Transcript The purpose of prayer - Penge Baptist Church

The purpose and power
of prayer
Why worry when you can pray... (Matthew 6: 25)
Why do you pray?
Reasons some people pray
1. It encourages others.
2. It reminds you of spiritual values.
3. It gives hope.
4. It helps you feel better.
5. It allows you to let go of situations.
6. It provides comfort.
7. It relaxes you and reduces anxiety.
8. It builds faith.
9. It deepens character.
10. It broadens your perspective.
11. It brings you closer to God.
12. (most importantly) IT WORKS!
Why worry when you can pray

Many of us are prayer worriers rather
than prayer warriors (Esther 4:15).
How do you pray?
..."And when you
pray, don't be like
those people who
don't know God
(Babbling like
Pagans). They
continue saying
things that mean
nothing, thinking
that God will hear
them because of
their many words
(Matt 6:7-8 NCV).
What should you pray for?
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily
bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven
our debtors.
13 And lead us not into
temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil
one.[b]’
What should you pray for?

Things to Pray For:
1. For a growing relationship with God.
2. For positive relationships with your family members.
3. For energy and enthusiasm for your work or career.
4. For wisdom to make right and wise decisions.
5. For your service to your community and/or church.
6. For the special needs of your family and friends.
7. For the spiritual lives of your church leaders and
congregation.
8. For wisdom for our government leaders.
9. For the moral integrity of today’s young people.
10. For the safety of those serving in our armed forces.
11. For a lasting peace among peoples and nations.
12. For the opportunity to be a blessing to someone
today.
When should we pray?
When I was a child my parents taught me to pray
before I went to bed and say grace before we
ate dinner.
Finally .... Who should pray?
Prayer
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth
 14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to
the Father,[a] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and
on earth.[b] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited
resources he will empower you with inner strength
through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in
your hearts as you trust in him.Your roots will grow
down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may
you have the power to understand, as all God’s people
should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his
love is.

Prayer
May you experience the love of Christ,
though it is too great to understand fully.
Then you will be made complete with all
the fullness of life and power that comes
from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who
is able, through his mighty power at work
within us, to accomplish infinitely more
than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to
him in the church and in Christ Jesus
through all generations forever and ever!
Amen.
 19