Just pray! Pray on all occasions Pray with all types of prayers Pray for everyone

Ephesians 6: 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6: 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Intercessory prayer Why is it of value? 1. God expands our capacity to love We live in an individualist society. It’s impossible to grow in love until we learn to express it in the lives of others.

The peanut butter jar effect…

2. We grow in spiritual discernment When we pray Jesus steps alongside us. We experience more of his presence. We see what he sees – through his perspective.

3. It blesses others The power of God moves 3. It blesses others The power of God moves. He touches people with goodness, healing, freedom, wisdom.

Notice v18 Be alert… Stepping into a spiritual battle ground Notice v18 Be alert… Stepping into a spiritual battle ground. Stay alert – be watchful & vigilant. Use the spiritual armour provided by God. Developing a spiritual rhythm to our lives – helps us grow stronger.

What is Jesus doing right now? Interceding for us. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Rom 8:34

Who do we pray for? 1. Family and friends How can we pray more effectively?

The Disciple’s prayer – a good model for us The Disciple’s prayer – a good model for us. Matt 6: 9 – 13 Our Father in heaven… Your kingdom come, your will be done… Give us today our daily bread… Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven… Lead us not into temptation… Deliver us from the evil one…

2. The Government & political leaders We tend to complain not pray 2. The Government & political leaders We tend to complain not pray! 1 Tim 2:1 - 3 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness & holiness. This is good, and pleases God…

God is a God of order not chaos. He has ordained political institutions. (Rom 13) We live under their authority. We pray for those in authority. We serve our community.

Our prayers do make a difference as we seek the peace and prosperity of our world, nation, town. Jeremiah 29:7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

3. Pray for our enemies Jesus always had unrealistic expectations! Matt 5: 43-45 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

Not a category of enemy but all enemies. Who does this really mean? Those who threaten our country our livelihood our career our relationships our family our hopes and dreams our sense of self worth.

Why would Jesus ask us to do this? Often we pray for their obliteration! We show them the same grace that we receive …whilst still sinners (Rom 5) We experience greater peace & freedom in our own lives than if we don’t pray. That they might see Jesus in us.

Do we have bitterness in our heart. Who is it attached to Do we have bitterness in our heart? Who is it attached to? Where do we harbour a grudge? All fear and bitterness is based on a belief that God’s love has limits. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Which enemies are on our prayer list? Bless their lives – greater peace, freedom and forgiveness will come in our lives.

4. Pray for the church For the persecuted church (Open Doors 2015) Smash and squeeze tactics North Korea Somalia Iraq Syria Afghanistan Sudan Iran Pakistan Eritrea Nigeria

For the local church Let there be no arrogance in us… Let us pray for the spiritual atmosphere in our town.

For our church For us as a congregation For growth – as people know more of Jesus For growth – as we invite people

For our church More of God’s favour More of the presence of Jesus More power of the Holy Sprit

Paul praying for his church plant in Ephesus Ephesians 3: 16 – 19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.