Engaging in the Power of Striving Prayer

Summary

In today's exploration of prayer, we delved into the profound mystery of how God exercises His sovereignty through the prayers of His people. We began by reflecting on Paul's words to the Romans, where he appeals for prayers for his deliverance, highlighting the essential role of prayer in the life of a believer. Prayer is not merely a ritual but a powerful means through which God enacts His will on earth. We examined Paul's letter to the Philippians, where he expresses confidence that his deliverance will come through the prayers of the saints and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. This underscores the belief that prayer is a conduit for divine intervention.

We explored the book of Acts, noting how many world-changing events occurred when the early church engaged in regular, disciplined prayer. From the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison, these events illustrate the transformative power of prayer. The narrative of Acts reveals that prayer is not a passive activity but an active engagement with God's sovereign will. It is through prayer that believers participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

We also discussed the concept of striving prayer, which involves persistent, earnest intercession. Striving prayer is not a one-time plea but a continuous act of faith, often requiring patience and perseverance. It is a courageous act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His personal care for us. Striving prayer challenges us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when they differ from our expectations.

Finally, we were encouraged to engage in striving deliverance prayer, recognizing that our neglect of prayer can limit God's activity in the world. We were invited to ask God for specific names or circumstances to pray for, to keep these requests before us, and to use the Psalms as a guide in our prayer life. As we engage in this practice, we can expect our faith to be stretched and strengthened, and we may witness God's deliverance in ways we never imagined.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Prayer in God's Sovereignty: Prayer is not just a ritual but a means through which God exercises His sovereignty. Through prayer, believers participate in God's redemptive work, and it is through this divine partnership that His will is enacted on earth. [07:15]

2. World-Changing Events Through Prayer: The book of Acts demonstrates that many significant events occurred when the early church engaged in regular prayer. This highlights the transformative power of prayer and its role in advancing the gospel and bringing about God's purposes. [09:13]

3. Striving Prayer as a Courageous Act of Faith: Striving prayer involves persistent, earnest intercession, often requiring patience and perseverance. It is a courageous act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His personal care for us, even when His timing and methods differ from our expectations. [22:45]

4. The Consequences of Neglecting Prayer: Our neglect of striving prayer can limit God's activity in the world and silently participate in the rebellion against His sovereign rule. Engaging in prayer is an active affirmation of God's power and love, and it invites His intervention in our lives and the world. [23:31]

5. Practical Steps for Engaging in Striving Prayer: To engage in striving prayer, we should ask God for specific names or circumstances to pray for, keep these requests before us, and use the Psalms as a guide. This practice will stretch and strengthen our faith, allowing us to witness God's deliverance in powerful ways. [30:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:11] - Introduction to Prayer
- [01:55] - Paul's Relationship with the Philippians
- [03:41] - The Mystery of Deliverance
- [07:15] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [08:03] - The Impact of Prayer in Acts
- [09:13] - World-Changing Events Through Prayer
- [12:46] - The Power of Persistent Prayer
- [14:41] - Deliverance Stories in Acts
- [16:23] - Paul's Deliverance Through Prayer
- [18:26] - God's Sovereignty and Our Prayers
- [19:37] - The Necessity of Striving Prayer
- [20:22] - The Courage of Striving Prayer
- [22:45] - Engaging in Striving Prayer
- [23:31] - The Consequences of Neglecting Prayer
- [26:21] - Practical Steps for Striving Prayer
- [30:16] - Keeping Prayer Requests Before You
- [31:32] - The Psalms as a Prayer Guide
- [33:50] - Invitation to Striving Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 15:30-33
- Philippians 1:18-26
- Acts 2:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 15:30-33, what specific requests does Paul make to the believers in Rome regarding prayer? How does he describe the nature of these prayers? [01:11]

2. According to Philippians 1:18-26, what is Paul's perspective on life and death, and how does he relate this to the prayers of the saints? [03:41]

3. In the sermon, several world-changing events in the book of Acts are mentioned. What role did prayer play in these events, according to the pastor? [09:13]

4. How does the pastor describe the relationship between prayer and God's sovereignty? What is the potential consequence of neglecting prayer? [08:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Paul's request for prayer in Romans 15:30-33 suggest about the importance of communal prayer in the early church? How might this apply to modern church practices? [01:11]

2. In Philippians 1:18-26, Paul expresses confidence in his deliverance through the prayers of the saints. What does this reveal about his understanding of the power of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit? [07:15]

3. The pastor mentions "striving prayer" as a courageous act of faith. How does this concept challenge common perceptions of prayer as a passive activity? [22:45]

4. Reflecting on the sermon, how does the pastor's statement about neglecting prayer being a form of rebellion against God's sovereignty impact one's view of personal prayer life? [23:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Are there specific areas where you feel you are neglecting striving prayer? How can you begin to incorporate more persistent and earnest prayer into your daily routine? [21:16]

2. The pastor encourages asking God for specific names or circumstances to pray for. Is there someone or something in your life that you feel called to pray for persistently? How will you keep this prayer request before you regularly? [28:30]

3. Consider the concept of striving prayer as a courageous act of faith. How can you shift your mindset to view prayer as an active engagement with God's sovereign will rather than a last resort? [22:45]

4. The sermon highlights the transformative power of prayer in the book of Acts. Can you recall a time when prayer led to a significant change or event in your life or the life of someone you know? How did this experience shape your faith? [09:13]

5. The pastor suggests using the Psalms as a guide in prayer. How might incorporating the Psalms into your prayer life enhance your understanding and practice of striving prayer? [31:32]

6. Reflect on the idea that neglecting prayer can limit God's activity in the world. How does this perspective motivate you to engage more deeply in prayer for global issues or the needs of others? [23:31]

7. The pastor challenges the congregation to be ready for a "wild ride" when engaging in striving prayer. What steps can you take to prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally for the challenges and growth that may come with this commitment? [32:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Prayer as a Divine Partnership
Prayer is a profound means through which believers engage in a divine partnership with God, participating in His redemptive work on earth. It is not merely a ritualistic practice but a powerful conduit for God's sovereignty to be exercised. Through prayer, believers align themselves with God's will, allowing His purposes to unfold in their lives and the world around them. This partnership is evident in the life of Paul, who, in his letters, often appeals for the prayers of the saints, confident that their intercession will lead to his deliverance and the advancement of the gospel. Prayer, therefore, is an active engagement with God's sovereign will, inviting His intervention and guidance in every aspect of life. [07:15]

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite God’s partnership through prayer today? How can you actively engage with His will in these areas?

