THE GRACE-DRIVING CALLING AND POWER OF PRAYER (23 OF 44)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17
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The Grace-Driving Calling and Power of Prayer (23 of 44)
Series: The Church at Ephusus: God's Calling, Empowering, and Instruction for the Church
Patrick Edwards
Ephesians 6:10-17
Introduction
This morning as we close the book of Ephesians we do so by examining the topic of prayer, which is one topic I believe there to be considerable confusion about in and outside the church. I myself am always confused when I hear non-Christians talk about prayer. You know how whenever there is some national tragedy you always hear folks say, ''Our thoughts and prayers are with those struck by this tragedy.'' What does that mean?! What do you mean your ''prayers'' are with someone?
Of course, inside the faith we know to whom it is we pray. But we still aren't sure about the why or the how. Right? I mean prayer ought to always consist of worship, thanksgiving, confession. These aspects of prayer are rather conversational and directive. We are declaring something to God. But what about prayers of request or intercession? What about making supplications, which could almost be defined as begging for something? In these kinds of prayers, we are asking God to do something. And it is this, I think, that we find confusing.
For example, sometimes we are asking God to do something which He has already sworn to do, such as asking His protection over the church, His sustenance of His servants, His blessing of the mission. Well if God has already revealed and promised that He is going to do this, well then why should we ask; He's already going to do it. Sometimes though we ask God to do something which He has not spoken about. We ask Him to heal someone, to give us or someone a job, or to help us perform well in a task or test. But does this mean our prayers change God's mind or His will? If so, what kind of God is He in that His plans can be changed? If not, then why pray at all? I don't know about you, but when thinking through the calling to pray I find myself confused a ...
Series: The Church at Ephusus: God's Calling, Empowering, and Instruction for the Church
Patrick Edwards
Ephesians 6:10-17
Introduction
This morning as we close the book of Ephesians we do so by examining the topic of prayer, which is one topic I believe there to be considerable confusion about in and outside the church. I myself am always confused when I hear non-Christians talk about prayer. You know how whenever there is some national tragedy you always hear folks say, ''Our thoughts and prayers are with those struck by this tragedy.'' What does that mean?! What do you mean your ''prayers'' are with someone?
Of course, inside the faith we know to whom it is we pray. But we still aren't sure about the why or the how. Right? I mean prayer ought to always consist of worship, thanksgiving, confession. These aspects of prayer are rather conversational and directive. We are declaring something to God. But what about prayers of request or intercession? What about making supplications, which could almost be defined as begging for something? In these kinds of prayers, we are asking God to do something. And it is this, I think, that we find confusing.
For example, sometimes we are asking God to do something which He has already sworn to do, such as asking His protection over the church, His sustenance of His servants, His blessing of the mission. Well if God has already revealed and promised that He is going to do this, well then why should we ask; He's already going to do it. Sometimes though we ask God to do something which He has not spoken about. We ask Him to heal someone, to give us or someone a job, or to help us perform well in a task or test. But does this mean our prayers change God's mind or His will? If so, what kind of God is He in that His plans can be changed? If not, then why pray at all? I don't know about you, but when thinking through the calling to pray I find myself confused a ...
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