November 19, 2006

What New Believers Need to Know - Part 11
Prayer

Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review

Acts 2: 42 - 47 Devoted προσκαρτερεω
Word, fellowship, Communion/Lord's Supper, prayer, worship, evangelism

Genesis 12 - I will bless you and make you a blessing
God's way of doing things
Transition from inward-focused, to outward. Set apart for God's purpose

What is God's purpose for man on this earth?
He is making His appeal through us to the world

2 Corinthians 5: 17 - 21
Acts 1: 8 - You will be my witnesses
Matthew 28: 18 - 20

As the core of who you are is this...
2 Corinthians 5 - a messenger of reconciliation
Romans 10: 14 - 15
"Evangelism is for Introverts"

Courage, speak, faith, sacrifice, vision and burden, partnerships - What is required of you?

B. The Secret to a Growing Life of Prayer

1 Samuel 2: 35
I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in My heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before My anointed one always.

1 Peter 1: 9
"You are a chose people, a royal priesthood..."

Romans 8: 9
1 Corinthians 2: 16

Desire the same thing for the body and for the lost that Christ desires
Our only recourse? Pray.

A willingness to do what is on His heart and mind

C. Your Growth Depends on Prayer

What God uses to give you His heart and mind

John 15: 7
Prayer completes the circuitry
Our spiritual life and growth depends much on prayer, so...
"Do you pray a little or much? With great delight, or out of duty? According to the Word, or your own desires and inclination?"

Matthew 6: 6
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Alone with God
In the presence of your Father
Count on an answer

Psalm 3: 4 To to Lord I cry aloud and He answers me from His Holy Hill
Psalm 4: 3 The Lord will hear when I call to Him
Psalm 6: 9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord accepts my prayer for mercy.
The Lord accepts my prayer.
Psalm 17: 6 I call on You, O God, for you will answer me.
D. The Prayer Meeting

This was a hallmark of the early church: Prayer together

Acts 1: 14
Acts 2: 42
Acts 4: 23 - 24, 27 - 32
Acts 6: 4
Acts 12: 5
Acts 13: 3

Do you believe this is the heart and mind of God? THEN PRAY.