Empowered Prayer: Building and Sustaining Our Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the real work of prayer, emphasizing that prayer is both the foundation and the maintenance of our spiritual lives. If we don't pray about something, it shows a lack of genuine care or love for it. Prayer is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of anything we build, whether it's a marriage, a church, or our personal spiritual lives. Building something new is exciting, but maintaining it requires consistent effort and dedication. This principle applies to our spiritual lives as well. We must not only build our faith but also maintain it through regular, fervent prayer.
The sermon highlighted the importance of being proactive in our prayer lives rather than reactive. We should not wait for crises to pray but should engage in "preventative prayer maintenance." This means praying consistently and fervently, even when things seem to be going well, to ensure that we are spiritually prepared for any challenges that may come our way.
The message also touched on the importance of generational continuity in the church. Each generation should build upon the work of the previous one, rather than having to rebuild from scratch due to neglect. This requires a collective effort in prayer and action, ensuring that the church remains strong and effective in its mission.
Finally, the sermon encouraged us to have confidence in God's Word and to declare His promises over our lives, even when circumstances seem contrary. This involves speaking life and truth into our situations, trusting that God's Word is more real and powerful than our current realities.
### Key Takeaways
1. Prayer as an Expression of Love and Care: If you don't pray about something, it indicates a lack of genuine love or care for it. Prayer is the real work that determines the long-term success or failure of anything we build, whether it's a relationship, a church, or our personal spiritual lives. Consistent prayer is essential for both building and maintaining what we value. [02:07]
2. Proactive vs. Reactive Prayer: Most people wait until they are in a crisis to start praying, but effective spiritual life requires "preventative prayer maintenance." This means praying consistently and fervently, even when things seem to be going well, to ensure that we are spiritually prepared for any challenges that may come our way. [36:35]
3. Generational Continuity in the Church: Each generation should build upon the work of the previous one, rather than having to rebuild from scratch due to neglect. This requires a collective effort in prayer and action, ensuring that the church remains strong and effective in its mission. Proper maintenance in prayer and action keeps us moving forward, building upon past successes instead of correcting them. [06:20]
4. Confidence in God's Word: We must have confidence in God's Word and declare His promises over our lives, even when circumstances seem contrary. This involves speaking life and truth into our situations, trusting that God's Word is more real and powerful than our current realities. Believing and confessing God's promises is a crucial part of effective prayer. [28:24]
5. The Real Work of Prayer: Prayer is not a weak, last-resort action but a powerful tool that makes tremendous power available. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. We must be confident in the effectiveness of our prayers, knowing that they align with God's will and bring about His purposes in our lives and the world. [51:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction: The Real Work of Prayer
[02:07] - Prayer as an Expression of Love and Care
[03:37] - Building and Maintaining in Prayer
[06:20] - Generational Continuity in the Church
[08:54] - The Importance of Being a Person of Prayer
[10:10] - Personal Responsibility in the Kingdom of God
[13:05] - Stepping Up in the Kingdom of God
[17:20] - The Dangers of Worry and Anxiety
[19:03] - Worrying is Like Putting Out a Fire with Gasoline
[24:18] - Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction, Faithful in Prayer
[27:33] - The Necessity of Prayer: Jesus' Example
[30:05] - Calling Things That Aren't as Though They Were
[32:01] - Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For
[36:35] - Proactive vs. Reactive Prayer
[40:10] - Offensive vs. Defensive Prayer
[43:01] - Practical Steps for Effective Prayer
[51:19] - The Real Work of Prayer: Tremendous Power Available
[55:50] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:12 - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
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. 1 John 5:14-15 - "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:12, what three attitudes or actions should believers maintain? How do these relate to the sermon’s emphasis on prayer? [24:18]
2. In Philippians 4:6-7, what are believers instructed to do instead of being anxious? What is the promised result of following this instruction? [27:33]
3. What does 1 John 5:14-15 say about the confidence we can have in prayer? How does this align with the sermon’s message about declaring God's promises over our lives? [28:24]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of "preventative prayer maintenance." What does this concept mean, and how does it relate to the idea of being proactive in prayer? [36:35]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Romans 12:12 encourages believers to be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." How might these attitudes help someone maintain their spiritual life during difficult times? [24:18]
2. Philippians 4:6-7 speaks about presenting requests to God with thanksgiving. How does the act of thanksgiving change the nature of our prayers and our mindset? [27:33]
3. 1 John 5:14-15 emphasizes asking according to God's will. How can believers discern God's will in their prayers, and why is this important for effective prayer? [28:24]
