The Power of Prayer

A fast is saying no to the food of the world, so you can say yes to the food of heaven.

What if we don't chase a bunch of goals this year, but focus on just one thing.

  

Why don't we make our one thing seeking God while we learn how to pray? 

What would tapping into the power of prayer mean to you and your family?

Matthew 6:5-8 (NKJV)

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 

6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you.

The practice of prayer.

God wants us to have a habit of seeking Him. 

We need to break some habits and create some like praying.

It's important to start things, but it's more important to continue them. 

21 days of doing anything is designed to build a habit.  

Emotions don't create things.  

Decisions do.  

In times of crisis, people revert to habits.

We don't have to panic because we can pray.

1. Keep prayer authentic.  

Prayer can be raw and messy.  We can never impress God. Bring your mess to Him.  It's about you connecting to God.

  

2. Go to an audience of one, God.   

Do it in secret.  We need to hide ourselves to seek God.  Then, God will show up and tell us of Himself. 

3.  Avoid performance.  

You cannot do all the talking when it comes to prayer.  What God says to you is more important.  

Keep God's book, the Bible, close by.  God speaks just like He writes. 

When you pray, things happen.  When we pray, we have the power of heaven and earth at our disposal. 

Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

How do we address God?  

We first honor who He is.

The posture of prayer.   

What are the thoughts that come to your mind when you think about God?  

What is your perspective. 

Is God like Google maps?  

God help me to get where I'm going. 

Is your God a Score keeper, Grandpa, Doomsday, or a Stained Glass type of Guy?

Who is your God?

God wants us to know Him as our Father. 

That's where we start understanding our relationship with Him.  

It means that we have privilege and have access to Him.

Relationship will give you access.  

We call the King of Kings, Dad!

Galatians 4:5-7  (NKJV)

5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir ]of God through Christ.

Everything that God has belongs to you if you belong to God. 

What do you need this year?

God has it. 

The passion of prayer

Hallowed is God's name. 

Recognize it as something of ultimate worth.

The center of our world is the Name of God.

Learning how to pray is a game changer.  

Make the investment into the presence of God this year.  

You will have not regrets.  

Problems yes.  

Regrets no.

Lord, will you give me a greater awareness of your presence this year even if I can't see you?

Let's focus on one thing.  

Learning the power of prayer.    

Mike Haman, Healing Place Church

Video

http://healingplacechurch.org/media/our-father/