The Power of Prayer

How’s your prayer life?  Are you a faithful intercessor for yourself and for others before God?  Do you take time for focused prayer each and every day?  I cannot imagine going through a single day without talking with God.  Each and every morning, I kneel in front of my big over-stuffed living room recliner with my elbows in the seat, and offer my prayers to God.  In fact, I think there are indentations in the carpet where my knees have hit the floor now for 28 plus years of living in the parsonage!

Not only is it time to rearrange my living room furniture, but I have also learned that prayer is powerful.  Why?  Because prayer connects us with the infinite resources of an Almighty God.  The Apostle Paul names prayer as one of our most dominant spiritual weapons against Satan’s attacks.  Jesus invites us to pray and ask God for anything we need.  James says: You do not have because you do not ask God.   Philippians 4:6-7 teaches prayer is an antidote to anxiety.  Prayer is a powerful tool! 

It’s no wonder then, that the Apostle Paul prays passionately and consistently for fledgling Ephesians believers.  In Ephesians 1:1-14, Paul spells out “God’s Big Plan” to reconcile this broken world to Himself.   It was the foundational sermon in our new series on the Book of Ephesians.  If you happened to miss it, please watch it  before Sunday to get caught up.  Now, in Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul unleashes the power of prayer to help these Ephesians believers actually live into “God’s Big Plan.” 

Sunday’s message, “A Pastoral Prayer,” reveals three core elements to Paul’s prayer which can form a pattern for our own prayers.  This pastoral prayer is a model for everyone.  Who could you lift up in prayer on a regular basis?  Worship begins at 10:00 AM.  A Children’s Church and refreshments will be provided.  And, the Holy Spirit will be working among us refreshing the lives of those who are open.  The Discovery Class also meets again this Sunday.  All are welcome!  Plan now to join us!