WHAT IF GOD'S PEOPLE PRAYED?

Sermon Notes, March 9, 2014

Pastor Jan Sinozich

Pastor Jan’s sermon was titled “What if God’s People Prayed?”  It was based on Acts 12:1-10, the story of Peter being released from jail as the people of the church prayed.  They had a reason to pray and God answered in a powerful way.  Can he do today what he did thousands of years ago?  According to Malachi 3:6, yes he can: “I am the Lord and I change not. . .”  Are we living in such an evil world that God cannot reach this culture?  In Elijah’s day, during the reign of King Ahab, people were living as far from God as anyone can live, but God powerfully answered his prayers, causing a 3-year drought, consuming Elijah’s offering with fire while slaying the prophets of Baal.  So why aren’t we seeing more of God’s power in our church, our community, our world?  I believe that if we want to see God’s power, we should PRAY.  2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us how: humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, turn from wicked ways.  He’ll hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land.

As a church, we have a responsibility to pray.  It is more than a privilege; it’s our calling as Christians.  Acts 12:5 says that Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was made, without ceasing, of the church unto God.  Their prayers were intentional, intense, and intimate.  It is our responsibility to pray for one another, intentionally, intensely, and intimately. 

The results of prayer are that prayers will be answered,  people will be amazed, and power will appear.  The angel woke Peter from a deep sleep, instructed him to put on his shoes and follow him.  When they reached the gate to the city Peter realized he wasn’t dreaming, and went to the house where the church was praying.  Warren Weirsbe said, “God could get Peter out of a prison, but Peter couldn’t get himself into a prayer meeting.” Amazing things happen when God’s people pray!