Summary of the Sermon by Pastor Niko Prajogo, Sunday, 11 August 2019

Kingdom’s Prayer

 

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.