Pray, Then, In This Way - 1: From Him, Through Him, To Him - Santosh Poonen - July 6, 2014
http://rlcfchurch.org/pray-then-in-this-way/ River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that the condition of a church can be accurately gauged by the fervor of its prayer meetings, quoting Charles Spurgeon to stress that God's presence requires diligent prayer. The speaker encourages the congregation to commit to attending the scheduled prayer meetings, warning that spiritual neglect in prayer is a primary sign of God's absence. Finally, he directs the listeners to pray privately, as Jesus taught, rather than praying publicly for recognition.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the condition of our prayer life?Charles Spurgeon taught that a church's prayer meetings act as a grometer, accurately gauging the true level of divine working among the people.
How should we pray according to Jesus?In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against praying like hypocrites to be seen by men, commanding us instead to pray in secret to our Father who knows our needs.Matthew 6:5–13
Prayer as God breathing into usJust as God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into him, prayer must begin with God breathing His life into our spiritual structure.
Praying without ceasingPaul's command in 1 Thessalonians to pray without ceasing is like physical breathing; it should be the natural, ongoing flow of our spiritual life.
Coming to God with childlike confidenceWe can approach God not with trembling intimidation, but as 'daddy' through the Holy Spirit, enjoying intimate access to the throne of grace.
The pattern of the disciples' prayerThe prayer Jesus taught begins with God and His name, moves to asking for our daily needs so His life flows through us unhindered, and ends back with His kingdom, power, and glory.
From him, through him, and to himEverything in our Christian walk, including our prayer life and daily provisions, comes from God, flows through us, and is returned to Him for His glory.Romans 11:36
The long prayer meeting of the prophets of BaalIn 1 Kings 18, the prophets of Baal prayed fervently for hours, leaped around the altar, and even cut themselves with swords and lances, yet received no answer.
Elijah repairs the altar and praysElijah repaired the altar of the Lord, set things in order, and offered a short, confident prayer because he had first heard and obeyed the word of the Lord.
The fire of the Lord fallsWhen Elijah prayed according to God's word, the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the offering, causing all the people to acknowledge that the Lord is the true God.
