Workshop presented by Rev Alegu Jr innocent @ Orlu East Easter Retreat centre
Topic: The power of prayer
INTRODUCTION
True prayer is neither mere mental exercise nor vocal performance it is far deeper than that . it is a spiritual transaction with the creator of heaven and earth.
We live in an age of tremendous power. we go to kanji , Oji wonderful , Niagara falls power houses and we see how power hoer out to light cities and turn wheels of commerce this is electric light power .
We remember in 1945 a destructive bomb was dropped on Hiroshima killing thousands. This is atomic power
We think of how today a small piece of matter can be placed on a ship and that ship can go around the world on that power … that is nuclear power
A Cape Kennedy a man was shut up into space and makes several orbit into the space around the world that is rocket power
We are told that they are installation in America where bomb can be launched to fly thousands of miles into the heart of Russia that is missile power
But the Christian has the greatest power that is the power of prayer
WHY PRAY
Because Jesus set the example
Every true Christian want to be like Jesus if true we must pray. Jesus prayed from cradle to the grave ….at garden of Gethsemane ….he prayed for others …. He prayed for his enemies Matthew 5 44
B. Because there is a devil … he is a person of might cunning and power he beset the pathway of every Christian seeking to trap him and hurt his influence from Christ 1 peter 5 .8
C. the way to overcome him James 4. 7 resist him not to flirt him …not to listen to him...Not to embarrass him. The devil tempts us daily he uses device under the sun to bring us down.
d. Because it is God’s to obtain blessings Matthew 7.7
e . our souls grow when we pray …. We grow physically mentally spiritually
2. HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?
A. submissively no human fathers respond to the request of a disobedient son
B. thankfully Ephesians 5. 20
C. expectantly …. Jesus said if we can say to this mountain
D perseveringly Paul said pray without ceasing... Jacob did not receive the answer the hour he started wrestle with the angel Gen 32.26 Jesus did not receive the answer the first time he prayed in Gethsemane three times he prayed in agony and heaviness and blood the answer came and he could say not my will ….the bible says the fervent effectual prayer of the righteous not the lukewarm prayer
3. THREE CONDITIONS GOVERNING PRAYER
The one praying must have vital connection with God
Must be born again God has not promised his blessings and powers to sinners James 5.17 . Elijah and the prophet of Baal. An alter had been burnt at Carmel the wood was there for the. Why were Elijah simple prayers answered and desperate pleas of the prophet of Baal? It was because Elijah had a vital connection with God the prophets prayed into empty aim they had no vital connection with God
The channel of life must be pure …. David said psalm 66.18
The prayer must be to God’s glory
4. THE POWER OF PRAYER
Many great things happens when we pray
Burdens are lifted … power comes … revival begins … missionary enterprises gain momentum … the church makes a great strides … thing are changed …people are changed … souls are won ….people are healed … prayer conquer death 2 kgs 4.3.=36… overcome enemies ps 6. 9=10 ….defeat demons Mk 9.29 brought healing James 514,15
CONCLUSION
There are dozens of real life accounts in the bible where Jesus and other disciples battled in prayer. God shut heavens and prevented rain from falling for three and half years at Elijah’s request Moses parted the red sea Jesus cast away demons and raised the dead
No comments:
Post a Comment