Day 2: Transformative Power of Prayer
The book of Acts vividly illustrates the transformative power of prayer in the early church. Many significant events, such as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison, occurred when the early believers engaged in regular, disciplined prayer. These events highlight the role of prayer in advancing the gospel and bringing about God's purposes. Prayer is not a passive activity but an active engagement with God's sovereign will, enabling believers to participate in His redemptive work in the world. Through prayer, the early church witnessed world-changing events, demonstrating that prayer is a powerful tool for transformation and divine intervention. [09:13]

"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate regular, disciplined prayer into your daily routine to witness transformation in your life and community?

Day 3: Striving Prayer as Faith in Action
Striving prayer is a courageous act of faith that involves persistent, earnest intercession. It requires patience and perseverance, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His personal care for us, even when His timing and methods differ from our expectations. This form of prayer challenges believers to trust in God's timing and methods, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. Striving prayer is not a one-time plea but a continuous act of faith, inviting God's intervention and guidance in every aspect of life. It is through striving prayer that believers can experience God's deliverance and witness His power at work in their lives. [22:45]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to practice striving prayer? How can you commit to persistent, earnest intercession in this area?

Day 4: The Impact of Neglecting Prayer
Neglecting prayer can limit God's activity in the world and silently participate in the rebellion against His sovereign rule. Engaging in prayer is an active affirmation of God's power and love, inviting His intervention in our lives and the world. When believers neglect prayer, they miss out on the opportunity to witness God's deliverance and experience His transformative power. Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian life, enabling believers to align themselves with God's will and participate in His redemptive work. By engaging in prayer, believers can experience God's presence and guidance in every aspect of life. [23:31]

"Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you neglected prayer. How did it impact your relationship with God and your ability to witness His activity in your life?

Day 5: Practical Steps for Striving Prayer
To engage in striving prayer, believers are encouraged to ask God for specific names or circumstances to pray for, keep these requests before them, and use the Psalms as a guide in their prayer life. This practice will stretch and strengthen their faith, allowing them to witness God's deliverance in powerful ways. By keeping prayer requests before them, believers can remain focused and intentional in their intercession, inviting God's intervention and guidance in every aspect of life. The Psalms provide a rich resource for prayer, offering words of praise, lament, and thanksgiving that can guide believers in their striving prayer. [30:16]

"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" (Psalm 141:2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific names or circumstances can you commit to praying for this week? How can you use the Psalms to guide your prayer life and deepen your relationship with God?

Quotes

"When the saints were practicing what we would say the spiritual discipline of regular prayer, it was in those moments that God did several of the world-changing events that happen in the book of Acts. For instance, in Acts chapter 2, the apostles and the other disciples, a group of 120, are gathered in the upper room because Jesus told them to stay there and wait until you're clothed with the power from on high, and it says that they are devoting themselves to prayer." [00:09:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Paul believed that deliverance would come by the power of the Holy Spirit through the prayers of the saints. And you'd say to me, but pastor, doesn't God sometimes act without the prayers of His people? To which we would say, absolutely. And I would say, praise God that He acts outside of my asking Him to act." [00:18:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"There are at least some times that deliverance only comes not just through the work of the Holy Spirit, but also through the prayers of the saints. Right? At least that's what Paul believed. Or Paul would have written the church at Rome and said, don't worry about praying for me. I'm going to Jerusalem. God's going to deliver me. Don't waste your breath. It won't do any good. It won't make any difference." [00:19:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Striving prayers almost always involve waiting and confusion. Almost always. And by waiting, I mean God is not taking action when we think He should. And by confusion, that God is not taking action how we think He should. My psalm this morning, Psalm 40, it's titled, My Help and My Deliverer." [00:21:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"We tend to think of prayer as not really doing anything or the last resort. Yes. All I can do is pray. When all else fails, pray. See that bumper sticker? I can't do anything, but I can pray. We think of this as a last ditch effort, a last resort when all else fails. But do you realize that striving prayer is actively engaging the sovereign ruler of the universe?" [00:22:54] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And this is why striving prayers are so much courageous faith in action, because when you are engaged in striving prayer, what you are saying is, is I believe that God is, you are sovereign over every aspect of your creation, over every atom, over every molecule, over every rule, over every situation, over every power, invisible or visible on earth." [00:23:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Ask the Lord to give you a name or a circumstance to pray for. Simple prayer. Lord, if this is how it works, and the way you exercise your sovereignty over your creation is through the prayers of your saints, and you're calling us to striving prayer, persistent prayer, delivering kind of prayer, then put upon my heart the name of someone or a circumstance or a situation that you would have me begin to engage in striving prayer over the next few years." [00:27:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Because in essence, the psalms are, almost all of them are deliverance prayer psalms. And you are learning how to pray as the Psalms are teaching you how to pray. Once again, Psalm 40, this morning, David's conviction. He says, Lord, He's convinced you will not restrain your mercy from me. Your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me." [00:31:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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