Sunday, 11 August 2019, 1.30 PM | Grand Hyatt Hotel, Singapore
Summary of the Sermon by Pastor Niko Prajogo, Sunday, 11 August 2019
Foundation of Prayer
Prayer is one of the most
under-utilized privileges of believers. Perhaps we don’t pray because we
believe we have other means to get what we want. The foundation of prayer is found in James
4:2-3 - We have not because we ask not. Putting God’s words into practice will
bring us into fulfillment of His promises. "Is
prayer our steering wheel or our spare tire?" - Corrie ten Boom
Keys to Powerful Prayer
1.
Believe,
by Faith – Mark 11:24 24 (ESV) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in
prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
2.
In
Jesus Name – John 14:13 (ESV) Whatever you ask in my name, this I will
do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 16: 23-24 (ESV) Truly, truly, I say
to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to
you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive,
that your joy may be full.
3.
In
Agreement – Matt 18:19 (ESV) Again I say to you, if the two of you agree
on earth on anything you ask, it shall be done for you by my Father in heaven.
Pray for one another.
4.
In
the Spirit, in the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:26-27 (ESV) 26 And the Holy Spirit
helps us in times of weakness. The Holy Spirit prays for us in a way that
cannot be expressed in words. And the
Father who can see all hearts, knows what the Spirit is saying. For the Spirit
pleads for us believers to be in harmony with God’s own will.
Focus of Prayer
Communicate to God’s Person – Prayer is a communication channel
with God; not talking to one’s self, having a strong desire or strengthening
the will Ps 65:2.
"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But
since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who
says it, our prayers does make a difference." - Max Lucado.
Worship is important for our spirit to reach Him; Reading the WORD
is important, in order for us to hear
the voice of Lord. Whether we communicate, speak or listen.
PRAYER DOES NOT
REPLACE OUR RESPONSIBILITY. Just because we pray, it does not mean that we can just leave
things as they are. In most cases, God shows us the way that we will need to overcome our challenges and
struggles. For example, if we want to achieve a healthy lifestyle, to walk in
forgiveness, to stop worrying or to walk in God’s ways.
Only Jesus can guarantee us believers eternal life. Believe in
God’s Ability – Prayer is based on God’s ability (He is able) and God’s love
(He cares). Jer 32:27 Trust God’s Trustworthiness. Trust comes from a strong
relationship; Knowing then Trusting. All other sources of our confidence will
fail us; only God remains … Believe in God’s Ability – Prayer is based on God’s
ability (He is able) and God’s love (He cares) Job 31:24,28.
Kingdom Prayer
What
should be the priorities in our Prayer? Do we pray for our needs or the
Kingdom’s needs? Both! But Jesus puts the Kingdom first in the Lord’s Prayer.
Not my will but Your will be done.
Christ
Centered Life / Christ Driven Life / Christ Minded Life
Our Kingdom |
God’s Kingdom |
Our wealth
& health |
Our characters,
our faith, hope & love |
Our pleasure
& comfortable living |
Our
fruitfulness; talents; vineyard |
Our well-being
on earth |
Our eternal
inheritance |
Apostle
Paul does not pray much for his Day-to-Day needs. Rarely does he pray for
prosperity. He knows that God will supply all his needs according to His riches
and glory in Christ Jesus – in order for him to preach the Gospel. He rarely
prays for healing. He knows that God must give him physical health if he is to
continue to preach the gospel. Paul does not pray much for ease as well. He
knows tribulations are awaiting for him as he does God’s will but He knows that
God’s grace is sufficient for him.
Instead,
Apostle Paul prayed for All Spiritual Blessings to have the Spirit of Wisdom
and Understanding (Holy Spirit), to know God. Eph 1:15-19, to be enlightened on
the Hope of His calling & the riches of His glorious inheritance 2 Thess
1:11-12, to have Christ dwell in our hearts Eph 3:14-19, to know God’s will; to have all spiritual
wisdom & understanding Col 1:9-11. Prayer makes us to walk in a manner
worthy of The Lord, He Himself will help us to bear fruit in every good work,
even to endure the difficult times with patience and joy of the LORD. As we walk with God daily, Jesus is our
proven and faithful Father in Heaven.
Jesus is the expression of God’s unconditional love for us.