Intercessory Prayer August 30

Testimony from Prayer Banquet Listen for specific prayers that were answered.

Testimony from Prayer Banquet View Video

Testimony from Prayer Banquet What specific prayers for Josh were answered? God is at work in our very presence … answering specific prayers  Today we wish to study Intercessory Prayer

Listen for Paul’s Instructions. 1 Tim. 2:1-2 (NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Paul’s Instruction to Timothy What did Paul urge first of all? Whom did he say we should ray specifically for? For what authorities or leaders did Paul say his readers should we pray?

Paul’s Instruction to Timothy Who would that mean for us in our day and time? What sort of prayers do you think we should make on behalf of our leaders? What did Paul hope would be the result of the church’s prayers?

Listen to Peter’s Experience with Prayer Acts 12:1-19 (NIV) It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. [2] He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. [3] When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. [4] After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. [5] So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Listen to Peter’s Experience with Prayer [6] The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. [7] Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. [8] Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. [9] Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

Listen to Peter’s Experience with Prayer [10] They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. [11] Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." [12] When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. [13] Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door.

Listen to Peter’s Experience with Prayer [14] When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" [15] "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." [16] But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. [17] Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. "Tell James and the brothers about this," he said, and then he left for another place.

Peter’s Experience with Prayer [18] In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. [19] After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there a while.

Peter’s Experience with Prayer What did Herod do with Peter? Why? Why do you think it was important for the church to be praying for Peter’s release? What happened on the night before Peter’s trial?

Peter’s Experience with Prayer Sometimes we must pray for things and down deep inside we have very little confidence that God will answer the prayer. What kind of obstacles do these seemingly impossible situations create for our praying? This may have been one of those times … how did the people react when Peter showed up.

Peter’s Experience with Prayer Instead of being astonished when God answers prayer, what should we do? How can a church use prayer when faced with a crisis? How can you help and encourage Christians who serve in difficult situations? What can you do to make your prayers for others a part of their ministry?

Listen to James’ Instructions about Prayer James 5:13-16 (NIV) Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [14] Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will

Listen to James’ Instructions about Prayer make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

James’ Instructions about Prayer What are the elders of the church to do for someone who is sick? Why? What if the illness is the result of sin? What if the sick person is not in right relationship with God due to sin in their life? What do you think hinders Christians from praying with confidence?

James’ Instructions about Prayer What hinders Christians from confessing sins and praying for each other? According to this passage, when should we pray, lifting our voices to God?  By implication, we should always pray!

Praying Together First of all, let’s spend some time telling God why we are joyful Next we’ll pray for missionaries – Note the names of missionaries supported by our church

Missionaries

Praying Together Now let’s pray for some of the folks Paul suggested – Church leaders – Local civic leaders – city, county, school boards, police officers – State and federal leaders – governor, president, legislators, military

Praying Together Pray for national and international issues – foreign policy decisions – national economy – health care reform – conflict in the Middle East – God’s hand of protection on our nation

This Week Choose a friend, neighbor or co-worker who faces a significant need – Pray with them personally – Write them a note of encouragement Befriend the lost Read Daily Devotionals written by MBC Pastor and staff

Intercessory Prayer August 30