Pray, Then, In This Way - 2: Pregnant With Prayer - Santosh Poonen - July 13, 2014
http://rlcfchurch.org/pray-then-in-this-way/ River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that effective prayer must originate from God's word and will, rather than merely being a litany of requests. The speaker emphasizes that true prayer is communion with God, flowing from His breath through His Spirit dwelling in us and back to Him. He contrasts the long, unanswered prayers of the prophets of Baal with Elijah's brief, focused prayer, illustrating that God responds to alignment with His will, not the sheer volume or dramatic nature of the effort.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How to get every single one of your prayers answeredThe speaker challenges believers to desire a prayer life where every prayer is heard and answered, much like Jesus experienced.
Prayer defined: From him, through him, and to himPrayer is defined as communion with God that originates from His breath, flows through His Spirit in us, and goes back to Him.
Elijah versus the prophets of BaalContrasting the lengthy, unanswered prayers of Baal's prophets with Elijah's brief, effective prayer highlights the importance of hearing from God.
Praying in and through the SpiritBelievers are called to pray in the spirit as described in the New Testament, moving away from mechanical repetition.
Creation groans and waitsPaul's letter to the Romans describes creation groaning and longing for the revealing of the sons of God, mirroring spiritual anticipation.
Pretend prayer versus pregnant prayerCarrying a fake pregnancy under a shirt illustrates religious routines and hypocritical prayers that lack true life and never bear fruit.
Waiting with perseverance and growing hopeJust as a mother's hope and expectation grow during a pregnancy, the delay in answered prayer increases our perseverance and hope.
The Holy Spirit intercedes in our weaknessWhen we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit dwelling within us intercedes with groanings too deep for words according to God's will.
Prayers collected in golden bowlsThe book of Revelation depicts the prayers of the saints gathered as incense in golden bowls before the throne of God.Revelation 5:8
Whose prayer does God hear?God turns His eyes toward the righteous and attends to their prayers while turning His face against those who do evil.1 Peter 3:10–12
Following Christ's example of suffering without retaliationBelievers are called to follow Christ's example of entrusting themselves to God when reviled or suffering unjustly.1 Peter 2:21–23
Wives honoring their husbands with a gentle spiritWives are encouraged to maintain a gentle and quiet spirit, following the example of Sarah who trusted God amidst difficult circumstances.
Husbands living with their wives with understandingHusbands must honor their wives as equal heirs of the grace of life and live with them considerately so their prayers are not hindered.
