this week to present this request to Him? [12:49]
4. Think about a situation in your life where you need a breakthrough. How can you incorporate persistent prayer into this situation, and what specific prayers will you commit to during this 40-day journey? [21:58]
5. How can you actively cooperate with God's plan through prayer in your community or the world? Identify one specific area where you feel called to pray for change or influence. [16:29]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced peace after praying about a concern. How can this experience encourage you to trust God with your current anxieties? [10:50]
7. What is one practical way you can support and pray for someone in your small group during this 40-day journey? How can you encourage them to share their prayer needs with you? [25:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Dependence on God through Prayer
Prayer is an act of dedication, a declaration of our dependence on God. It requires humility, setting aside pride and self-sufficiency, and acknowledging our need for His help. As we dedicate ourselves to God, we open ourselves to His power and guidance in our lives. This act of dedication is not just a one-time event but a continual process of surrendering our will to God's. In John 15, Jesus emphasizes the importance of remaining in Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing. This dependence is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of our true source of strength and wisdom. [06:25]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself relying on your own strength rather than God's? How can you intentionally dedicate this area to Him today?
Day 2: Communicating with God
Effective communication is vital in our relationship with God. Through prayer, we understand His will and draw closer to Him. Jesus calls us friends, granting us direct access to God, the King of Kings, without intermediaries. This open line of communication allows us to share our deepest thoughts, fears, and desires with God, knowing that He listens and cares. As we engage in this divine dialogue, we learn to discern His voice and align our lives with His purposes. Prayer is not just about speaking but also about listening, creating a two-way conversation that deepens our relationship with our Creator. [10:16]
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create more space in your daily routine to listen to God during your prayer time? What might He be trying to communicate to you today?
Day 3: Presenting Our Requests to God
Prayer is an act of supplication, where we present our requests to God. The Bible encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will meet our needs through prayer. This act of asking is not just about fulfilling our needs but also about building a relationship with God, who delights in answering our prayers. When we bring our requests to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His provision. It is an opportunity to express our desires and concerns, knowing that He is a loving Father who cares for us deeply. As we present our supplications, we also learn to align our desires with His will, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all things. [13:09]
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." (1 John 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific request you have been hesitant to bring to God? How can you boldly present this request to Him today, trusting in His perfect will?
Day 4: Partnering with God through Prayer
Through prayer, we partner with God to accomplish His purposes on earth. Our prayers have the power to influence nations and change lives, transcending time and space. As we pray, we align ourselves with God's will, allowing Him to work through us in miraculous ways. This partnership is a profound privilege, inviting us to be co-laborers with God in His redemptive work. When we pray, we are not just passive observers but active participants in bringing about His kingdom on earth. Our prayers can impact situations far beyond our immediate surroundings, demonstrating the limitless power of prayer to effect change. [20:51]
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally partner with God in prayer for a specific situation or person in your life? What steps can you take to align your prayers with His purposes?
Day 5: The Boldness of Asking
Many of us lack what we need simply because we have not asked God for it. Prayer is God's chosen method of meeting our needs, and He invites us to ask boldly, believing that He will answer. As we embark on this 40-day journey, let us commit to asking God for the breakthroughs and renewal we desire. This boldness in asking is not about demanding our way but about trusting in God's goodness and His desire to bless us. When we approach God with confidence, we demonstrate our faith in His ability to provide and our willingness to receive His blessings. Let us not hold back in our requests, knowing that our Heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children. [22:17]
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one bold request you can bring to God today, trusting in His ability to provide? How can you cultivate a heart of expectancy as you wait for His response?
Quotes
Prayer is an act of dedication. Prayer is an opportunity to express our devotion, our dedication to God, and our dependence upon God. It is an act of dedicating ourselves and saying, God, I need you. I'm looking to you for the answers. I'm counting on you, Lord. I'm dedicated to you. [00:04:49]
If you're going to pray, it's going to cost you your pride. You have to be honest to God and admit I'm inadequate, I'm helpless, I need your help. The situation as long as you think you're self-sufficient, as long as you think you've got it all together, prayer is not gonna have much meaning for you. [00:05:51]
Prayer is an act of communication. Most of our problems in life, if you think about it, are communication problems, right? I mean, communication with your spouse, your wife or your husband, your parents, your friends, communication in your business. In fact, most of the problems in life come from poor communication. [00:07:38]
You can't understand God, you can't know God's will for your life unless you communicate with him. So it's vital in your personal spiritual life that you learn to communicate with and to God. Prayer is an act of dedication, it shows my dependence, and prayer is an act of communication, it shows I'm in contact. [00:08:09]
Prayer is an act of supplication. Supplication is a Bible word that simply means make a request. In the book of Philippians, the Bible says do not be anxious about anything, don't worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [00:10:28]
Prayer is God's chosen method of meeting your needs. That may be one of the more profound things that I say. It's very simple, but let me say it again: God's chosen method of meeting your needs is through prayer. Now, the Bible teaches us that there's some things that God has promised to do only if we pray. [00:12:55]
You do not have, you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. In other words, you have not because you ask not. Over 20 times in the New Testament, the Bible commands us to ask in prayer. The Bible says ask and it will be given to you, seek and you'll find, knock and the door will be open. [00:13:52]
Prayer is an act of cooperation. Now, this is the most exciting thing about prayer, and you may have never even heard this or talked about it. It's an act of cooperation. Now, God has sovereignly chosen that we get to cooperate in his plan by praying for his will to be done right here on earth. [00:16:19]
Prayer is God's way of letting us partner with him to accomplish his purposes on earth. This is an amazing promise. Probably the most amazing verse in the Bible is John 14:12 where Jesus says this: I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. [00:16:46]
Prayer is not limited by time, it's not limited by space. Your prayers can influence nations. You can shoot off a prayer like a ballistic missile and then go anywhere in the world. You can touch people on the other side of the planet. Your prayers, as I said, are like these little missiles. [00:18:39]
Prayer makes the impossible possible. So prayer really is limitless in its power. People may reject your appeals to come to know Jesus Christ, they may reject your arguments, they may reject your logic, they may even reject you as a person, but people are totally defenseless against your prayers. [00:19:20]
God says if you pray, I will do, I will act on your behalf. This is the cooperation part of prayer. Our part in cooperating with God's plan in the world is through prayer. So the most important thing you can do in your Christian life is talk to God. It's pray as an act of dedication and communication and supplication and now cooperation. [00:20:51]
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