4. The sermon discussed the importance of generational continuity in the church. How can consistent prayer contribute to building upon the work of previous generations rather than starting from scratch? [06:20]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Are you more proactive or reactive in your prayers? What steps can you take to incorporate "preventative prayer maintenance" into your daily routine? [36:35]
2. Think about a situation in your life where you have been anxious. How can you apply Philippians 4:6-7 to this situation? What specific prayers of thanksgiving can you offer to God? [27:33]
3. Consider a promise from God's Word that you need to declare over your life. How can you confidently speak this promise in your prayers, even if your current circumstances seem contrary? [28:24]
4. The sermon mentioned that if we don't pray about something, it shows a lack of genuine care or love for it. Identify one area of your life or one person you care about that you haven't been praying for. How can you start praying for them consistently? [02:07]
5. How can you contribute to the generational continuity of your church through prayer and action? What specific prayers can you offer to support the work of previous generations and build upon it? [06:20]
6. The sermon encouraged believers to be confident in the effectiveness of their prayers. How can you build your confidence in prayer? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's faithfulness and power? [51:19]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by worry or fear. How can you shift from a mindset of worry to one of faith and proactive prayer? What specific scriptures can you meditate on to help with this shift? [19:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Prayer as an Expression of Love and Care
Prayer is a profound expression of love and care. When we pray for something or someone, it signifies our genuine concern and affection. This principle applies to all aspects of our lives, whether it's our relationships, our church, or our personal spiritual journey. Consistent prayer is not just about asking for things but about nurturing and maintaining what we value. It is through prayer that we can sustain the long-term success of anything we build. If we neglect to pray, it often indicates a lack of true commitment or love for that area of our lives. Therefore, let us be diligent in our prayers, showing our love and care through this powerful act. [02:07]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of a relationship or area in your life that you deeply care about. How can you commit to praying for it consistently, showing your love and dedication through your prayers?
Day 2: Proactive vs. Reactive Prayer
Many people tend to pray only when they face a crisis, but a healthy spiritual life requires proactive, not reactive, prayer. "Preventative prayer maintenance" means praying consistently and fervently, even when things are going well. This proactive approach ensures that we are spiritually prepared for any challenges that may come our way. By maintaining a regular prayer life, we build a strong spiritual foundation that can withstand any storm. Let us not wait for difficulties to drive us to our knees but cultivate a habit of daily, intentional prayer. [36:35]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Identify a time in your day when you can commit to regular, proactive prayer. How can you make this a consistent habit, even when life is going smoothly?
Day 3: Generational Continuity in the Church
Each generation in the church has a responsibility to build upon the work of the previous one. This continuity ensures that the church remains strong and effective in its mission. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to the need to rebuild from scratch, wasting valuable time and resources. A collective effort in prayer and action is required to maintain and advance the church's mission. By honoring the work of those who came before us and contributing our own efforts, we can ensure that the church continues to thrive and fulfill its purpose. [06:20]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the generational continuity of your church? What specific actions or prayers can you offer to build upon the work of those who came before you?
Day 4: Confidence in God's Word
Having confidence in God's Word means declaring His promises over our lives, even when circumstances seem contrary. This involves speaking life and truth into our situations, trusting that God's Word is more real and powerful than our current realities. Believing and confessing God's promises is a crucial part of effective prayer. When we align our prayers with God's Word, we tap into His power and authority, bringing His will to bear in our lives. Let us boldly declare His promises, knowing that His Word never fails. [28:24]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What specific promises from God's Word can you declare over your current circumstances? How can you incorporate these declarations into your daily prayer life?
Day 5: The Real Work of Prayer
Prayer is not a weak, last-resort action but a powerful tool that makes tremendous power available. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. We must be confident in the effectiveness of our prayers, knowing that they align with God's will and bring about His purposes in our lives and the world. Prayer is the real work that underpins all spiritual success. By dedicating ourselves to fervent, effectual prayer, we can see God's power at work in extraordinary ways. [51:19]
James 5:16b (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you have seen the power of prayer at work. How can this experience encourage you to be more fervent and confident in your prayer life?
