MEANINGFUL PRAYER LIFE

Sermon Notes, July 7, 2019

Rev. Ricky Hoosier

Pastor Garry and his family are on vacation, so Rev. Ricky Hoosier preached on Sunday.  The title of his message was “Meaningful Prayer Life,” and his scripture reference was Acts 1:14:  They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. They were all together.  Their prayer had a purpose.  It was significant.  They prayed very earnestly, in depth, and sincerely.

There is a question we need to ask ourselves, “What are you expecting to happen today or everyday as a result of your prayer life?”  What is coming?  Remember Pentecost, or even Pentecost Sunday.  Remember when you gave it all to Him--daily.   

What did the followers of Jesus expect to happen as they obeyed His command to wait in Jerusalem for the gift the Father promised?  The Disciples expected something—that promise from Jesus.

Looking at Peter, he is the first of those present in the Upper Room to speak.  We can all say we’ll testify—until we get outside.  While he was with Christ-followers, Peter was so proud to be a follower.  But with unbelievers, he denied he ever knew Him.  Then we find Peter invited to keep watch and pray for one hour.  But he fell asleep.  How can someone so close to Jesus sleep in the most intimate moment—prayer?

We find Peter—and ourselves—before Pentecost Proud, Arrogant, Prayerless, Powerless and Pitiful.  Pentecost changes all that.  What do you expect?  Pray for more of Jesus, more depth and meaning in our prayers, more power today for tomorrow.  And not just pop-up prayers. 

In 1 Peter 4:7, Peter advises us that the end is near; we are to be alert and of sober mind so we can pray.  And he gives us an effective prayer plan in chapter 5, verses 6-10.

1 Peter 5:6  Humble yourselves

1 Peter 5:7  Give it all to God

1 Peter 5:8  Stay alert

1 Peter 5:9  Stand firm

Why pray?  I like to talk to God. Prayer can build our relationship with God.  Furthermore, things that give us pain will never go away until we give them to Jesus

We need prayer, both personal and corporate, to move us to be Humble, Prayerful, and Powerful.  So we need to ask ourselves the question “What do I expect to happen TODAY?”  Here is a challenge: Try a prayer journal.  For a month write down every prayer you pray before God.  When the answer comes, write it down too.    See what God can do daily.

What do you expect to happen today?  Expect to hear from GOD.  Expect a miracle.