1. Hopeful groaning – Prayer & Guidance Rom.8:18-27; Acts 16:6-15

2. 1.The groaning of prayer– Rom 8:18-27 a. What to pray for – we need to look at:- 1. The context – we see that the groaning is longing for the new creation:- - Creation longing – v.19,22 - Christians longing – v.23-25 - The Spirit longing – v.26 - we see what God’s will is – Rom.8:28- 30 2. Other parts of the Bible – Mt.6:10; Rev.22:20

3. 1.The groaning of prayer– Rom 8:18-27 b. Implications for prayer 1. Focus on God’s great purpose – his kingdom 2. We sometimes struggle to express ourselves in words 3. Our praying is never in vain - we join God in praying The Spirit – Rom.8:26,27 Jesus – Rom.8:34 - praying is powerful – Rev.8:3-5

4. 2. The wonder of guidance – Acts16:6-15 We need to remember:- a. How God has made us – the ability to think & reason b. What God has called us to – to be witnesses to Jesus

5. 3. Paul & guidance – Acts 16:6-15 a. Paul planned Gospel trips – v.6,7 b. The Spirit guided him to Philippi – v.9,10 c. Paul goes to possible listeners – v.13 The Spirit:- - has prepared Lydia - opens her heart –v.14 - plants a new Church – v.15,34

6. Implications for guidance 1. Make sure the MAIN thing is the main thing – Mt.6:33; Rom.1:14,15 2. Think/plan to share the Gospel 3. Pray about sharing the Gospel 4. For the Church – - how can we sow the Gospel in all our ministries - praying that God will bring growth – 1Cor.3:6,7

7. Prayer & Guidance Pray & sow the gospel so:- 1. New births take place 2. ACC more and more displays the new creation 3. God’s kingdom is seen more and more in our world