Quotes
1. "If you don't pray about it, you don't truly love or care about it. Can I say that again? If you don't pray about it, you don't truly love it or care about it. Amen. Amen. Prayer is the real hands-on work that determines something's long-term success or failure. I believe that. That prayer is the real work that determines something's long-term success. Success or failure. Prayer is both the driving force of something being constructed in the first place, but it's also the same thing that helps maintain the thing that's already been built." [02:07] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's the maintenance that keeps us moving forward instead of having to go back and rebuild because of neglect and unfaithfulness. It's the maintenance. What does that mean? Well, if we, if we continually maintain what we have, then we can build upon what we have instead of having to go back and undo and redo what we've already done. And this constant cycle that we can get into really as the church is one generation builds, and another generation won't maintain what the other generation built until it gets to a point where there's, we've got to do something because it's in this place of disrepair." [06:20] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're breathing in here and you got Jesus living on the inside of you, there's something that God needs you to do. Not just here in the local church, but in the kingdom of God. Amen. And this isn't, uh, just, just take a big deep breath. This is not me trying to get volunteers for the church. Okay. This is way bigger than volunteers for the church. This is talking about taking your place in the kingdom of God. And the only way you're going to take your place in the kingdom of God, I believe is that you are a person of prayer as concerning the kingdom of God." [07:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Worrying is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. Worrying about it is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. But it takes it a step further because when we worry about something, it rarely ever gets better, but it does what? It gets worse. It gets worse. So worrying about something is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline and then being upset that it's not working. I mean, if you saw somebody out in their yard and they had a little fire and they're standing there with a gas can and they keep throwing gas on it, it keeps getting bigger and bigger, you would think, well, that person's trying to make a bigger fire." [19:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If Jesus had to pray, and he told his disciples to pray always, what makes you and I think that we can do it without prayer? What makes you think, for a second, that you got this? If Jesus himself had to go spend all night in prayer with the Father and the disciples were told, pray always and never give up, what makes you think, what makes myself think, from time to time, that we can do this without prayer." [27:33] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When you build and maintain, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Although this all is true in the natural, and we should definitely apply it in the natural, really this morning I'm speaking about the spiritual. I'm speaking of building and maintaining what we have here and the direction that God is taking us in prayer. Now, I'm fully aware that this might get up against you because it got up against me. So just be prepared for it." [17:20] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Stop believing and saying what the enemy is pushing down your throat. Get up and say what the Word of God says. This is the real work of prayer. Prayer is not puny. It's not this weak, last resort place that we go as we go to the gallows of life. James 5.16 says, The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. The Amplified says, It makes tremendous power available. I think a lot of times we offer up as Christians just kind of some half-cocked, Hail Mary, wimpy type prayers. And hopes that maybe something might eventually change." [51:19] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When you pray from an offensive place, you're moving in the direction that you're dictating backed by the Word of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not being pushed, not being pressured, and not being drugged in an unknown direction. I got a couple of more scriptures here and I'll let you go. So practically, what does this look like? I always want you guys to not just hear something that's illustrative, but practical. Practically, what does this look like for you? What does that look like for me?" [42:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You can receive and accept all that the devil wants you to have if you want to. But I'm going to say what the Bible says. Even if it looks like it's not going to work out. Even if the diagnosis is detrimental. Even if they say it can't be done. Even if all the experts have spoken against it. When I wake up in the morning, I'm going to declare the goodness of God over my life. How about you? You've got a choice. The Bible says you've got a choice. You can speak life or you can speak death. You get to choose." [45:57] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I want to declare what the Bible says that I can have over what I'm having. Amen? And I wrote this down because I really feel like this is for somebody. But I'm going to declare it. I'm going to declare comfort, joy, and deliverance even if I feel depression surrounding me on all sides. I think when you're in places like that, I don't know that I've really, I'm not bragging. I'm just saying I got my own stuff. I don't think I've ever really truly been in depression. But I could imagine, I could only try to imagine how detrimental it can be to open up your mouth and say something positive when you're depressed. But you have to." [48:54] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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