Lesson: Prayer Means Power
Author: Mark Stusek
Date: 6/22/08
Does anyone have a specific need or want right now that you would like to have? Do you think you’re going to get it? Why? What are you doing that you believe the answer is coming? i.e., getting an education or working harder, maybe two jobs, networking with the right folk, praying – why?
I. Prayer Works
JER 33:3
1. God says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great
and mighty things which you do not know.
We love to be in “the know”. That’s why Proverbs says, “knowledge is
power”. Having that knowledge makes you the “go to person”.
God wants us to have the answers.
2. Many times God allows disappointments in our lives so we will draw
closer to Him and gain the solution to our problem or need.
Question: How does one establish a powerful prayer life?
A. Choose a definite time to spend in prayer—be consistent.
B. Select a place (a hiding place—closet, mountain) where
you can be alone with Him.
C. Listen for His still, small voice as He replies to your
requests. Remember, Elijah found out first hand that
God was not in the earthquake, storm or fire, but in the
gentle breeze.
D. Trust and believe what you’re asking for is forthcoming.
(Heb:10:26 “Without faith, it is impossible to please God).
Question: How do you know you’re praying the right prayer?
MATT 6:9-13
- You pray this prayer—your in the family
- Reveres and honors His name
- Acknowledges His sovereignty
- Recognizes He is the one who provides
- We grant others what we want from God
- We praise God
Charles Finney, a 19th century American evangelist, sometimes wrestled with what to say in prayer. One day a woman acquaintance fell deathly ill. She was not a believer but her husband asked Finney to pray for her. Finney felt bad for the woman, but he didn’t know how to pray. Finally gasping for the right words, he said he got a breakthrough! He rolled the burden over to God and believed the woman would not die.
Not long afterwards, the woman recovered and committed her life to Jesus Christ.
II. Personal Problem/Need
DANIEL 6:10-16
1. Prayer is serious business
2. Satan trembles and hates it.
3. The world dislikes it (i.e. schools or events, unbelievers
are uncomfortable).
4. Daniel got thrown into the lions den. Why? His daily habit
of prayer to God and not to King Darius.
5. Daniel was bold about prayer. He didn’t hide. He knew God was
watching.