EPISODE 77: BE PRAYERFUL (intro)

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A MESSAGE FROM SARA:

Have you ever found yourself in a season where the Lord seems to repeat a message or a theme that you just can’t ignore?

The first time you recognize the “theme” you think, “Hmmm…is the Lord trying to tell me something?”

The second time you think, “Man, there’s that theme again. I wonder if this is just a coincidence.”

And then you finally begin to realize, “Oh, I think God is confirming a message to me” — this coming after you have all but been hit over the head by God himself.

Well, that is the case with this new series. Monica and I had thrown around the idea of Be Prayerful a few times, but then there was just one confirmation after another…not just regarding the podcast series but in my own personal life as well. My pastor preached a message about prayer, my devotionals were about prayer, and even movies were about you guessed it…PRAYER!

(By the way, if you have not seen The War Room, please take the time to see it. You will not be disappointed. And see it with a friend, husband or kids. It is appropriate for all ages and all people.)

As we all desire to leave our legacy and our “mark” in this world, let us not down play the magnitude of the influence prayer can have on the world. As my pastor says,

One man on his knees is more powerful than 10 men in the pulpit.

WOW!

Sister, friend — if you want to have influence, get on your knees! This is a daily challenge for me as talking to people comes more easily than talking to God. However, I am committed to working on this in my life and hope and pray you will as well.

The world can be changed through prayer. Lives can be changed through prayer. Revival is possible through prayer. Pray with me sister…let’s change the world one prayer at a time!

BE IN THE WORD (this week’s verses):

Usually we have only one or two verses that we post to help us get in the word. However, this week, I am going to post all of the verses that we talked about this week. There might be one that means more to you than another. Sink into them and let them flood your soul with truth from the Word.

Positional

  • The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
    • Matthew Henry: He will draw nigh to those in a way of mercy who draw nigh to him a way of duty. He hears the prayer of the righteous, accepts it, is well pleased with it, and will grant an answer of peace to it.
  • The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Ps 145:18)

Commands

  • Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  • But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)
  • And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9)
  • Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)
  • Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
  • Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
  • But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matt 5:44)

Promises

  • Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. (Jeremiah 29:12)
  • If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
  • Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3)
  • Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. (Jeremiah 29:12)
  • Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. (John 16:23)

BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS OF THE WORD (practical application):

  1. What truth about prayer is hardest for you to accept, believe, or new for you? Do you struggle with your position and believing that you are near to Him when praying? Or perhaps you struggle with the idea of prayer being a command. Or if you only think of God as a big, bad God that will punish you if you don’t pray, maybe living in the promises of prayer is where you need sink in a little.
  2. Can you identify something in your life that has kept you from wanting to dive into prayer? What is it?
  3. Write it down on a piece of paper and burn it. It is holding you back…keeping you from freedom.

BE EDUCATED (additional resources):

  1. The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Without a doubt this has been one of my favorite books on prayer. It is practical, educational, motivational.
  2. The War Room (movie). How much better can practical application and resources be then a movie? Be inspired and encouraged in the power of prayer and get some really great ideas of how to start a simple prayer life by watching this movie.